August 18, 2022 - Mayor Tom Henry today joined the City of Fort Wayne’s Community Development Division and members of the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for ABF Freight System’s new $4.8 million facility.
ABF’s new location is at 4877 Adams Center Rd. The 27,600-square-foot trucking terminal is the new hub for ABF Freight System, a freight company specializing in less-than-truckload (LTL) services. The LTL method combines several separate shipments into a single truck, providing a cost-effective option for small businesses, e-commerce companies, and even families moving into new homes.
Last fall, the Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission approved an economic development agreement with Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream to assist with the acquisition of the previous ABF terminal on Wells Street. This acquisition provided real estate for the expansion of the Dreyer’s plant, and as part of the agreement, Redevelopment made property within its Adams Center Road Industrial Park available for construction of the new ABF terminal.
“We’re pleased to have collaborated with the City of Fort Wayne and Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream to help grow the local economy,” said Seth Runser, ABF Freight president. “We’re committed to providing excellent service across the greater Fort Wayne area and are happy to be in this new facility.”
“The Redevelopment Commission was pleased with the manner in which this project came together in cooperation with Dreyer’s and ABF,” said Jonathan Leist, Deputy Director of Redevelopment. “It was great to see the City’s efforts in planning and development of the Adams Township Industrial Park contribute in a way that facilitated growth and investment in multiple locations within Fort Wayne.”
The previous ABF facility will be torn down, allowing Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream to grow its footprint to the south as part of a $140 million expansion project that will create up to 145 new jobs. ABF retained 28 jobs in the move to southeast Fort Wayne.
“Fort Wayne is continuing to experience growth with business investments that are designed to make a meaningful difference,” said Mayor Henry. “ABF’s commitment to our community is evident with its new facility in southeast Fort Wayne and the retention of important jobs. I’m also appreciative of ABF’s willingness to be part of a public-private partnership to help facilitate the Dreyer’s expansion on Wells Street. Collaboration and teamwork matter and the end result of two companies succeeding will have a lasting impact.”
CME Corporation served as the builder on the terminal project.
“CME Corporation is honored to be a part of this project with ABF and the City of Fort Wayne,” said Ryan Hellinger President and CEO of CME. “CME has been committed to Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana’s growth for the last 50 years. We are pleased that we could be a part of the relocation of the ABF freight terminal.”
Hellinger would like to extend a special thank you to The City of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Building Department for facilitating a smooth construction process.
About ABF Freight System
ABF Freight®, an ArcBest company, is one of the nation’s largest and most trusted less-than-truckload carriers. With nearly 100 years of experience, a detailed quality improvement process, and an innovative transportation network of over 240 service centers across all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, ABF delivers LTL freight with precision and skill. To learn more, visit the company’s website.
ABF is the only seven-time winner of the American Trucking Association (ATA) President’s Trophy, which recognizes the nation’s most outstanding carrier in the “over 100 million miles” category based on safety record, programs, and community outreach. Last year, ABF received the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SmartWay Excellence Award for the third consecutive year and fifth year overall. This award recognizes the top shipping and logistics companies that move goods in the cleanest, most energy-efficient way.
About CME Corporation
CME Corporation has been in business for over 50 years, and has built a reputation for honesty and integrity. From our start in 1972 until today, CME continues to complete projects of all sizes and levels of complexity, but one thing CME has never changed is our sense of commitment and respect for our team, our work and our customers. Learn more at cmebuilditright.com.