The Korte Company has been awarded a project for Walgreen Co., the nation’s largest drugstore chain. Construction is planned to begin early this Summer in Windsor, Connecticut. When completed, the 770,000 square foot distribution center will eventually employ 550 workers. When the facility goes on-line in 2008, it is expected to serve approximately 275 stores in New England and New York. The facility will be equipped with the newest technology in automated storage and retrieval systems, as well as sophisticated sorting and high storage rack systems.
In addition, a number of special features that have been designed specifically for this project, including adjustable work stations and redesigned, easier to use computer screens, will allow for the employment of disabled employees. “Like the distribution center we’ll open next year in Anderson, S.C., our goal for this facility is to have one-third of the workforce made up of disabled employees working side-by-side with other team members,” said Randy Lewis, Walgreens senior vice president of distribution and logistics. “We’re doing this because it’s the right thing to do. Seventy percent of adults with disabilities – and 95 percent of people with autism – will never be offered a job. I believe we can, and will, make a difference for many of them.”
According to Todd Korte, president and CEO of The Korte Company, “This is an excellent opportunity for The Korte Company to continue our strong relationship with Walgreen Co. “To date, we have worked with Walgreen Co. for sixteen years and have completed more than 5.4 million square feet of construction, including both retail stores and distribution centers.
