Today, Nestlé USA announced the opening of its new distribution center in Arvin, California, the company’s largest and most technologically advanced distribution center to date. The state-of-the-art facility strengthens Nestlé’s West Coast distribution network and is designed for flexible operations, enabling the delivery of products from brands like Nestlé® Toll House®, Coffee mate®, and Gerber® while supporting future portfolio growth.
The opening of the Arvin distribution center marks an important milestone in Nestlé’s broader commitment to invest $25 billion in its U.S. operations over a ten-year period beginning in 2020. This includes bolstering manufacturing and distribution operations for U.S. production, accelerating digital capabilities throughout the supply chain, and enhancements in R&D.
As part of that investment, Nestlé committed more than $330 million to build the 700,000-square-foot Arvin facility, which uses targeted automation to increase agility and resiliency and support higher demand in peak seasons. Through its opening, Nestlé aims to bring more than 110 high-skilled jobs to the Arvin community, supporting economic growth in Kern County.
“Our investment in the new Arvin Distribution Center reflects how we’re building Nestlé for the future, modernizing our supply chain and delivering for our customers and consumers with greater speed and precision,” said Marty Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé USA. “This state-of-the art, digitally enabled facility enhances our ability to meet growing demand across our portfolio and reinforces our long term commitment to investing and growing in the United States.”
Advanced Technology for Future Growth
The Arvin distribution center is equipped with advanced digital technologies and targeted automation. This includes the largest Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems within Nestlé’s global network, which will handle shelf-stable goods from dock to delivery with greater accuracy.
Automation at the site is intentionally designed to complement and enhance the frontline employee experience. By reducing repetitive and physically demanding tasks, this automation helps improve safety and allows employees to focus on higher-skill work. The technical systems in place support technical training, upskilling and career advancement.
The Arvin facility is the second new high-tech distribution center Nestlé has opened in the U.S. in the last two years, following the opening of its beverage factory and distribution center in Glendale, AZ. Together, these investments represent a significant step forward in the company's ongoing supply chain transformation.
Supporting Sustainability & the Local Community
Nestlé is committed to creating a more sustainable future and positively impacting the communities where it operates. As part of this goal, the Arvin facility aims to source one hundred percent of its electricity from investments in renewable sources, including solar and wind power. The facility is also planned to be zero waste for disposal, meaning it will recycle, compost or recover energy from waste materials that would have otherwise gone to a landfill. Additionally, Nestlé is closely partnering with Kern County to drive economic opportunity and long-term growth in the Arvin community.
In support of the Arvin community, Nestlé is donating $50,000 to the Kern Community Foundation to establish the Nestlé Arvin Community Impact Fund which will provide grants to local nonprofits addressing food security and advancing sustainable farming projects.
