Ahold Delhaize plans fourth North Carolina distribution center
Ahold Delhaize USA is set to make a major investment in its supply chain.
The U.S. subsidiary of Dutch supermarket conglomerate Ahold Delhaize has announced that its distribution and transportation companies, ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation, will build an $860 million “state-of-the-art” distribution center in Burlington, N.C. The new facility will grow the company’s supply chain network, which serves Ahold Delhaize USA’s omnichannel grocery brands on the East Coast, by adding over 1 million sq. ft. of distribution infrastructure.
Construction on the new facility is expected to begin in 2026, with an anticipated start of operations in 2029. Over time, the site is expected to employ over 500 associates. To maximize efficiency, Ahold Delhaize USA says the site will leverage proven supply chain automation technology.
[READ MORE: Ahold Delhaize USA banners manage made-to-order with Instacart]
“The investment into this facility is an investment into the customers who trust our brands to nourish their families,” said JJ Fleeman, CEO for Ahold Delhaize USA. “Through the new distribution center, ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation will expand their capacity to support Food Lion’s growth in the state, along with bringing new jobs. We’re excited to locate this facility in North Carolina and continue to grow our presence in a state where our companies have done business for more than 65 years.”
Ahold Delhaize USA says its supply chain network has one of the largest fleets on the East Coast with more than 8,000 assets, logging approximately 125 million miles annually. In addition to the new facility, ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation operate three other distribution centers in North Carolina in Salisbury, Butner and Dunn.
Earlier this year, Ahold Delhaize USA enhanced its ability to track and analyze supply chain and consumer data by extending its strategic partnership with enterprise analytics provider Circana LLC.
“At ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation, we pride ourselves on being an employer of choice and providing excellent service for the grocery brands we support,” said Sanja Krajnovic, chief supply chain officer, and executive VP of ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation, who joined the company earlier this year. “We appreciate the support of the City of Burlington, Guilford County and State of North Carolina in working with us on this project. We look forward to starting construction on the site soon, expanding our presence in the state and welcoming new associates as we prepare for the opening of the facility.”
Ahold Delhaize USA operates more than 2,000 stores in 23 states across its banners Food Lion, The Giant Company, Giant Food, Hannaford and Stop & Shop.
