Community Corner

Grainger Distribution Center Up and Running in Minooka

Minooka Village Administrator Dan Duffy says the opening of Grainger's distribution center on Ferguson Boulevard is another indication big business is on the rebound.

Minooka Village Administrator Dan Duffy looks at the new Grainger Distribution center on Ferguson Boulevard as more than a place where 300 people work.
He also looks at it as a symbol on an economy on the rebound.

“Well, Minooka has been on the map for a long time for logistics and distribution with companies like Clorox, Macy’s and Electrolux—it really started with Kellogg’s being the first big name to come in,” Duffy said.

“As we started adding Fortune 500 names, BMW came in. And now Grainger has finalized construction of its distribution center and going with full occupancy. This really puts Minooka pack on the map. And, when I say that, I mean post-recession. There was a bit of a pull-back and down time there.

“But this puts us back in the forefront for Midwest distribution. So, when people look in the area—the Chicago market and the Midwest market—for logistics, we feel Minooka, with our location—55 and 80—we have a chance to attract the kind of businesses that will invest in our community and put people to work.”

Grainger, billed as the leading broad line supplier of maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products serving businesses and institutions, hosted a grand opening of its one-million-square foot facility last week, according to pressroom.grainger.com. The center is located at 701 Ferguson Blvd., Minooka, and is one of the world’s largest LEED certified platinum-rated facilities for commercial interiors.

Some features in the center include:

  • A 2,200 square-foot solar wall, which uses innovative air and solar capabilities to help reduce energy consumption.
  • Energy efficient lighting along with motion sensors.
  • Electric automobile charger stations.
  • A recycling program initiated to collect cardboard and shrink wrap from operations.
Duffy said Grainger’s catalog of products measures about 6 inches in thickness.
“This is there Midwest location, servicing all their products—their entire catalog,” he said. “So, it’s one-stop shopping for everything.

"The distribution center will house everything from air compressors to light bulbs and all the way down to nuts and bolts. And, actually, with their automated conveyor system, you can get it the same day you order, if the item is small enough.

"That’s how automated and high-tech the system is out there.
“So, it’s a big name, and it only will continue to draw big names to Minooka—like Trader Joe’s did last year.”


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