UniFirst Unveils $28M Expansion of Kentucky Distribution Center

Scores of state and local officials, plus community and business leaders, gathered in Owensboro, KY, on March 27 for a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate a 109,000-square-foot expansion of UniFirst Corp.’s high-tech distribution center there.

Located about 100 miles southwest of Louisville, the $28 million expansion symbolizes UniFirst’s long-term investment in the local area and beyond, said UniFirst President and CEO Steven Sintros. “The Owensboro expansion reflects our commitment to delivering industry-leading service to our customers, while strengthening our relationship with the Owensboro community and the state of Kentucky, which has supported us for 27 successful years.”

Speakers at the event included Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson and Daviess County Judge Executive Charlie Castlen. Tours of the facility followed the outdoor groundbreaking ceremony.

The UniFirst distribution center, formally known as the Owensboro Distribution and Fulfillment Center, currently employs 520 area residents, or “Team Partners,” according to a news release. What’s more, the facility is already recognized as the largest personalization and emblem-manufacturing operation in North America. It processes and ships more than 20 million garments annually to customers across the U.S. and Canada. The additional 109,000 square feet (10,126 square meters) will boost the facility’s size to a whopping 469,000 square feet (43,571 square meters).

In addition to size, the distribution center is equipped with the latest technology to make employees’ jobs easier and more efficient. For example, the expansion incorporates advanced robotics technology, smart conveyors and a state-of-the-art shipping-sortation system. There’s also a new Warehouse Management System designed to streamline operations and scalability. The innovative design and sustainable features of the facility include high-efficiency HVAC systems and LED lighting to save energy. The facility also makes use of natural lighting and includes outdoor spaces to provide an employee-friendly and welcoming work environment.

“This project is an investment in our customers, Team Partners and the Owensboro community,” said UniFirst’s General Manager David Dersheimer, speaking of the distribution center. “We are proud to deepen our roots here in Kentucky and are honored to host our local dignitaries who will share in our groundbreaking celebration.”

Dersheimer commended the support his team has received for the project from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D), as well as the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC), and various other state and local officials who assisted with the project. Gov. Beshear praised the expansion in a recent public statement. He highlighted its importance to Kentucky’s manufacturing excellence and its positive impact on the local economy. The Owensboro facility has also earned the Governor’s Health and Safety Award and is one of 19 sites in the Bluegrass State that have achieved OSHA’s VPP Star certification, a designation reflecting the highest safety standards.

Additionally, the facility is ISO 9001 certified, a globally recognized standard for quality management. This certification underscores UniFirst’s commitment to customer satisfaction, continuous improvement and maintaining a robust quality-management system.

“This expansion positions UniFirst to better serve our national and local customer base, while driving innovation and operational excellence,” said Matthew Croatti, senior vice president of UniFirst. “We’re proud to contribute to the economic vitality of this region, while ensuring that our Team Partners have the resources they need to grow with us.”

With construction slated to begin in March, UniFirst anticipates that it will begin operating in a portion of the expanded facility in October. The company expects to complete the project in early 2026. Click here for details.