Star Distributors purchased the former Roadway Express Inc., Three M Fiber Optic Products and Kennedy-Eastern Truck Inc. properties on Frontage Road to clear the way for the 28,000-square-foot facility, which replaces the old office building at 10 Eder Road with much-needed warehouse space.

Part of the yearlong expansion project included relocating Star’s North Haven wine division and 16 employees to the site, which recently increased to 22 employees. The move brings Star’s West Haven work force to about 200 employees.

Star has also helped the city relocate multiple area businesses impacted by eminent domain for the future train station to its Frontage Road properties.

“Despite the dismal economy, Star Distributors is forging ahead and is prospering because of its strategic planning under the leadership of Tony Gallo,” Picard said. “It is refreshing to see Star experience such a splendid rebirth with this ambitious expansion project, which has not only helped create jobs, but has helped relocate businesses that might have otherwise left the city.”

The three properties add 18 acres to Star’s 10.5-acre site on Eder Road. The properties also make way for enough on-site rail access to simultaneously unload products from 10 railroad cars.

The family-owned distributorship’s beer territory covers New Haven, Fairfield and Litchfield counties.