Golden State Foods (GSF), Irvine, Calif., acquired a McDonald’s distribution center in Lebanon, Ill., from Cincinnati-based Gateway Distribution. The facility services more than 350 McDonald’s restaurants in five states—Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana and Kentucky. The facility employs approximately 160 associates, which increases GSF’s total employee count to nearly 4,500 worldwide. GSF services more than 25,000 stores in 50 countries from its 38 locations on four continents. With this acquisition, GSF’s annual sales are nearly $6 billion.

“We are looking forward to combining the long-standing traditions established by Gateway with GSF’s, and continuing our strong partnership with McDonald’s as we expand our company throughout the Midwest,” says Mark Wetterau, chairman and CEO of Golden State Foods. “We value Bill Dowling, president and CEO of Gateway, and all the Gateway associates for their outstanding accomplishments and efforts over the years. We are excited to work with all of the associates, as well as the McDonald’s owner/operators and suppliers in the surrounding markets. We wish Bill continued success in his retirement.”

Golden State Foods was named one Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ Ones to Watch in December 2012.