Dollar General to build three new distribution centers
Dollar General Corp. is supporting its fresh product and private fleet expansion with new supply chain infrastructure.
The discount retailer plans to build three new distribution centers in North Little Rock, Ark.; Aurora, Colo.; and Salem, Ore. Collectively, Dollar General expects the three approximately one-million-square-foot facilities to create up to 1,100 total jobs and represent an approximately $480 million combined investment.
At full capacity, the Aurora and Salem facilities are each expected to create approximately 400 new jobs, and North Little Rock is expected to create 300.
[Read more: Dollar General prepares for hiring blitz]
The North Little Rock and Salem distribution centers are expected to add to the company’s growing number of dual facilities, which combines the capabilities of ambient and DG Fresh supply chain networks, and the Aurora facility will provide traditional functionalities.
One of Dollar General’s top initiatives in recent years has been the addition of freezer and cooler space in new and remodeled stores to allow stores to offer more refrigerated and frozen products, including fresh produce. Each facility will also support the company’s growing private fleet.
Following are highlights of each new distribution center:
North Little Rock, Arkansas
The North Little Rock dual distribution center facility represents an approximate $140 million investment, and construction is currently slated to begin by fall 2022 with a late 2023 planned completion date. Management hiring is expected to begin in spring 2023 with warehouse associate recruitment currently scheduled to begin in fall 2023. Dollar General opened its first store in Arkansas in 1975.
Aurora, Colorado
Dollar General plans to invest approximately $172 million in the Aurora facility. Construction on the project is currently scheduled to begin in late summer 2022, with a late 2023 completion date. Management hiring is expected to begin in late spring 2023, with warehouse hiring to begin in fall 2023. The company opened its first Colorado store in 2002.
Salem, Oregon
The Dollar General Salem dual distribution center represents an approximate $168 million investment. The company currently expects to close on the Salem distribution center property in August 2022 and begin construction by fall 2022. Dollar General currently operates more than 80 stores in Oregon.
DG Private Fleet Expansion
The planned new distribution facilities will also support Dollar General’s private distribution fleet. The company currently plans for its private fleet to represent 40% of its drivers by the end of fiscal year 2022.
Since its inception in 2016, Dollar General says its private fleet has grown to approximately 950 tractors and drivers and 25 private fleet sites. Dollar General provides on-the-job training to any company employee interested in earning their Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
“We look forward to breaking ground on these new projects, which will help us not only better serve our customers and communities, but also combine efficiencies of our DG Fresh and traditional supply chains,” said Tony Zuazo, Dollar General executive VP of global supply chain.
Based in Goodlettsville, Tenn., Dollar General Corp. operated 18,356 stores in 47 states as of April 29, 2022.