Exciting Developments in Florence County: New Distribution Facility Underway!
Florence, South Carolina—it’s buzzing with excitement as construction has officially kicked off on a brand-new distribution facility for Cheney Brothers Inc. This massive project, valued at a whopping $66 million, promises to bring significant changes to the area’s economic landscape, and locals couldn’t be more thrilled!
A Milestone in Development
A M King, a well-known integrated design-build firm with roots in Greenville, has taken on the challenge of bringing this ambitious design to life. With the design work wrapped up, construction is now officially in progress on this state-of-the-art facility. This venture marks the fourth major project that A M King has undertaken for Cheney Brothers, a testament to their strong partnership and shared vision.
So, what’s in store for this new building? Spanning an impressive 386,047 square feet, the facility will include a staggering 45 loading docks, and yes, you read that right—a brand-new Cheney Express as well as the largest culinary kitchen that the company has ever developed! Exciting, isn’t it?
A Strategic Location
The new distribution center will be situated on nearly 50 acres within the Pee Dee Commerce City East Industrial Park, conveniently located right across Interstate 95 from the famous Buc-ee’s. It’s not just a pretty place; this center is set to significantly expand Cheney Brothers’ reach in the region, enhancing their ability to provide top-notch service to customers.
What to Expect Inside
If you think that’s impressive, wait until you hear what’s inside! The facility will feature:
- 100,963 square feet of dry storage
- A spacious 36,098-square-foot dry dock
- A colossal 90,095-square-foot freezer
- 60,683 square feet dedicated to coolers, with separate temperature zones for dairy, meat, flour, and produce
- A generous 31,533-square-foot cooler dock
- 30,424 square feet earmarked for office spaces
- And not to forget the 7,142-square-foot Cheney Express, as well as a nifty 3,364-square-foot test kitchen!
Building Partnerships and Careers
David Sawicki, who leads business at A M King, enthusiastically shared, “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Cheney Brothers to develop a facility of this magnitude and complexity.” With a rich history of successful projects under their belt, this collaboration is poised to elevate both companies.
But that’s not all! The impact of this project will resonate throughout the region. Byron Russell, Chairman and CEO at Cheney Brothers, expressed his excitement about the new center, stating, “This distribution center in Florence will allow us to enhance our customer service and ensure higher levels of customer satisfaction.”
Jobs and Economic Growth
Florence is set to experience a job boom as Cheney Brothers employs over 3,800 individuals and generates more than $3.2 billion in annual revenue. The new facility is expected to create various job opportunities for locals, which is a welcomed boost to the community.
County officials are equally enthusiastic. William Schofield, Florence County Council Chairman, expressed gratitude for Cheney Brothers’ investment, indicating that their presence will not only cement existing success for local businesses but also provide a steady flow of economic influence in the area.
A Bright Future Ahead
The groundbreaking event held recently was filled with optimism and anticipation for what’s to come with this expansion. With so many exciting developments underway, Florence County sure seems poised for a bright future thanks to the new Cheney Brothers distribution facility.
As the construction progresses, the community is eager to see how this project unfolds and, more importantly, how it transforms the local economy. Stay tuned, Florence—there’s much more to come!
