Wegmans Food Markets has announced plans it says will strengthen its supply chain network.
On Sept. 17, the Rochester-based grocery store chain, which has more than 110 stores in nine eastern states and the District of Columbia, said it would:
∎ Build a state-of-the-art refrigerated facility to support perishable operations (including fresh produce, meat and seafood, deli and restaurant foods) at its Market Street Distribution Campus off Chili Avenue in Gates.
∎ Relocate its return center from a leased space at 3131 South Winton Road, Henrietta, to a new building on the Market Street campus. (The return center is where such reusable assets as pallets, bakery racks, totes and bins are returned from Wegmans stores.)
∎ Move its general merchandise
distribution center, also at 3131 Winton Road South, to its distribution center in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. (General merchandise includes such nonperishable items as cookware, kitchen tools and seasonal items.)
Construction and opening timelines have not been finalized, but the cost is expected to be $110 million.
'There will be no layoffs related to these changes'
The general merchandise distribution center is expected to move to Pennsylvania in the spring of 2027.
“Wegmans’ Winton Road location is the company’s oldest leased distribution facility and does not meet the company’s future service needs,” a spokesperson said.
The Pottsville facility “is the optimal geographic location to service general merchandise products to all of our stores,” she said.
Wegmans has 50 stores in New York — more than in any other state. But all its growth is to the south. On Oct. 14, it will open its southernmost store in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“There will be no layoffs related to these changes,” Wegmans said of the Pottsville move. “The company will work closely with affected employees throughout the transition and will share additional information as plans and timelines are finalized.”
Brian Olney, senior vice president of supply chain and food safety, said: “Modernizing our network is essential to continuing to build a safe, more efficient, and more resilient supply chain. These investments will give our people the tools and facilities they need to better serve our stores today while creating the capacity to support Wegmans’ continued growth for years to come.”
Reporter Marcia Greenwood covers the grocery business and consumer-focused grocery news, as well as retail development, openings and closings. Send story tips to mgreenwo@rocheste.gannett.com. Follow her on X @MarciaGreenwood.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Wegmans announces $110 million investment in Rochester-area operations
