Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. cut the ribbon on a new distribution center (DC) in Otsego, Minnesota, earlier this week. The Otsego facility will support nearly 500 Holiday Station stores and Circle K locations throughout the Twin Cities and the upper Midwest and is the first of three new DCs scheduled to open in the coming months, according to the company.
The 266,000-square-foot distribution center will be operated by the McLane Company and will supply stores with national and private-brand packaged snacks, candy, beverages, tobacco and nicotine products and “other convenience items not typically supported via direct-store delivery,” as well as prepared food items central to the company's "Fresh Food Fast" program, said Couche Tard.
It will employ approximately 150 people.
"This facility is a key part of our effort to build world-class distribution capabilities that support our stores and deliver a more consistent and rewarding experience for our customers," said Trey Powell, senior vice president of global merchandising at Couche-Tard. "With the support of valued partners like McLane and Ryan Companies, we're creating a more integrated and aligned supply chain, improving speed, accuracy and availability and executing our merchandising initiatives with greater quality and efficiency."
Two additional distribution centers in Hazelwood, Missouri and Lockbourne, Ohio will open in December and January, respectively, and the three distribution centers are expected to support 1,600 stores across 14 states. Couche-Tard already operates similar distribution facilities in Texas, Arizona and Quebec, it said. The five centers total will support approximately 3,200 stores across North America with “some form of self-distribution.”