Freshway Foods’ new customers: Whataburger, Trader Joe’s, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Burger King

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SIDNEY — Freshway Foods, a subsidiary of US Foods is a fresh fruit and vegetable processor, repacker, distributor, and logistics provider focusing on customized product and service solutions to a customer base that spans the eastern half of the United States. Customers include national and regional restaurant chains, independent restaurants, wholesale distributors, and supermarkets. Based in Sidney, Ohio, Freshway Foods sources products fresh from the field, processes them to the highest quality standards, and delivers those products to customers using their own logistics company.

In 2019, Freshway Foods on-boarded new customers Whataburger restaurants, Trader Joe’s, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Burger King. The company also expanded its foodservice and retail kit product offerings to include riced broccoli and cauliflower and Keto Crunch and Pear and Blue Cheese salad kits. Freshway Foods continued to invest in new technology for the Sidney plant last year and made many upgrades to the facility including a complete renovation of its floor ready associate clean room. “As customer requirements and food industry regulations change, there is never an end to plant and equipment investments necessary to keep pace,” said Devon Beer, [resident of Freshway Foods and Freshway Logistics. “On the distribution end of the business, we have continued to make additional investments in our regional relay system to better serve our customers while adhering to tighter regulations.”

His report continues:

Like most employers in the area, it is a real struggle to find enough qualified candidates to fill the open positions at both the processing and logistic level. Therefore, a key initiative is to build from within. High potential associates are identified and developed for advancement opportunities within the organization. This provides recognition along with career path opportunities. With steady business throughout the year, Freshway Foods and Freshway Logistics continued recruiting for positions in all areas of the company’s operations last year, including machine operators, tow motor operators, maintenance technicians and diesel technicians. Freshway Logistics also continued recruiting Class A CDL truck drivers, who can earn more than $78,000 annually with the company.

Not only do we cut fresh produce here in Sidney, but we also deliver it to 23 states east of the Mississippi using our own trucks. We repair and maintain our own trucks, and we offer these same services to other local truck operators.

In 2019, Freshway continued the trend of associate reward and recognition. The year was filled with many recognition events. The Monthly “High Five” award program which recognizes associates who go above and beyond their normal job duties continued. Nearly 200 associates have been recognized since this program kicked off four years ago. Associates are provided with monthly appreciation lunches and Freshway once again hosted the company picnic for associates and family members at Vandemark Farm. Additionally, Freshway has multiple safety committees with regular associate involvement which helps drive the continuous improvement culture within the organization.

Freshway Logistics continued to recognize drivers who reach one million miles with the company. Seven active drivers have achieved this milestone including Herb Donahue, Bryan Fisher, Tracey Howard, Mel Mathison, Jeff Stroh, Robert Black and Frank Counts.

Service award recognition for associates who achieve five-year milestones continued throughout the year. Nineteen associates at Freshway have now joined the 20-year service club. Five associates were welcomed to the club this year including Chris Copeland, Mel Mathison, Dave Evans, Paula Bryant and Greg Elsass. Additionally, Mark Redmon was recently recognized for 30 years of service.

The company remained committed to investing in the health and well-being of associates by offering a very competitive benefits package. Healthcare insurance eligibility begins on your first day of employment and includes strong medical plans, dental insurance, vision insurance, pre-tax spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, educational assistance, adoptions assistance, and several other benefits.

Freshway is always looking for people to join its team of dedicated associates.

The good news is that more and more people are choosing to eat fruits and vegetables in order to achieve their health and wellness goals, so our products are always in demand. We provide over one million servings of fresh, quality produce every single day.

Beer
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2020/02/web1_Devon_Beer.jpgBeer

A group of associates celebrate at a recent recognition event.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2020/02/web1_Recognition-Freshway.jpgA group of associates celebrate at a recent recognition event. Courtesy photo

Freshway associates and family members participate in the cornhole tournament at the company picnic.
https://www.sidneydailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2020/02/web1_Cornhole-Tournament.jpgFreshway associates and family members participate in the cornhole tournament at the company picnic. Courtesy photo

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