New PetSmart DC to open in Pa.

PHOENIX — PetSmart is opening up a new distribution center in Bethel, Pa. in order to better serve its growing store base and increased demands on its supply chain.

According to the company, the new facility, operational by April 2014, will bring approximately 300 jobs to the area in its first year and an estimated 500 jobs by the end of 2016. PetSmart will add construction jobs this year and commence building on the $50 million DC in fall 2012, with completion expected in the first quarter of 2014.



“Bethel presented itself as an ideal location for our new distribution center, and we are excited to become an active part of this community,” said Eddie Burt, SVP supply chain for PetSmart. “The construction of this new facility and the jobs it’s creating is just the beginning of our vibrant partnership with the town of Bethel.”



The new, build-to-suit 870,000 square DC,to be located at Berks Park (78 Industrial Park) off of PA I-78, will serve eleven states and Eastern Canada, providing services to 170 PetSmart stores in 2014 and over 260 by 2015.



Once the Bethel DC is complete, PetSmart will vacate two smaller distribution centers located in Gahanna, Ohio and Hagerstown, Md, both of which are nearing capacity. The approximately 160 PetSmart associates affected by these closures will be offered opportunities in other PetSmart DCs.



“The talent of our associates is the primary reason PetSmart has continued to grow,” added Burt. “We are looking forward to building our DC team by providing growth opportunities for existing associates and adding team members from the Bethel community.”