Bedford, Mass.-based F.W. Webb Co., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of its planned 1 million-sq.-ft. central distribution facility in Londonderry, N.H. Hailed as one of the largest facilities of its kind in New Hampshire, the facility will replace and be more than double the size of the company’s current CD in Amherst, N.H.

With a backdrop abuzz with heavy equipment and machinery, preliminary work continued unabated as state, local and F.W. Webb officials, along with many supporters, gathered at the construction site to mark the company’s latest milestone in its 150th year of business.

“Opening a much larger central distribution facility represents a major investment in our operations and a significant commitment to our customers and manufacturing partners,” said Jeff Pope, president of the F.W. Webb. “This huge state-of-the-art CD will allow us to offer our customers even more and better products, and reach further into the Northeast.”

In addition to Pope, whose family has owned and operated the privately-held company since 1933, other speakers included New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan, U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), and Londonderry Town Manager Kevin Smith, who welcomed the crowd by enthusing, “Here we grow again.”

"The new F.W. Webb facility will help spur economic development in the region and boost New Hampshire's innovation economy," Governor Hassan said. "I am proud F.W. Webb has again chosen the Granite State, reinforcing that with our tax-friendly environment, highly skilled workforce, investments in improving our transportation infrastructure and high quality of life, New Hampshire is an attractive state for business."

“I was thrilled to welcome F.W. Webb to Londonderry at the groundbreaking of its new central distribution facility,” Senator Ayotte said. “F.W. Webb epitomizes the American dream — a family business that grows and thrives and puts so many people to work. I will continue my efforts to ensure that businesses like this one can continue to provide good jobs for New Hampshire.”

F.W. Webb is growing steadily through acquisitions, new locations, expansion of existing locations, new manufacturer relationships, and additional new products, services and disciplines, it noted. As a result, the company is handling a greater volume of product for a larger number of customers in more locations than ever (90-plus throughout New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania). “A new CD is essential to accommodate both present demand and anticipated growth,” Pope added.

The project should be completed by the end of 2017. F.W. Webb plans to retain and transfer all employees at the Amherst CD to the new facility. Additional employees will be hired as needs dictate as the new facility ramps up to full capacity.