Two years ago, CBRE leased the cold storage facility to the Fleming Cos., a major supplier for Kmart frozen goods. When Kmart filed for bankruptcy, Fleming Cos. followed suit, and was forced to vacate its local facility.
Immediately thereafter, property owner WP Carey & Co. LLC, re-hired CBRE to secure a new tenant for the building; and Robert Horn, industrial advisor for CBRE, was assigned to head up the marketing efforts.
"When Fleming moved out of this facility, I contacted Van Eerden immediately," says Horn. "Not only did I know this facility would be a great fit for them, I knew they were a growing company and I understood the value their presence brings to this community."
The Van Eerden Food Service Co. was established in 1930 and is an independent, full-service food distributor that provides fresh products to grocers, restaurants, colleges, hospitals, military sites and correctional facilities throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky.
The move to the new location will allow Van Eerden to consolidate two of its current West Michigan food storage facilities, a move company officials believe will significantly improve efficiency. The new facility is fully equipped with modern cold-storage technology and a long list of warehouse amenities, Van Eerden officials say.
"We are truly excited to be moving into this modern and well-equipped facility," says Dan Van Eerden, president of the West Michigan distribution company that bears his name. "By streamlining our processes through one centralized location, we will be in a position to not only meet but surpass the expectations of our customers."
George Hartwell, newly elected mayor of Grand Rapids, echoes Van Eerden's enthusiasm. "I'm delighted to see a large and successful business like this making a home in Grand Rapids," he says. "Division is the Southern gateway to our Downtown and this is welcomed and appropriate reutilization of this facility."Van Eerden plans to move into the facility in spring 2004.
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