$28M UniFirst expansion breaks ground in Owensboro
Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center’s $28M expansion will be celebrated in a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, March 27, at 2:30 p.m.
Hosted by UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF), a provider of customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services, the ceremony will feature remarks from local dignitaries and elected officials including, Thomas Watson, Owensboro Mayor, Charlie Castlen and Judge/Executive for Daviess County.
“The Owensboro expansion reflects our commitment to delivering industry-leading service to our customers while strengthening our relationship with the Owensboro community and the state of Kentucky, which has supported us for 27 successful years,” UniFirst President and CEO Steven Sintros said.
UniFirst’s state-of-the-art Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center currently employs over 520 local Team Partners and is already recognized as the largest personalization and emblem manufacturing operation in North America, processing and shipping more than 20 million garments annually to customers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
The 109,000 s-f expansion will increase the facility’s size to 469,000 s-f, enabling greater operational efficiency, enhancing order accuracy, and adding capacity to meet growing customer needs.
The expansion incorporates advanced robotics technology, smart conveyors, and a state-of-the-art shipping sortation system, as well as a new Warehouse Management System designed to streamline operations and scalability.
The innovative design and sustainable features include high-efficiency HVAC systems and LED lighting to reduce energy use, along with natural lighting and outdoor spaces to provide an employee-friendly and welcoming work environment.
“This project is an investment in our customers, Team Partners, and the Owensboro community,” said David Dersheimer, General Manager, UniFirst. “We are proud to deepen our roots here in Kentucky and are honored to host our local dignitaries who will share in our groundbreaking celebration.”
Dersheimer acknowledges the significant support of Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC), and state and local officials in driving this vital project forward.
Gov. Beshear praised the expansion in a recent public statement, highlighting its importance to Kentucky’s manufacturing excellence and its positive impact on the local economy.
The Owensboro facility has also earned the Governor’s Health and Safety Award and is one of only 19 sites in Kentucky to achieve OSHA’s VPP Star certification, a designation reflecting the highest safety standards.
Additionally, the facility is ISO 9001 certified, a globally recognized standard for quality management. This certification underscores UniFirst’s commitment to customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and maintaining a robust quality management system.
“This expansion positions UniFirst to better serve our national and local customer base while driving innovation and operational excellence,” said Matthew Croatti, Senior Vice President, UniFirst. “We’re proud to contribute to the economic vitality of this region while ensuring that our Team Partners have the resources they need to grow with us.”
Construction is set to begin in March 2025 with partial occupancy anticipated by October 2025. Full completion of the project is expected by early 2026.
For more information about UniFirst and the Company’s uniform rental and facility service solutions, please visit UniFirst.com.
The Lane Report