CINCINNATI, March 7, 2017 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) announced today a $60 million investment in Northern Kentucky.
Kroger’s plans include the purchase and development of a 674,000 square foot ambient distribution center located on Mt. Zion Rd. in Florence, Boone County, Kentucky.
The new distribution center will create nearly 100 new jobs. It will open later this year.
“More than 8.5 million customers shop in our stores every day and our goal is to always have our shelves stocked with the variety and selection our shoppers want,” said Frank Bruni, Kroger’s vice president of supply chain and logistics. “The new facility will help our logistics team to improve lead times and drive efficiencies for our stores and ultimately our customers.”
The company said the new facility, which was purchased from VanTrust Real Estate, will primarily be used as a replenishment center, servicing Kroger’s direct-to-store distribution centers across the eastern half of the country.
“We certainly welcome this significant investment by Kroger in Boone County,” said Gary W. Moore, Judge-Executive, Boone County. “This impressive investment by a top 20 Fortune 500 company will have a positive ripple effect throughout Northern Kentucky.”
Kroger employs more than 21,000 associates in Kentucky and more than 20,000 associates in the tri-state region.
“We are proud to continue our commitment to economic growth in the region,” added Mr. Bruni.
Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 443,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,796 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to our 2,255 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 319 fine jewelry stores, 1,445 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.
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Contacts: Media: Keith Dailey (513) 762-1304; Investors: Kate Ward (513) 762-4969
