Digital Lumens, a pioneer in developing and implementing next-generation LED lighting solutions based in the USA, announced that the foodservice distributor Ben E. Keith Foods has selected its Intelligent LED Lighting System to illuminate the cold storage of the new 475,000-square-foot distribution center in Missouri City, Texas. The new lighting system is expected to save more than 90% of the lighting used by the fluorescent lighting considered, and 75% over plain LED alternatives.
 
Digital Lumens is expanding to the Houston metro area with an 82-acre development that is expected to be completed and operational in 2013. With a company-wide commitment to sustainability, the new facility presented an opportunity to implement best practices in all aspects of the design. In addition to the intelligent LED lighting, the new distribution center includes an underground water retention pond, skylights in dry areas of the facility, crane-operated aisles, and all measures required to meet LEED gold criteria for the administration offices portion of the building.
 
“Distribution operations – from facilities to fleet operations -- are particularly energy-intensive, which is why efficiency is a primary consideration in every aspect of our business,” said John Fershtand, Director of Fleet Operations and Energy, Ben E. Keith Foods. “With this new project, we had the opportunity to identify products and technologies that will create a state-of-the-art facility from both the operations and energy efficiency perspectives, and lighting was a key decision. After reviewing numerous lighting alternatives, including fluorescents and plain LEDs, we selected the Digital Lumens Intelligent Lighting System for its energy efficiency, including the ability to provide light only when and where staff are working, maintenance-free operation, long lifetime, excellent light quality, and rugged design.”