Publix To Bring Distribution Center, Up To 1,000 Jobs To Greensboro

Publix Super Markets, Inc. has committed to building a distribution center in Greensboro that could bring up to 1,000 jobs to the region.

Gov. Roy Cooper made the announcement Wednesday at an annual luncheon organized by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.

Officials with Publix say the initial phase of the project could create up to 1,000 jobs over five years, with average salaries around $44,000 per year.

Construction on phase one of the project is expected to begin in early 2020.

At the announcement, Cooper struck an optimistic tone for the Triad's business ecosystem, suggesting this might be the latest of many economic victories to come.

“This is a great place to live, one of the best kept secrets in the world,” he said. “And the world is watching us, Guilford County. And there are more companies, I believe, that have their eye right here.”

While neither Cooper nor a spokesperson for Publix would reveal who the other finalists for the project were, both suggested the Triad's infrastructure, workforce, and quality of life were major factors in the decision.

“When companies are looking at places to go, the number one issue is workforce,” Cooper said. “And the kind of people who are here…that's the most important thing. And I feel confident that Publix believes that the workforce here will be good for them.”

Wednesday's news comes on the heels of some recent losses for Guilford County, including VF Corp.'s announcement that it would be moving its headquarters elsewhere. Early in the year, local leaders also learned the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite would not be the location of a new Toyota-Mazda assembly plant, which would have been a major employer.

According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, more than $45 million in state and local economic incentives were offered to lure the Publix project to the Triad. That includes a combined $32 million from Greensboro and Guilford County, and roughly $13 million from the state.

(Ed.: This story has been updated from an earlier version to include additional details.)