Golden State Foods Acquires McDonald's Distribution Center In Lebanon, Ill

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Apr 01, 2013, 03:38 ET

IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Golden State Foods (GSF), a worldwide distributor and food processor, announced today that it acquired a McDonald's distribution center in Lebanon, Ill., (near St. Louis, Mo.), from Gateway Distribution. The facility services more than 350 McDonald's restaurants in five states: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana and Kentucky. The facility employs approximately 160 associates, which increases GSF's total associate count to nearly 4,500 worldwide. GSF services more than 25,000 stores in 50 countries from its 38 locations on four continents. With this acquisition, GSF's annual sales are nearly $6 billion.

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"We are looking forward to combining the long-standing traditions established by Gateway with GSF's, and continuing our strong partnership with McDonald's as we expand our company throughout the Midwest," said Mark Wetterau, chairman and CEO of Golden State Foods. "We value Bill Dowling, president and CEO of Gateway, and all the Gateway associates for their outstanding accomplishments and efforts over the years. We are excited to work with all of the associates, as well as the McDonald's Owner/Operators and suppliers in the surrounding markets. We wish Bill continued success in his retirement."

"I'm proud of the accomplishments of the entire Gateway Distribution Team," adds Dowling. "Gateway Distribution has been a leader in providing service to the McDonald's System, and I fully expect this to continue as part of the outstanding Golden State Foods organization.

"Golden State Foods has a similar value system and focus on customer satisfaction. My hope is for the continued success of the Gateway Distribution Team, Mark Wetterau and Golden State Foods."

The acquisition occurred to maximize efficiencies and strengthen the distribution network within the McDonald's system.

About Golden State Foods
Golden State Foods (www.goldenstatefoods.com) is one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant industry. Established in 1947, the company is value-based with proven performance in superior quality, innovation and customer service throughout the QSR industry. With approximately 4,500 employees worldwide, GSF services more than 25,000 stores in 50 countries from its 38 locations on six continents. Its annual revenues are nearly $6 billion. The company's core businesses include processing of liquid products, meat, produce, bakery, dairy and other services as well as full-line distribution to the quick service restaurant industry. Golden State Foods also runs a national non-profit organization, the GSF Foundation, for kids.

About Gateway Distribution, Inc.
Gateway Distribution, Inc., is a distribution services provider to more than 350 McDonald's restaurants spanning five states: Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Kentucky and Indiana. Its mission is "total customer satisfaction." The company's roots go back to 1959 when Prairie Farms began services to three McDonald's restaurants in the St. Louis Metro area. In January of 2009, Bill Dowling founded Gateway Distribution and acquired PFD Supply of Lebanon. For more information, visit www.gateway-distribution.com.