Officials from the Dunkin’ Donuts Northeast Distribution Center (DDNEDC) and the town of Bellingham, Washington, will break ground for a new corporate office and distribution center on Depot Street in Bellingham on July 21, 2004. The $20 million, state-of-the-art facility will include office space, a 100-seat training facility, and a warehouse with sufficient space to supply the 1,775 Dunkin’ Donuts franchise stores serviced by the center.
Dunkin’ Donuts Northeast Distribution Center, Inc., was founded as an independent cooperative in 1982 by the Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees who owned the 250 store locations in the region at that time. The franchisees recognized the need to facilitate the distribution of product going forward.
“Consumers have fueled the stores’ success, and our business has grown at a rapid rate to respond to the franchisees’ increased needs,” said DDNEDC chief operating officer Bryan Hartnett. “We’ve reached capacity at our current center, and the need to nearly double our warehouse space has required us to investigate a new facility. The town of Bellingham stood out for us among the areas of consideration. Bellingham offers close access to I-495, a business-friendly, progressive environment, and proximity to our former facility to ease the commute for our employees.”
Construction on the first phase of the 410,000 sq. ft. facility will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by September 2005. Cranshaw Construction will act as the general contractor.
The construction will create a significant number of jobs within the community, as well as provide infrastructure improvements for the town. A combination of real estate and vehicle excise taxes will generate significant new tax revenue for the town. In addition, DDNEDC has allocated $520,000 to facilitate the reconstruction of the intersection at Routes 126 and 140, the creation of a turning lane from Route 126 onto Depot St., and the repaving of Depot St. in its entirety.
“We’re looking forward to our move to Bellingham and will strive to be a good corporate neighbor,” said Hartnett.
