US retailer Kroger has announced that its second customer fulfilment centre (CFC), part of a string of facilities operated by e-commerce firm Ocado, will be built in Groveland, Lake County, Florida.
Kroger has pledged to build 20 such centres – automated warehouses powered by digital and robotic technologies and operated by Ocado – across the country. The agreement with Ocado outlining the programme for the CFCs was finalised in October of last year.
The company has previously said that the first centre would be constructed in Monroe, Ohio – a suburb to the north of Cincinnati.
Leveraging Technology
"Kroger is incredibly excited to construct one of our industry-leading customer fulfilment centre in Groveland, Florida – a city west of Orlando – through our relationship with Ocado," said Alex Tosolini, Kroger's senior vice-president of new-business development.
"Through our strategic partnership, we are leveraging advanced robotics technology and creative solutions to redefine the customer experience across America," added Tosolini.
The city of Groveland also welcomed the construction of the facility. Mayor Evelyn Wilson commented, "We see it as another component to our overall community development, and it demonstrates the city's commitment to foster quality jobs and provide exceptional liveability."
The facility, which occupies 375,000 square feet, will employ more than 400 people. Construction will start later this year, and the CFC will be open for business in 2021, according to a release.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Karen Henderson. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
