LOXLEY, Alabama — Retailer ALDI officially launched construction this week on a new regional headquarters and distribution center in Baldwin County that will support the company’s expansion throughout the Gulf Coast region.
The project is set to bring approximately $100 million in capital investment, with plans to create more than 200 jobs in Loxley. ALDI announced its growth plans last July.
The 564,000-square-foot facility, opening next year, will become the company’s sixth distribution center in the Southern U.S., and it will be equipped to service up to 100 stores in Alabama, Southern Georgia, Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle and Louisiana.
“We’re proud to stand behind ALDI’s commitment to bringing value to the people of Alabama and the Gulf Coast region,” said Governor Kay Ivey, who attended a ceremonial groundbreaking today.
“We welcome the company’s plans for a regional headquarters and distribution hub in Loxley that will create 200 good-paying jobs for our hardworking citizens.”
GROWTH PLANS
ALDI said the Loxley distribution center will feature several sustainable building elements, such as solar panels, LED lighting and an environmentally friendly refrigeration system.
With the distribution center in place, ALDI plans to open as many as 35 new Gulf Coast-area stores by the end of 2022, with the first two stores in Tallahassee, Florida slated to open later this year.
“We’re incredibly proud to continue growing in all aspects of our business, from opening new stores to enhancing our eCommerce offerings, especially in light of the challenges businesses have faced in the last year,” said Jason Hart, CEO of ALDI U.S.
“Our commitment to our shoppers, new and existing, is the same — we will do everything in our power to offer the lowest possible prices every day — and we look forward to supporting more communities across the country with amazing ALDI products at a value that can’t be matched,” he added.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
While the expansion is the grocery retailer’s first step into Baldwin County, ALDI currently operates 30 stores across the state of Alabama.
“We are ecstatic that ALDI has chosen Loxley for their regional headquarters and distribution center location. We are eager for the new job opportunities that are to come for citizens as well as the economic growth and development for our community,” said Mayor Richard Teal.
“ALDI’s decision to bring this facility to Baldwin County further cements our place as Alabama’s leader for incoming business investment and growth,” said Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance.
“This first-class facility will create a diverse mix of both warehousing and white-collar jobs for our community, and we’re excited to see construction begin,” he added.
(Courtesy of Made in Alabama)
