Belk Inc. establishing new distribution center in Union County
March 9, 2012
$4.5 million capital investment expected to create 124 new jobs
COLUMBIA, SC – March 8, 2012 – Department store retailer Belk Inc. today announced plans to locate a new eCommerce distribution and fulfillment center in Union County. The $4.5 million capital investment is expected to generate 124 new jobs over the next five years.
“Belk’s eCommerce growth has been very strong, and to accommodatethe demand from our customers, we need additional fulfillment space. Weare pleased to fulfill that need with this new facility in UnionCounty,” said Belk President and COO John R. Belk. “South Carolinaoffers us an excellent business environment, a strong workforce andexceptional access to markets. We appreciate all the support we’vereceived from state and local officials in making this project areality.”
Belk Inc. will establish the new eCommerce distribution andfulfillment center, an expansion of the company’s existing eCommercefulfillment center in Pineville, N.C., in the former Disney facility inUnion, and expects to begin operations in June.
“It’s a great day in South Carolina and we celebrate Belk’s decisionto invest $4.5 million and create 124 new jobs in Union County. We arecommitted to bringing new jobs to communities all across our state, andannouncements like this show we are on the right track in our economicdevelopment efforts,” said Gov. Nikki Haley.
In 2011, South Carolina recruited more than $285 million ininvestment and more than 2,500 new jobs in the distribution andlogistics sector.
“South Carolina is a great location forcompanies trying to get products to markets throughout the Southeast. Anestablished brand like Belk locating distribution facilities in one ofour state’s rural communities is a real boost, and shows South Carolinahas the business climate companies are looking for,” said Secretary ofCommerce Bobby Hitt.
“We are happy with Belk’s decision to locate here from severalaspects. First and foremost, it means jobs for our citizens while at thesame time utilizing a previously vacant building. Belk’s business modelwill provide diverse job opportunities in an ever increasing,technologically based commerce,” said Union County Supervisor TommySinclair. “Belk’s faith in Union’s workforce and their forecast ofcontinued growth certainly makes us excited about their future inUnion.”
“Many thanks to Belk for choosing Union County as the location fortheir eCommerce venture. This is another great success story that willbring over 100 jobs to our citizens who are seeking full-timeemployment,” said Union County Development Board Chairman Joe Nichols.
readySC will assist with the recruitment, application and training process for the facility. Interested applicants should visit www.sctechjobs.com.
About Belk Inc.
Charlotte, N.C.-based Belk, Inc. (www.belk.com)is the nation’s largest privately owned mainline department storecompany with 303 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states. The companywas founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., and is in thethird generation of Belk family leadership. Its belk.com web site offers a wide assortment of fashion apparel, shoes andaccessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, awedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for thehome.
