A new state-of-the-art distribution center for Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA located in the Equus Capital Partners Virginia Port Logistics Park off Route 58 was officially dedicated March 15, 2022.
A group of invited guests including representatives of various Hampton Roads regional economic development organizations, several city council members and other project partners attended a brief dedication event and facility tour. Speakers at the ceremony included John Boyle, president and CEO, MZB-USA; Michael Duman, mayor, City of Suffolk; Doug Nesmith, senior VP of supply chain, MZB-USA, and Massimo Zanetti, chairman and CEO of Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group based in Treviso, Italy.
Announced in 2020, the company’s distribution center became operational November 2021, but due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, the company postponed the grand opening activities until now.
The vast warehouse complex, the equivalent of over four football fields under one roof, will handle MZB-USA’s bulk product distribution as well as e-commerce fulfillment. Currently, MZB-USA imports green coffee through The Port of Virginia and transports it to its main manufacturing plant off of Progress Road where it roasts, grinds and packages its own brands such as Chock full o’Nuts, Hills Bros., Kauai Coffee, MJB, Chase & Sanborn, and Segafredo Zanetti.
“We are pleased to be expanding operations and continuing our partnership with our friends from the City of Suffolk, the Hampton Roads Alliance, and the Port of Virginia – which reaffirms our commitment to future growth in this community,” Boyle said at the event. “We’re also extremely proud of our teams at MZB-USA, who worked very hard to get us to this day and overcome the challenges of COVID-19 which didn’t delay our opening, but our ribbon cutting celebration.”
Zanetti added, “We began our operation in the U.S. 16 years ago and our business has experienced continued growth since then. I’m very thankful for the opportunity that this country offers, as well as for our American employees here, who are very near to my heart.”
Suffolk Mayor Michael Duman, added, “On behalf of the City of Suffolk, I congratulate Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA on the opening of this tremendous facility. The continued investment and jobs created by MZB- USA highlights their longstanding commitment to our city and citizens.”
He continued, “Thanks to prospering food and beverage manufacturers like MZB-USA, Suffolk continues to be one of the most in-demand locations for industrial users in the commonwealth. We greatly appreciate MZB-USA’s expansion in our city and are proud to remain the ‘Caffeine Capital of Virginia.’ I have the utmost faith we will continue to ‘Brew Greatness Together.’”
Nesmith concluded the festivities before leading a tour of the facility. “Our new facility positions us for greater efficiencies and continued growth, adding to the economic vitality of the area, and bringing an incredible family of employees to Suffolk. Our company culture is a natural fit with Suffolk’s talented workforce environment, and we are thrilled to be able to grow and add more value within the community of Suffolk.”
