VAN BUREN -- An empty warehouse is getting a news lease on life, thanks to a local food distribution company.
G&C Food Distributors, Inc., a distributor of frozen and refrigerated foods, has announced that they plan to move their operations into the former P&C Supermarkets distribution center on Walters Road in Van Buren. The company made the announcement Monday morning.
Syracuse-based G&C currently distributes its goods out of a building at the Regional Market, near Carousel Center and Alliance Bank Stadium. The privately-owned company, founded in 1976, says it has outgrown that facility and has been looking to expand.
"We are extremely pleased that we have been presented with an opportunity to stay in Onondaga County - we employ 200 people in CNY and this is our home," said David Lepage, company president.
G&C Foods purchases food products from manufacturers, then stores the items until they are sold and shipped to other distributors. The company specializes in frozen, refrigerated, and dry foods representing over 4,000 items, and ships the products to 15 states.
"We need the space, and the former P&C facility fits our expansion plans," said Lepage. "The new distribution center will enable us to continue to efficiently meet the needs of our clients."
The former P&C warehouse closed this past February when Tops Markets purchased several dozen P&C stores from bankrupt Penn Traffic. The stores have since been converted to the Tops brand.
G&C says the 276,697 square foot warehouse will receive $2 million in renovations and upgrades, specifically for new offices, wiring, and a new racking system. G&C says it expects to move into the renovated facility in February 2011.
