Longs Drug Plans New DC

Walnut Creek, Calif., Longs Drug Stores will build a new 800,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Patterson, Calif. The new facility will support the company’s goal to raise its self-distribution of front-end merchandise to 80% in 2007 from its 40% today.

Longs will invest $50 million to $55 million in the facility to open by fall 2006. Eventually, the facility will absorb the front-end merchandise distribution currently handled by the retailer’s 427,000-sq.-ft. Lathrop, Calif., distribution center.