Hanson expands Hobert facility

   Hanson Logistics, a St. Joseph, Mich.-based temperature-controlled warehouse provider, has started the third phase of its Chicago consolidation center, located in Hobart, Ind.
   The expansion is part of the firm’s Velocities Multi-Vendor Consolidation program, which fills multiple SKU (stock-keeping unit) frozen food orders, shipping to major retail, wholesale, and foodservice distribution centers throughout the United States.
   Construction of the project will be handled by Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Tippmann Construction.
   The 100,000-square-foot expansion, slated for completion in the third quarter of 2013, will feature energy saving LED lighting, 12,000 new pallet positions and 14 “in-swing dock doors.” The receiving dock will allow trailer doors to be opened from inside the facility, reducing loading times, energy loss, and increasing food security. Overall, the Chicago consolidation center will increase to 11 million cubic feet.
   The facility is adjacent to the Interstates 80 and 94 and the I-65 interchange in northwest Indiana.