Ben E Keith Foods, the eighth-largest institutional foodservice distributor in the United States, has deployed the Digital Lumens Intelligent LED Lighting System in cold storage areas of its new 475,000-square-foot distribution center in Missouri City TX.
The new lighting system is expected to save more than 90% of the cost of fluorescent lighting, and 75% over plain LED alternatives.
The Fort Worth TX-based company is expanding to the Houston metro area with an 82-acre development expected to be completed and operational in 2013. With a companywide commitment to sustainability, the new facility presented an opportunity to implement best practices in all aspects of design. In addition to the intelligent LED lighting, the distribution center includes an underground water retention pond, skylights in dry areas of the facility, crane-operated aisles, and all measures required to meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold criteria for the administration offices portion of the building.
“Distribution operations—from facilities to fleet operations—are particularly energy-intensive, which is why efficiency is a primary consideration in every aspect of our business,” said John Fershtand, director of fleet operations and energy, Ben E Keith Foods. “With this new project, we had the opportunity to identify products and technologies that will create a state-of-the-art facility from both the operations and energy efficiency perspectives, and lighting was a key decision. After reviewing numerous lighting alternatives, including fluorescents and plain LEDs, we selected the Digital Lumens Intelligent Lighting System for its energy efficiency, including the ability to provide light only when and where staff are working, maintenance-free operation, long lifetime, excellent light quality, and rugged design.”
Ben E Keith employs more than 3,500 people. The independent Food Division supplies a full line of produce, frozen foods, meats, refrigerated foods, dry groceries, equipment, and supplies to restaurants, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and other institutional businesses. The independent Beverage Division sells Anheuser-Busch products, as well as many well-recognized craft and imports brands. Additionally, Ben E. Keith sells a variety of wines. The foodservice division serves 11 states and the beverage division delivers Anheuser Busch products to 61 Texas counties and statewide distribution for most craft and import brands.
For more information, visit www.digitallumens.com.
