Dot Foods, Inc., the largest food industry redistributor in North America, celebrates 30 years of operations at its Modesto distribution center just outside of the Ceres city limits.
The Morgan Road facility opened in June 1995, following the company’s original California launch in Stockton in 1989. The move to Modesto marked a significant expansion of Dot’s West Coast footprint.
To celebrate this milestone, the Modesto distribution center recently hosted a party for employees and family members at the State Theater.
“In all these years, the Modesto team has set an example for dedication and safety,” said Dot Foods President George Eversman. “The opening of this distribution center marked a huge step forward for our business, allowing us to service the West Coast. We’re incredibly grateful for the consistent excellence of our Modesto employees and excited for continued growth.”
At the celebration, Sanitation Technician Chris Lee was honored for 30 years of service. The Modesto Garage team of Dot’s trucking affiliate, Dot Transportation, Inc. (DTI), also received recognition for maintaining a 30-year injury-free record – a rarity in any industry.
“Chris has been a part of this team since day one, and his work ethic and dedication have helped shape our culture,» said Bigelow. “And our Garage team’s 30-year injury-free record is a huge point of pride.»
Since opening, the distribution center has expanded from a dry warehouse into a full-service distribution center with frozen and refrigerated storage, an on-site garage, and a gate station. Today, the facility employs 205.
Before Dot opened its Burley, Idaho, distribution center in 2008 and its Bullhead City, Arizona, distribution center in 2018, the Modesto distribution center served the entire West Coast.
In 2024 alone, the Modesto center shipped more than 15 million cases of products, equivalent to approximately 17,000 truckloads. The team supports customers across retail, foodservice, and industrial markets. From dry goods to temperature-controlled items, the Modesto distribution center manages a broad product mix that drives supply chain efficiency across the region.
Over the past 30 years, 23 over-the-road DTI drivers for Modesto have driven more than one million safe miles.
“On average, it takes eight to 10 years to drive one million miles, but to do this without a preventable accident is a remarkable milestone,” said DTI’s Director of Transportation for Modesto Larry Baca. “It is a powerful reflection of our drivers’ skill, discipline, and commitment to keeping the roads safe for everyone.”
The Modesto distribution center has donated more than $200,000 worth of food and products to 19 food pantries across the region over the past decade. These food pantries include Interfaith Ministries of Modesto, Modesto Gospel Mission, St. Vincent de Paul of St. Joseph’s, and others.
