As guests entered the production area of GSF’s newest location on Greenfield Parkway, images of McDonald’s hung on banners along walls amid brightly-colored Christmas decorations.
Open nearly 120 days, the new business made a great push to get into the building four months ago.
“We are thrilled to get under the roof of Garner and the roof of Lexington, South Carolina,” Chairman and CEO of Golden State Foods Mark Witterau said.
He also said he was pleased that GSF’s largest client for more than 50 years, McDonald’s, stayed with the company through the transition.
As many of the presenters spoke during the grand opening ceremony, sounds of workers moving boxes drowned out some speeches. Senior Director of Supply Chain Management at McDonald's Tom Covelli said it was a beautiful sound. Also, he said, the new location would help save the company and its clients millions of dollars in the next 20 years.
“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be a part of this community,” he said.
Mayor Ronnie Williams said he was pleased to see such a big name move to Garner.
The company is rich in tradition, much like Garner, he said.
“In that regard, you’re a perfect fit for Garner,” he said. “Thank you today for coming to Garner.”
Building on Garner’s greatness
General Manager Jim Brooks said GSF would bring 220 associates to the Garner area, half of which are new hires.
While Brooks said he was sad to leave Greensboro, the Garner area was the right home for the new facility because it is close to the railroad and the community is great for GSF employees. He is happy the stars aligned over Garner.
It is the goal of GSF to be a part of the community, helping the Garner Chamber of Commerce recruit other businesses to the area and giving through the GSF Foundation, a non-profit that strives to help families in need.
Brooks said associates have the option of donating through pay-roll reduction or fundraisers, but the company also hopes to support Garner through other activities.
“We’re here for the long run,” he said.
Chamber of Commerce President Neal Padgett said he believes Brooks. The company joined the Chamber long before opening its doors and has attempted to become integrated into the community.
He said the company even worked with the Chamber to set up a bus tour for employees moving to the area to look for places to live.
“I think we’ve already created a good relationship with them,” Padgett said.
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