A premier foodservice distributor serving customers throughout the Southwest United States is relocating its headquarters to Menifee. The move is expected to bring 250 local jobs to Menifee and double its workforce over the next five years.
Southwest Traders, a family-owned foodservice distributor, recently completed the purchase of a 230,000-square-foot facility in the Gateway at Menifee industrial business park and is preparing for a major expansion to meet increasing demand and strengthen its distribution capabilities throughout Southern California.
The company is transforming the facility into a state-of-the-art refrigerated and subzero freezer distribution center designed to support efficient, real-time delivery services.
Southwest Traders will add approximately 250 local jobs in Menifee and is expected to create an additional 250 jobs over the next five years.
“We draw nearly fifty percent of our workforce from this region, so Menifee was a logical choice for our expansion efforts to move closer to where our teammates live,” Southwest Traders President Terry Walsh said. “The city’s tremendous economic potential and forward-thinking vision make it an exciting place to invest, and we’re proud to be part of its continued momentum.”
The City of Menifee worked collaboratively with Southwest Traders and multiple city departments to expedite approvals for significant tenant improvements and streamline the permitting and construction process, helping the company meet its aggressive timeline.
“We are so grateful to the City of Menifee for their great partnership and helping us get to the finish line,” Walsh said. “Their commitment to our success further solidified that we had made the right decision expanding our operations and making a long-term commitment in Menifee. We are beyond impressed with the city team, which anticipates and solves design-build issues in a collaborative way to exceed our goals, timeframes, and expectations.”
Since 1977, A family-owned and operated company since 1977, Southwest Traders expects to begin operations from its Menifee headquarters facility in fall 2026 following completion of tenant improvements and construction activities now underway.
“Southwest Traders’ investment in our community not only brings quality jobs, strengthens our local economy, and creates new opportunities for our residents, but their company’s commitment to its employees, community involvement, and strong values align with the culture we have worked hard to build in Menifee,” Menifee Economic Development Director Kayla Charters said. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership together.”
