Seattle-based Food Services of America has started a $3 million expansion at its Spokane distribution center at 3520 E. Francis.


Lydig Construction Inc., of Spokane, is building the 33,000-square-foot addition to the food distributors 157,000-square-foot facility, says Mike George, Food Services Spokane branch president. The project started early this month and is expected to be done in July.


Most of the addition will be dedicated to freezer space, to accommodate the branchs large volume and growing popularity of frozen food items, he says. Some of the space also will be used for chilled items and dry goods.


George says the expansion was needed because of steady growth in the markets the Spokane branch serves. Food Services Spokane facility distributes food and kitchen equipment to commercial and institutional customers such as restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, and military installations in Eastern Washington, North Idaho, Eastern Oregon, and Western Montana. He says the project should enable Food Services Spokane facility to handle growth expected over the next four or five years.


Food Services entered the Spokane market in 1987 and has occupied the East Francis warehouse ever since, George says. The Spokane branch now employs 260 people, including Spokane-based workers, and drivers and sales associates located throughout the region the branch serves, he says. The addition wont result in an increase in staffing now.


The expansion will be available in time for the facilitys busy month of August, when the vacation season and the start of school push up demand, George says.