Central Distributors pulled out all the stops during its grand opening at 1876 Lager Lane, near the Airport Industrial Park, Thursday.

Best known as the distributor of the “King of Beers,” its new 80,000-square-foot facility replaces its offices and warehouse at 361 U.S. 45 Bypass.

At its new location, Central Distributors has over four times the amount of acreage compared to where they have been operating out of since 1981.

“This is a special day for us,” said Mike McWherter, president/CEO of Central Distributors, “This is a family-owned operation, and my family is delighted to be out here with all the people who make up Central Distributors … what a great team we have.”

Mike was equally satisfied the world famous Clydesdales made an appearance at the grand opening.

The Clydesdales are more than the symbol of Budweiser beer; they are viewed as a living expression of America’s great industrial spirit.

“It is very rare you get the Clydesdales at a private venue like this, to get the Clydesdales to come and be at a private showing, which is what this has turned into – very rare,” Mike said. “I’m delighted for the people in West Tennessee who get a chance to see these magnificent animals up close, and get a chance to see our new facility which we are very proud of.”

Central Distributors opened its first in the early 1950s at 221 Sterling Court, which is located behind the Little Rebel Bar & Grill at 284 Airways Blvd.

With the move to 1876 Lager Lane, Central acquired about 25 acres of land – about 19 more than the company had at 361 U.S. 45 Bypass.

Warehouse space increases about 30 percent, including the ceilings, which means pallets of product can be stacked higher.

The distribution center allows for easier access to Interstate 40 for Central, which services Madison, Chester, Decatur, Haywood, Hardeman, Henderson, McNairy and Fayette counties, and half of Hardin County.

Central Distributors moves about 2 million cases of product each year.

Mike McWherter also owns Volunteer Distributing Inc., in Dresden, which services Weakley, Obion, Henry, Carroll and Benton counties.

Central Distributors in Jackson has about 70 full-time employees, and offers over 500 brands to about 600 customers.

(PHOTO: Mike McWherter, wife Mary Jane and son Walker, officially opens Central Distributors new location with ribbon cutting)
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