DB Schenker and Kraft Foods Mark Grand Opening of New Columbus, Ohio Distribution Facility

“Marketplace DC” combined multiple sites into one million sq. ft. warehouse

News Item Entered: Wednesday, October 20, 2010

(Freeport, N.Y., October 20, 2010) DB Schenker and Kraft Foods partnered in the design of a 1 million square foot, state-of-the-art warehouse, which just opened in Groveport (Columbus), Ohio. The Grand Opening was celebrated in September with a ribbon-cutting by executives from both companies and local dignitaries. An employee and family event was held the following day.

“The operational efficiencies for Kraft Foods are improved with this new facility due to its design and new warehouse management “marketplace” system,” said David Bouchard, COO of DB Schenker’s Contract Logistics organization in the Americas. “We were honored to partner with Kraft Foods in the planning and implementation of this key facility and look forward to managing this important site,” he added.

The Columbus operation is called a “Marketplace” distribution center as it brings together all the company’s product lines into a common ship-point with quick access to its customer base, according to Bouchard.

“With the completion of this new building, Kraft Foods has the capability to serve its customers in a whole new way by integrating several historically separate operations under one roof,” said Eric Fouts, Regional Director, Customer Logistics, Kraft Foods. “We’re using one common systems platform and leveraging our partnership with DB Schenker to operate the building.”

The facility is one of the largest of its kind for Kraft Foods, handling the full gamut of dry and temperature-controlled products. The site was constructed following LEED principles - using recycled materials, with 100% motion-detection lighting and skylights to help reduce energy use.

DB Schenker is one of the leading globally integrated logistics service providers and represents Deutsche Bahn’s transportation and logistics operations. DB Schenker Logistics offers land transport, air and ocean freight, as well as comprehensive logistics solutions and global supply chain management from a single source.