Report: German Chain Sets Sights on Florida

Lakeland, Fla. In preparation for its Florida debut next year, German discount supermarket chain Aldi wants to establish a regional headquarters and warehouse in Haines City, Fla., according to The Ledger.

David Behm, a VP with Aldi in Orlando, said the chain plans to build a $40 million, 500,000-sq.-ft. distribution center and offices that will employ about 100 people. Aldi's proposal would create about 100 jobs paying an average wage of $42,785, the report said.

Companies that relocate to cities within Polk County, Fla., and create a minimum 10 jobs, are eligible for county impact-fee cuts of up to $7,500 per job, as long as average wages are at least 115% of the county's average. Aldi's proposed wages exceed 125% of Polk's average wage, $31,787, as determined by the state. <p Aldi, which utilizes a no-frills business model and focuses on private-label goods, also expects to open a local store in North Lakeland, Fla., next fall. This location is part of the company’s plan to open between 20 to 25 more stores, primarily in Central Florida, Behm said.