Logistics lovers will appreciate Whirlpool Corporation's decision to construct a major new regional distribution center west of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for its strategic proximity to not only the Pennsylvania Turnpike, but also its crossroads with Interstate 81 in an almost mirror version of the company's current distribution center about 12 miles away.
Whirlpool officials conducted ground-breaking ceremonies today in New Kingston, Pennsylvania for an additional 300,000 square feet for storage and distribution at that strategically located site. It sits on the eastern side of the I-76/I-81 crossroads 12 miles east of Whirlpool's Carlisle, Pennsylvania distribution center.
The company will also upgrade operations near Carlisle on the existing facility while construction on the new site begins immediately. The new center will be a full-mix, rail-served warehouse, storing major appliances from all of the Benton Harbor-based appliance giants brands and product categories including laundry, refrigeration, cooking and dishwashing.
Alison Jones is Senior Director of Logistics for Whirlpool. Jones says, "This upgrade to our distribution network represents our commitment to our consumers and trade customers," adding, "We expect that the additional space will improve our flexibility, increase our efficiency, and provide needed space for our growing business."
Penske Logistics is the Carlisle warehouse's current manager, and they will continue their duties in Kingston. The workforce there of 90 employees is expected to remain the same.
Exeter Property Group and Penntex Construction Center will develop and construct the property, respectively. With construction beginning immediately, plans are for the new center to become operational in the third-quarter of 2017.
