Last week, grocery chain giant Kroger announced plans to build its first automated distribution center near its Cincinnati headquarters.
The company will team up with U.K. online grocer Ocado to build the $55 million, 335,000-square-foot “shed” in Monroe, Ohio.
The facility is expected to create at least 410 new jobs but will be powered in large part by advanced robotics and automation technology. Ocado already relies on robots to shuffle groceries through its U.K. distribution hubs, but the Monroe, Ohio facility will be the first of its kind in the United States, the companies said.
Construction of the warehouse remains subject to the securing of state and local incentives.
Alex Tosolini, Kroger's senior vice president of new business development, said in a statement that the company and its partners hope to “develop the strongest possible supply network to support a seamless customer experience that can serve every person in America.”
The companies originally signed a partnership agreement in the spring. Kroger said it intends to open 20 sheds throughout the United States.
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