CHARLOTTE — America’s largest grocery store retailer, The Kroger Co., is building a new customer fulfillment center in Cabarrus County that promises to create 700 new jobs over five years.
Gov. Roy Cooper announced Wednesday morning that the high-tech customer fulfillment center will support a logistics facility that will be located in Concord.
Customer fulfillment centers focus on storing items for a short period of time before online customer orders are delivered.
“As e-commerce continues to grow, I’m pleased Kroger will locate this highly advanced fulfillment center in our state,” Cooper said in a news release. “From our hard-working and skilled people to our advanced transportation networks and overall business climate, North Carolina offers the right ingredients for a modern business to succeed.”
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The Kroger Co. serves customers across stores like Kroger, Harris Teeter, Ralphs, and Fred Meyer, among others.
Kroger Fulfillment Network, LLC (KFN) is leading the project. They use artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, and advanced technology for the fast delivery of fresh food and household essentials to customers.
Local officials said the project is a good fit for the community.
“Kroger is delivering a concept that will revolutionize local commerce,” said Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Morris. “They’re bringing creativity and innovation to our lives…It’s exciting to know that the residents of Cabarrus County will be among the first in the nation to benefit from it.”
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Wages will vary based on job roles, but the average annual pay, including benefits, will be above the Cabarrus County average of $41,255. The total payroll impact for the project is expected to reach more than $29 million each year.
“Kroger is a well-established and trusted household name and will bring more than 700 good-quality jobs to Concord,” said Concord Mayor Bill Dusch. “We’re thrilled to have their investment in our city.”
KFN’s project will be facilitated by a Job Development Investment Grant approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee early Wednesday morning.
The project is estimated to grow the state’s economy by $820.8 million over the 12-year term of the grant.
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