Kroger Announces Plans for New Fulfillment Center in North Carolina

Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. announced today the addition of a new customer fulfillment center (CFC) in North Carolina. The high-tech CFC, measuring 200,000 square feet, will be located in Cabarrus County, and is expected to become operational within 24 months after the site breaks ground.

"The acceleration of our delivery business continues with the development of an additional customer fulfillment center, advancing our commitment to creating career opportunities and serving shoppers fresh food fast through interconnected, automated, and innovative facilities and last-mile solutions across America," said Gabriel Arreaga, Kroger's SVP and chief supply chain officer, in a statement. 

Powered by the Ocado Group, a U.K. based technology company that provides end-to-end online grocery fulfilment solutions, the location will employ up to 700 associates over the next five years to fill online grocery orders.

"We're excited to come to North Carolina in partnership with Kroger," said Luke Jensen, CEO of Ocado Solutions. "As demonstrated by the two state-of-the-art CFCs already live in other parts of the country, Ocado is helping Kroger to establish a new high-bar in the type of quality and service that U.S. grocery shoppers can receive online. We can't wait for customers across North Carolina to experience online delivery, enabled by Ocado's unique technology."

Some locals are welcoming this addition to the Kroger Fulfillment Network in the Tar Heel State.

"As e-commerce continues to grow, I'm pleased Kroger will locate this highly advanced fulfillment center in our state," said Governor Roy Cooper. "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."

Kroger sees its partnership with the Ocado British tech partner as essential for its online delivery growth.

Kroger Fulfillment Network currently operates CFCs in Groveland, Fla. and Monroe, Ohio and is slated to open sites in California; Dallas, Texas; Forest Park, Ga. (Atlanta); Frederick, Md., Phoenix, Ariz., Pleasant Prairie, Wis., Romulus, Mich. (Detroit), as well as South Florida, the Northeast, Pacific Northwest and West.