AG New England Names Transportation Manager

Denis Kolehmainen (left) has become transportation manager for Associated Grocers of New England. In revealing the new hire, the Pembroke, N.H.-based wholesaler noted his extensive food distribution industry experience, with almost 20 years in strategic planning.

Kolehmainen’s most recent role was senior account manager with CR England in Buffalo, N.Y., where he handled all logistics for six Lactalis/Sorrento cheese manufacturing plants. His previous positions include VP of distribution for Contoocook, N.H. based food wholesaler McLane Co., in which capacity he managed as many as 300 employees, among them warehousing, inventory control and facility maintenance.

“AG New England is known for its exceptional record of on-time deliveries, a critical performance criteria for independent stores who often adjust staffing and work schedules to coincide with the time of deliveries to their stores,” said Kevin Murray, director of transportation at the wholesaler, which is owned entirely by independent retail grocers as members of a cooperative that’s the largest retailer-owned food distribution center in the New England region. “Denis has an exceptionally well-rounded background in the food industry, with a thorough understanding of every aspect of operations here at AG New England.”

Added Murray: “He has a proven track record that reflects a personal dedication that is an excellent fit with AG New England’s own philosophy of controlling costs at every level of operations, providing exceptional service to our customers while managing a diverse team-centered approach that fosters personal performance, and high job satisfaction for employees.”

Kolehmainen joined the company in time for the strategically key summer season, when business peaks for many of the 600-plus stores AG New England services throughout New England and the upstate New York/Albany area.