Hutt optimizes warehouse efficiency

Hutt optimizes warehouse efficiency

The trucking docks at the new facility were re-oriented as part of an effort to incorporate energy-efficient, state-of-the-art technology. Courtesy Hutt  

In response to a growing customer base and demand for deep-frozen storage, a West Michigan-based trucking and logistics company has expanded its Hudsonville warehouse.

Hutt, a Holland-based company consisting of Hutt Trucking and Hutt Logistics, added 81,000 square feet to its Hudsonville warehouse, more than doubling its capacity. The warehouse is used for deep-frozen storage capacity (minus-20 degrees or below), which is necessary when storing certain food-grade products, such as ice cream.

CEO Jim Hutt did not disclose the cost of expansion, but used the term “multimillion” to describe the project. ARCO Design/Build, out of Atlanta, Georgia, managed design and construction for the expansion. The firm specializes in building cold-storage warehouses.

The new facility re-orients the trucking docks to optimize warehouse efficiency and incorporate energy-efficient, state-of-the-art technology. The facility also can store more than 19,000 pallets. Hutt said he expects to add 20 or more full-time jobs at the site, along with 10 more positions in transportation.

“Our customers are growing, and we anticipated the need to expand in Hudsonville since acquiring the facility in 2016,” Hutt said. “The decision to increase our deep-frozen warehousing capabilities in Hudsonville was the logical next step in our growth.”

Among Hutt’s customers are Ludington-based House of Flavors and Holland-based Hudsonville Ice Cream.

“With this new facility, Hutt can help us more efficiently store more products, deliver it to our key accounts, which gives us more room in Ludington for growth,” said Whit Gallagher, president of House of Flavors, Inc. 

The warehouse expansion was assisted by Lakeshore Advantage, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and active cooperation by the city of Hudsonville. Earlier this year, the city approved Hutt’s P.A. 198 application to develop the facility and bring additional jobs to the area.

Ken Rizzio, director of business services for economic developer Lakeshore Advantage, said his organization is “very fortunate” to have pro-business leaders in the city of Hudsonville.

“Creating more manufacturing and related jobs within the Lakeshore region is our priority. We were happy to lend our support and services to facilitate Hutt’s expansion,” he said.

Hutt provides complete supply chain service, including transportation, warehousing and final delivery of food products. All Hutt facilities, including the Hudsonville warehouse, are inspected and qualified by the American Institute of Baking (AIB), the industry standard for food handling and storage.