Wainer & Son to expand in New Bedford complex

By By SIMÓN RIOS
srios@s-t.com
September 13, 2014 12:00 AM
NEW BEDFORD — In the midst of another season of growth, Sid Wainer & Son is planning a 51,900-square-foot expansion at its Purchase Street complex.
“Business is good, thank God,” said Henry Wainer, the third generation chief of the gourmet food supplier.
Wainer said the new refrigerated facility will be used for shipping and storage.
Though he wouldn’t put a price on the new building, he said it’s safe to call it a “multi-million dollar” project.
Still in its preliminary stages, the proposal was green-lighted by the Planning Board at its Wednesday night meeting. Several city councilors spoke on its behalf, while the next night the full council recognized Wainer & Son’s with glowing accolades for its 100th anniversary.
Wainer employs 450 to 550 people, depending on the season, two-thirds of whom work out of the New Bedford area. The company is also in the process of opening a 45,000-square-foot refrigerated facility at the Mattapoisett Industrial Park, Wainer said.
He said his company is beginning to enter the retail market, supplying outlets including Costco, BJ’s Wholesale Club and the web giant Amazon, where Wainer sells some 800 products.
Allie Wainer, director of customer relations, said the expansion will allow greater variety and efficiency.
“We just have such a variety of products and it grows every day, so we need a little more space to continue to grow our variety,” she said.
She also said the location is becoming cramped for space. The additional room will eliminate the need for the refrigerated trailers now in use.
The company could open the new facility as early as this winter.
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