The largest grocer in the United States is investing $550,000 to expand their distribution center on Mt. Zion Road in Boone County.
The Kroger Company, based in downtown Cincinnati, is opening a 2,000-square-foot cross-docking facility inside their 674,000-square-foot distribution facility in Boone County. The company is looking to expand its overall e-commerce presence in Kentucky and support its fulfillment center in Monroe, Ohio.
“We are continuing to see announcements in this sector that are bringing incredible opportunities and jobs to our communities across the state,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear in a release. “I want to thank Kroger and their leadership for expanding their operations in Kentucky yet again and continuing to believe in what this state has to offer.”
The expansion is expected to create 98 jobs, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Kroger employs 19,000 associates across Kentucky. Currently, Kroger operates 112 stores in Kentucky. They have two distribution centers in the state: one in Florence and the other in Louisville.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority also approved a 10-year incentive agreement with Kroger under the department’s Kentucky Business Investment program. The company could get up to $550,000 of tax incentives if they create 98 full-time jobs over the next ten years and pay an average hourly wage of $24.28 with benefits for those jobs.
“We are passionate about delivering a fresh, convenient customer shopping experience,” said Kroger VP of Logistics and Network Strategy Ben Hamilton said. “This expansion will mean lower prices and more choices for more people across Kentucky. Just like their in-store experience, customers will have access to personalized digital coupons, valuable fuel points, and the fresh, high-quality products they need, want and love.”
Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore thanked Kroger for bringing more jobs into the county.
“Kroger is an important and valued community partner and long-time employer here in Boone County,” Moore said. “We’re grateful for the additional job creation that will help improve the efficiency of home deliveries to customers in Northern Kentucky and throughout the Cincinnati region.”