SOUTHAVEN, Miss. — After two years of planning and teamwork, Hormel Foods officially opened its newest and largest distribution center in Southaven, marking a major milestone for the company and the city’s growing industrial district.
A Boost for Southaven’s Economy
Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite said the new center will serve as a cornerstone for industrial growth in the region.
“The Hormel team did a fantastic job putting this together,” Musselwhite said. “Our industrial district is booming again, and Hormel’s presence is a major part of that resurgence.”
The project, a collaboration between Hormel Foods, DHL, the Mandich Group, and the City of Southaven, involved over $12 million in renovations and is expected to create more than 120 new jobs.
Strategic Location and Modern Operations
Jen Ehresmann, Hormel’s vice president of supply chain, highlighted Southaven’s geographic advantage.
“This location is ideal for serving our customers in the Southeast,” she said. “Products will ship directly from our production lines to this center, be consolidated, and then delivered straight to our retail customers.”
Ehresmann praised the teamwork among all partners, adding that the center would enhance efficiency and trust with clients.
“This facility strengthens how we serve customers and improves how we go to market. It’s a big step forward for Hormel Foods.”
DHL Partnership and Operational Excellence
Jeffery Bennett, senior director of supply chain operations for DHL, said the new site symbolizes decades of successful collaboration between the two companies.
“Our partnership with Hormel Foods began in 1996 and continues to grow stronger,” Bennett said. “This new facility represents innovation, adaptability, and operational success — a new chapter in our shared journey.”
A Community Collaboration
Michael Mandich, managing partner of The Mandich Group, said attracting a world-class company like Hormel was a major achievement.
“When we first hosted them, this property looked nothing like it does now. We’re honored to have Hormel here in Southaven and proud to work alongside the city,” Mandich said.
DeSoto County Supervisor Ray Denison also thanked Hormel and DHL for their confidence in investing locally.
“This was not a small investment, and we’re grateful,” Denison said. “We encourage you to hire DeSoto County residents — we want this partnership to benefit everyone here.”
A Milestone for Growth and Partnership
With its largest distribution facility now operational, Hormel Foods is set to improve product distribution, strengthen its national logistics network, and contribute to the economic growth of Southaven and DeSoto County.
Officials say the new center reflects both innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for continued business expansion in the Mid-South region.
