Kroger has announced that it has commenced the construction of its second high-tech customer fulfilment centre in the USA.
The Florida-based project is being carried out in association with Ocado, one of the world's leaders in online grocery retail.
In May of 2018, Kroger and Ocado announced a partnership to bring Ocado's innovation and technologies to the US.
'Industry-Leading Partnership'
"Kroger is excited to enter Florida to redefine the customer experience through our industry-leading partnership with Ocado," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman, and CEO.
Ocado chief executive, Tim Steiner, described the collaboration as "a big step" and added, "As they enter Florida for the first time, Kroger is breaking ground in more ways than one, and I am delighted to bring Ocado's world-class technology to its operations in such an important market."
The retailer is investing $55 million to build the customer fulfilment centre in Groveland, which is expected to be operational in 2021.
It will occupy an area of around 375,000 square feet and is expected to generate up to 400 new job opportunities.
'Exciting Opportunities'
Steiner said, "Our partnership is also creating exciting opportunities for technologists and engineers to work with Ocado's cutting-edge robotics and automation.
"As this site develops, we look forward to welcoming new talent to our skilled, dedicated and growing teams across the United States," he added.
Kroger's first automated warehouse facility with digital and robotic capabilities is under construction in Monroe in Ohio.
Kroger aims to open 20 CFCs as part of its transformation to an omnichannel retailer.
The retail giant has named two additional sites for building more automated warehouses in Georgia and the Mid-Atlantic region.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
