RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Ross Stores, known by the brand Ross Dress for Less, plans to open a new distribution center in Randolph County and invest $450 million in the area.
On Tuesday, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the plan, which is expected to create 852 new jobs with a potential payroll impact of more than $39 million a year.
“We are delighted to welcome Ross Stores to Randolph County,” said Cooper in a news release. “Nationally recognized brands like Ross will appreciate the quality of life in North Carolina as well as the capability of our world-class workforce to help them grow and succeed.”
The company’s ninth distribution center will be a 1.7 million-square-foot facility located on 330 acres in the northwest corner of Randleman, near N.C. 74 and exit 84. Wall Bros Road will be closed and absorbed by the project, according to the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation. New Market Civitan Park will remain and is not part of the project.
The facility will be used for warehousing, fulfillment and packing operations.
“We are excited about the opportunity to build out a new distribution facility in North Carolina to support our growth initiatives over the long term,” said Rob Kummerer, executive vice president of supply chain for Ross Stores, Inc. “We value the collaboration of the many state and local leaders, including the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, Department of Commerce and the officials in the city of Randleman and Randolph County who have been instrumental in bringing these plans to fruition.”
The North Carolina Economic Development Committee approved a Job Development Investment Grant for Ross Dress For Less, Inc. on Tuesday. The grant will potentially reimburse the company up to $7,611,300 over 12 years, dependant on the company meeting job creation and investment targets, and the company is expected to grow the state’s economy by $1.4 billion. For every dollar that North Carolina invests in the project, the state expects to receive about $1.61 in revenue.
Because the company will be coming to a Tier 2 county, the JDIG agreement also means that up to $845,700 will be moved into the Utility Account of the state’s Industrial Development Fund to help rural North Carolina communities cover the cost of public infrastructure projects which could attract business in the future.
Response from lawmakers
N.C. Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders
“Ross is joining a region of the state that is experiencing rapid growth. North Carolina remains committed to developing and providing the available and skilled workforce that companies need to execute their short and long-term expansion strategies.”
N.C. State House Democratic Leader Robert T. Reives II (D-Randolph)
“Ross’ $450 million investment yet again underscores the strength of North Carolina’s business climate that continues to attract companies of all sizes and industries. This decision is a great return on the investments we’re making in Randolph County, and similarly, across the state, that bring us to these major milestones.”
N.C. Rep. Brian Biggs (R-Randolph)
“We are thrilled to welcome Ross to the region. Projects like these are a testament to the collaborative efforts of our state’s General Assembly, local officials, and economic development professionals. Their dedication and support were instrumental in attracting Ross to North Carolina for its ninth distribution center.”
N.C. State Sen. Amy Galey (R-Randolph)
“This is outstanding news for Randolph County and the entire state of North Carolina. The addition of nearly 900 new jobs will provide great economic opportunities for our community and we are excited to partner with the company for many years to come.”
N.C. State Sen. David W. Craven Jr. (R-Randolph)
“Today is an exciting day for our community. Ross’ choice to build a distribution center in Randleman is a great vote of confidence for the work we’re doing to prepare the infrastructure to help North Carolina communities receive major economic development wins like we’re celebrating today.”
