News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
US Foods broke ground Thursday on a 90,000 square foot expansion of the former IWC main office and distribution center in Algood.
The company bought the longtime Putnam County employer to use for its Tennessee distribution. US Foods Area President Steve McCain said the day marks a huge day for the company, showcasing its investment in middle Tennessee.
“We’re going to be doubling our product offering for our customers here in the middle Tennessee area,” McCain said. “So going from about 4,100 to use, up to over 9,000, our best in class US Foods exclusive brand. So these are private branded products that we’ve developed to our own specifications through our culinary team that will now be able to bring in stock and offer to those customers and associates. New tools, technology, and resources to help our customers make it.”
The upgrades include product lines in freezer, cooler and dry items. McCain said the potential for expansion at the Algood facility exists in large part because of the staff in place. He also credited the local government entities for making the projects possible.
Work has already begun in the truck parking area behind US Foods on Dry Valley Road. McCain said the project should be complete by December, 2025, if the weather holds.
“Those of you that have driven this road, you’ve seen the dirt move very, very fast,” McCain said. “You can see the building being rebranded to US Foods. You see a lot of green, a lot of orange.”
Algood Mayor Lisa Chapman Fowler said the town could not be happier to see the new partner in the community, expanding on the IWC legacy.
“We know that they are going to be a great economic partner, a great community partner,” Fowler said. “We just want them to know that we appreciate them what they’re bringing to the community, and we’re just so happy to have you.”
US Foods agreed to purchase IWC in February from the Mackie family. US Foods saw the potential to expand its Tennessee footprint with a locally-based company. IWC began in 1957.
“They built it on integrity, talented associates, best-in-class service, and the community,” McCain said. “We are honored to be able to expand on that strong foundation that the Mackie family, Bob, John, and Mr. Jimmy started many, many years ago.”
