As Lidl continues its steady progression towards solidifying its U.S. footprint, the company has announced that the retailer will be building its third distribution center, and new regional headquarters, in Cecil County, MD.
“We are excited to announce a new hub of operations for Lidl US in Maryland,” said Brendan Proctor, President and CEO of Lidl US. “This facility is an important step in building an efficient infrastructure that will allow us to deliver outstanding quality goods to our customers at the lowest possible prices.”
The new distribution center will be a $100 million investment into the state. Along with the regional headquarters, the company expects 100 new jobs to be created for the state, according to a Lidl press release.
“We are proud that a growing global company like Lidl chose Maryland as its gateway to the U.S. market,” said Governor Larry Hogan, according to a Maryland Department of Commerce press release. “One of Lidl’s key guiding principles is providing its customers with outstanding quality at the best price. Maryland shares Lidl’s philosophy when it comes to customer service, and we are committed to attracting more companies like Lidl so that we can continue to provide Marylanders with excellent job opportunities.”
The distribution center and headquarters will open no later than 2018, which will keep in line with the company’s current projection for its stores to be open by that year as well.
The Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $360,000 conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund to assist with Lidl’s expected costs for the project.
The Cecil County Office of Economic Development will provide a Workforce Training Partnership grant for $20,000, with an additional conditional $16,000 loan based on the project’s goals for employment created.
“We selected Cecil County not only because it offers a central location for our distribution network, but also because it will be a great place for our employees to work and live,” finished Proctor. “We look forward to being part of this community and introducing residents in the area to a unique shopping experience that will be unlike anything else in the market. We thank Governor Larry Hogan, as well as leaders in Cecil County, for their support throughout this process.”
Lidl may be eligible for other various tax credits for the investment, including the state’s Enterprise Zones Property Tax Credit and the Job Creation Tax Credit.
The company’s U.S. headquarters are based in Arlington Country, VA, with regional headquarters and distribution centers located in Spotsylvania, VA, and Alamance County, NC. Lidl stated that it has created more than 1,000 job opportunities through these facilities.
As Lidl inches closer to its U.S. debut, Deli Market News will continue reporting on the latest announcements and company plans.