Southwest Traders will occupy a building in the Gateway at Menifee development on Zeiders Road. (Staff photo)
Here is the City of Menifee’s press release, posted today, about the Southwest Traders purchase of a warehouse in the Southern Gateway. This project was also reported in our news article today on warehouses in Menifee:
MENIFEE — Southwest Traders is all in on Menifee. The family-owned food service distributor recently completed the purchase of a 230,000-square-foot facility in the Gateway at Menifee industrial business park that will significantly enhance its operations and support long-term growth.
Southwest Traders 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 immediately add approximately 250 local jobs in Menifee and is expected to create an additional 250 jobs over the next five years.
“We draw nearly 50 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,” said Terry Walsh, President of Southwest Traders. “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,” said Walsh. “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, Southwest Traders has remained family owned and operated, earning a reputation for delivering world-class supply chain solutions while investing in the growth and success of its teammates. A cornerstone of that investment is the company’s Shifting Gears development program, which provides career advancement opportunities for warehouse associates interested in becoming professional drivers.
Through the program, selected teammates receive scholarship assistance to earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A), hands-on training, mentorship, and a direct pathway into driving careers with Southwest Traders. The initiative creates meaningful opportunities for career growth while helping employees build long-term financial stability. Southwest Traders drivers earn an average annual salary of approximately $100,000, making the program a life-changing opportunity for many teammates and their families.
The company also takes great pride in supporting local communities through charitable partnerships, workforce development, and employee-focused programs that encourage long-term careers. By creating advancement opportunities from within, Southwest Traders has built a culture that promotes retention, professional development, and exceptional customer service.
“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,” said Kayla Charters, Economic Development Director for the City of Menifee. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership together.”
Southwest Traders expects to begin operations from its Menifee headquarters facility in Fall 2026 following completion of tenant improvements and construction activities now underway.
