Publix Super Markets, Inc. will build a refrigerated distribution center in Guilford County by the end of 2022 as part of a multiphase project and has plans to create up to 1,000 jobs by 2025, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The company is expected to invest up to $300 million in the first phase of the project.
“Publix recognizes North Carolina’s commitment to helping businesses and employees thrive, and they trust our workers to fill up to 1,000 new jobs,” said Governor Cooper. “We will keep making sure our workforce has the capacity to excel and meet the needs of Publix and other quickly growing businesses in North Carolina.”
The proposed distribution center will support the delivery of grocery products to Publix locations in the Carolinas and Virginia.
“As a proud community supporter, Publix is excited to create hundreds of new employment opportunities and to help provide for greater economic prosperity in Guilford County,” said Publix CEO & President Todd Jones. “We appreciate the hard work of Governor Cooper and all those involved in making this distribution center possible.”
Publix will add a variety of job functions with this project, including positions in the administrative and maintenance departments as well as the refrigerated warehouse. The annual payroll impact is expected to be $44 million if all phases of the project are completed.
“Publix’s decision to locate up to 1,000 jobs and a new distribution center in Guilford County affirms our state’s reputation as the ideal place to do business,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony M. Copeland. “In addition to our strategic location and proximity to major interstates and railroads, North Carolina is home to a competitive business climate, robust infrastructure and unparalleled education and training opportunities.”
The North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. (EDPNC) led the state’s support for the company’s selection.
Publix’s new distribution center in Guilford County will be facilitated, in part, by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state’s Economic Investment Committee earlier today. The State estimates that the project would grow the state’s economy by $1.38 billion over the course of the 12-year term of the grant. Using a formula that accounts for the new tax revenues generated by the new jobs, the JDIG agreement authorizes the potential reimbursement to the company of up to $13,118,400 spread over 12 years. State payments only occur following performance verification by the Departments of Commerce and Revenue that the company has met its incremental job creation and investment targets. JDIG projects result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury, even after taking into consideration the grant’s reimbursement payments to a given company.
Because Publix chose to locate in Guilford County, classified by the state’s economic tier system as Tier 2, the company’s JDIG agreement also calls for moving as much as $1,457,600 in new tax revenue generated through the grant into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The Utility Account helps rural communities finance necessary infrastructure upgrades to attract future business. Even when new jobs are created in a Tier 2 county such as Guilford, the new tax revenue generated through JDIG grants helps more economically challenged communities throughout the state. More information on the state’s economic tier designations is available here.
“Publix selected Guilford County for its business environment, ideal location, high quality of life and excellent workforce,” said N.C. Senator Trudy Wade. “I’m proud to welcome the new distribution center and the potential 1,000 good jobs it will bring to our community.”
“I thank Publix for this substantial investment in our area,” said N.C. Representative John Hardister. “I know that Guilford County’s high-quality workers are prepared to hit the ground running in these new jobs. We look forward to working in partnership with Publix toward continued growth and success.”
Partnering with N.C. Commerce and the EDPNC on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, Guilford County, the City of Greensboro and the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.