New cold storage logistics center: Derstine’s operates on SAP® EWM by KNAPP

Derstine’s Food Service Inc. has successfully expanded its temperature‑controlled warehouse capacity through its specialized cold‑storage and third‑party logistics division, EZ3PL, Inc. For the SAP® EWM implementation at the new cold‑storage logistics center at its headquarters in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, the company relied on the expertise of KNAPP IT Solutions. As the SAP® competence center of the KNAPP Group, KNAPP IT Solutions extended the existing SAP® EWM solution and rolled it out to the new facility, ensuring seamless and efficient control of all temperature‑controlled warehouse processes. The new system went live in July 2026.

EZ3PL, Inc., the cold‑storage and third‑party logistics division of the U.S. full-line food distributor and 3PL provider Derstine’s Inc., has substantially expanded its storage capacity with a new cold storage logistics center at its Sellersville headquarters. The new facility adds approximately 110,000 square feet of space designed specifically for cold‑chain operations, including advanced insulation, automated temperature control and efficient material‑flow processes. As in the existing warehouse with four temperature zones, SAP® EWM manages all warehouse processes at the new site. For seamless integration with the current system landscape, Derstine’s relied on KNAPP’s long‑standing SAP® expertise.

»We have increased our capacity from 2,000 to more than 15,000 pallet positions – an unprecedented growth of over 700% in our industry. With this investment, we are responding directly to the rising demand for temperature‑controlled storage and 3PL services. Thanks to the strength of SAP® EWM and our technology partner KNAPP, we can now manage this scale with confidence and precision,« explains Zach Derstine, CEO of Derstine’s Inc.

Continuous warehouse processes at Derstine’s thanks to a scalable SAP® EWM solution

Building on the existing SAP® EWM system, KNAPP implemented and configured SAP® EWM tailored to the new cold storage facility of EZ3PL Inc. In addition to several customer‑specific enhancements - including meat tempering, where meat is carefully raised from 0°F up to 33°F (approximately –18°C to 0°C) in as little as 14 hours, and repacked until each unit reaches 60 pounds (about 27 kg) - special focus was placed on supporting multiple temperature zones, meeting stringent USDA inspection requirements, and enabling batch traceability along with comprehensive quality‑management functions.

»With the SAP® EWM solution from KNAPP, both warehouse locations are now connected into a centrally controlled unit. Real‑time data and clearly defined processes enable us to safely handle higher volumes, serve customers more quickly, and consistently meet our quality standards,« adds Zach Derstine, CEO of Derstine’s Inc.

The project was completed in an exceptionally short timeframe. Less than six months passed from project kick‑off to the successful go‑live in July 2026. With the fully integrated and scalable SAP® EWM platform in operation, both warehouse locations are now seamlessly connected. This creates inventory transparency, boosts operational efficiency, and provides a stable foundation to sustainably meet growing demands in temperature controlled logistics and 3PL operations.