United Natural Foods Plans To Lease Texas Facility

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — United Natural Foods Inc. said Tuesday that it plans to lease a Texas distribution center from ProLogis in order to help support its retailers in the Southwest.

Further details on the lease agreement were not disclosed.

The distributor of natural, organic and specialty foods said operations are set to start at the 590,000 square foot facility in the fall of 2010, with about 130 new workers anticipated within the first year.

The Lancaster, Texas, plant is also being looked at as a way to help trim operating costs and improve productivity. It will be the company's 21st distribution center.

United Natural Foods carries and distributes more than 60,000 products to more than 17,000 customers nationwide.

United Natural Foods' stock gained 27 cents to $25.61 in afternoon trading.