Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Harris Teeter, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), will invest $95 million to establish a 1.5 million-square-foot food distribution operation in Caroline County, of which the first phase will be at least 650,000 square feet. Virginia successfully competed with North Carolina for the project, which will create 400 new jobs.
Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “It is gratifying that our business attraction efforts will result in a well-known brand like Harris Teeter establishing its first Virginia distribution operation in Caroline County. This project is a significant win that represents major investment and the creation of hundreds of jobs. Today’s announcement is a great step forward in our efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”
“Harris Teeter’s significant investment in Caroline County is a testament to the superior assets the Commonwealth has to offer businesses,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Virginia, which is within a 10-hour drive from over 50% of the U.S. population, has proven to be a strategic location for companies’ distribution and logistics assets. We have a coveted location in the middle of the U.S. east coast, outstanding talent, a great business climate and incredible quality of life.”
Harris Teeter, headquartered in Matthews, N.C., was co-founded in 1960 by North Carolina grocers W.T. Harris and Willis Teeter. Harris Teeter operates over 230 stores and three fuel centers in seven states and the District of Columbia. Harris Teeter has approximately 28,000 associates.
“Harris Teeter is thrilled by the opportunity to grow our business with a new distribution center in Caroline County,” said Danna Robinson, communication manager for Harris Teeter. “The location makes sense for our existing distribution structure, and we look forward to contributing to the county’s economic growth as well as job market as we move forward with this project.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Caroline County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $650,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Caroline County with the project. The company will also be eligible to receive a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“Harris Teeter’s 1.5 million-square-foot distribution center is a historically large investment for Caroline County,” said Chairman of the Caroline County Board of Supervisors Calvin Taylor. “Caroline County is gratified that an exceptional company like Harris Teeter has selected our community. Caroline County’s interstate access, central location on Interstate 95 and exceptional workforce continues to make Caroline an exceptional community in which businesses may invest and thrive.”
“In committing to Virginia and to Caroline County, Harris Teeter has made an excellent decision,” noted Senator Ryan T. McDougle. “The jobs generated by this facility will bolster Caroline’s economy and aid in spurring economic growth and development for the entire region.”
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