PetSmart opens distribution center in Berks County, Pa.

PetSmart CEO David Lenhardt was joined by Lt. Governor Jim Cawley of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Congressman Charlie Dent (PA-15) at the grand opening of PetSmart’s new distribution center (DC) in Berks County, Pa.



This DC will bring an estimated 500 jobs to Berks County by the end of 2016. The 870,000-sq.-ft. facility will serve 25% of PetSmart’s stores in 11 states, handling and delivering consumables, hard goods and fish to 170 PetSmart stores in 2014 and more than 260 stores by 2015.



“I am proud to stand with all of you today to celebrate a partnership that resulted in PetSmart bringing 500 new jobs to Berks County,” said Lt. Governor Cawley. “This investment by PetSmart reaffirms Pennsylvania’s role as the keystone state to U.S. markets and is a testament to the talent and available workforce here in the region.”



PetSmart said that the $50 million facility is the result of its growth and increased demands on its supply chain. Within proximity of more high volume stores, the new build-to-suit DC will provide transportation savings and enable a significant percentage of PetSmart’s more than 1,240 stores to be serviced from this location.



“We are excited for PetSmart to become a part of the local Bethel community,” said Lenhardt. “PetSmart operates 55 stores and employs more than 2,000 people throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the opening of this new facility is a continuation of our commitment to growing in this area of the country. We look forward to providing opportunities for our existing associates as well as adding new team members from Bethel and the surrounding areas.”