Lafayette Logistics Executive Yvonne Castillo Opens Third Regional Warehouse

Yvonne Castillo, chief executive of Lafayette-based Castillo Distribution Partners, opened the company's third regional warehouse this month, a 300,000-square-foot facility that positions the firm to capitalize on Indiana's position as the "Crossroads of America" for interstate freight.

Castillo took over the family logistics business from her father fourteen years ago, when it operated a single warehouse handling regional grocery distribution, and has since expanded the company into e-commerce fulfillment as retail distribution patterns shifted. Lafayette's position near major interstate corridors has made it an increasingly attractive location for distribution companies serving the broader Midwest market.

"My father built this business around grocery trucks going to regional stores, and I've had to rebuild significant parts of it around pallets going straight to somebody's front door," Castillo said. "Indiana's location is honestly the biggest reason we've been able to make that shift without relocating."

The new warehouse will add approximately 150 jobs, primarily in fulfillment and logistics coordination roles, and includes automated sorting equipment that Castillo said was necessary to remain competitive with larger national logistics firms that have also been expanding into the region. Tippecanoe County officials have actively courted logistics investment in recent years as the area's industrial land availability has drawn interest from companies priced out of more expensive markets closer to Indianapolis and Chicago.

Castillo Distribution Partners now employs approximately 520 people across its three regional facilities. Castillo said the company is evaluating a fourth location but has not committed to a timeline or site.