FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Ben E. Keith Co. broke ground on a new food service distribution center in New Brockton, Ala. The new facility will position the company to expand its distribution coverage in the Southeast by adding up to 1 million square feet in the future, according to the company.

Construction on the 425,000-square-foot distribution center will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by December 2021. It will add 80 jobs to the local community.

“Ben E. Keith Foods is deeply committed to the communities of Alabama, and consider this our Gateway to the Southeast as we continue to expand our market area,” said Mike Sweet, president of Ben E. Keith Foods. “The added capacity will be a welcomed addition to enhance the customer experience through more item offering, technology and services.”