Publix Super Markets celebrated its first day of processing at its new 638,000-square-foot distribution center in McCalla this week with an opening celebration and media tour. The facility will consist of 600,000 square feet of warehouse space and 38,000 square feet will be dedicated to cafeteria space, where workers will receive a free meal each day. The expansion is expected to create 300 new jobs by the end of 2017.
Media and officials touring the Publix Distribution Center in McCalla.
Publix joins several growing companies that call the Jefferson Metropolitan Industrial Park home. Beginning this week, products will be delivered to more than 80 Publix stores in Alabama and Tennessee from the facility.
County officials attended the grand opening ceremony to help celebrate the new addition to the Jefferson County business sector. Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens reflected on the importance of the Publix expansion for the county.
“The business model that Publix has worked and prospered under is one to be admired by companies in our region and throughout the country,” said Jefferson County Commissioner Jimmie Stephens. “We’re excited for the beginning of a long, mutually prosperous relationship with Publix.”
Publix Super Markets worked closely with the Alabama Department of Commerce, Jefferson County officials and the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) to make the project come to life. Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington expressed his thoughts on how the new distribution center will influence business growth.
Publix employee preparing first shipment from McCalla distribution center.
“Everything we do as an organization reflects upon the team, on the tremendous support of our partners,” said Rick Davis, senior vice president of economic development for the BBA. “None of this happens without each of us playing an important role. Patrick Murphy, with Alabama Power, Mike Swinson with Alagasco, Ted vonCannon with JCEIDA, we’re all contributors to the end result, which is bringing an elite-level corporate citizen like Publix to Jefferson County and the region.”
The company currently holds 58 stores in Alabama, with locations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
“We’ve always admired how Publix treats its customers and employees,” said Jefferson County Commissioner David Carrington. “By bringing 300 new jobs here, this expansion helps Jefferson County continue to make a viable economic impact on the local community and our great state.”