FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Van Eerden Foodservice opened a state-of-the-art distribution center in Fort Wayne this week, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion into Northeast Indiana and throughout the Midwest.
“This new facility allows us to deepen our ties within the Fort Wayne community while delivering fresh ideas, products, and solutions to meet the evolving needs of the foodservice industry,” said Dan Van Eerden, third-generation chairman of Van Eerden Foodservice. “Our growth into Indiana is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”
The new distribution center is part of a larger strategy for the Van Eerden family, whose lineage in the foodservice industry dates to 1920, when Andrew Van Eerden began distributing fresh produce in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Today, brothers Doug and Charles Van Eerden represent the fourth generation of family ownership, leading the company’s tradition of quality and customer service.
The new facility spans 181,000 square feet and sits on a 63-acre property. It features dedicated storage areas for frozen, refrigerated, and ambient goods, a refrigerated dock with 26 doors, and 13,500 square feet of office space. The property will also accommodate 72 semi-trailers and 100 parking spots for employees and guests.
Fort Wayne cold storage construction company Tippman Group served as construction manager.
“It’s very exciting to see another family-owned company moving to Fort Wayne. I am confident that they will be a great addition to the greater Fort Wayne area!” said John Tippmann, III, Executive Vice President, Tippmann Group.
This new facility will enhance Van Eerden’s ability to supply a comprehensive range of foodservice products, including fresh produce, proteins, and dairy, to independent restaurants, regional chains, K12 and other educational institutions, and businesses.
An October 29 open house event ccelebrats the completion of Phase 1 of the $51 million facility, which began construction in September 2024 and was completed last month.
Alongside its operational advantages, the new distribution center is anticipated to catalyze local economic development by creating approximately 110 high-wage jobs and enhancing the region’s food distribution network.
“Van Eerden Foodservice’s decision to establish a temperature-controlled distribution center here in Allen County represents exactly the kind of investment that fuels sustainable economic growth for our community,” said John Urbahns, President & CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “This project’s creation of more than 100 new jobs and a multi-million-dollar private investment will strengthen our logistics and food service infrastructure while reinforcing Allen County’s reputation as a place where business grows, talent thrives, and communities prosper.”
With a team of nearly 750 employees spanning Van Eerden Foodservice, Preferred Fresh Cuts, Frog Holler Produce, Lumetta Produce, and Van Eerden Trucking, the company continues to be a trusted partner to foodservice providers, building lasting relationships throughout the community.
“We welcome Van Eerden Foodservice to Allen County,” said Richard Beck, Allen County Commissioner. “With over a century of experience, Van Eerden brings not only industry expertise, but a deep commitment to quality and service. Hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, their family-owned, customer-focused business will feel right at home in Northeast Indiana, where we share the same Midwest resilience, innovation, and community values. Their decision to grow here reflects the strength of our region and the shared vision we have for a thriving future.”
