ATLANTA, GA - Following the announcement of its 2017 plans to expand its footprint to more than 250 stores in 15 states, Sprouts Farmers Markets will be opening a new temperature-controlled distribution center for its Southeastern operations. The 260,000 square-foot facility, purchased in July of 2016, reflects the expansion of the retailer's partnership with Americold.

“The opening of our East Point site allows us to support Sprouts and other food retailers that are rapidly expanding throughout the Southeast. We’re very happy to bring new jobs and career opportunities to our hometown Atlanta community,” commented Fred Boehler, President and CEO of Americold, according to source American Journal of Transportation. “Americold is thrilled to be able to work with Sprouts as an anchor tenant in this facility and provide the additional, dedicated capacity needed as they continue to expand their healthy grocery operations from coast to coast.”

The East Point, GA site will serve as a temperature-controlled distribution center for Sprouts’ Southeastern operations, which will expand considerably in 2017. The site offers two temperature zones at 34F and 55F—ideal for Sprouts’ fresh produce warehousing needs.

“As Sprouts continues to grow, we’re deeply invested in enhancing our operations and developing our team members so they can deliver the best experience possible for our guests,” said Sprouts Chief Operations Officer Dan Sanders, according to a statement earlier this year. “Sprouts team members are inspired by the company’s growth and our ‘healthy living for less’ approach to grocery shopping, and we offer tremendous opportunities for career progression, especially in the Southeast."

As we’ve previously reported, each of the new 35 stores is garnered to bring over 100 job opportunities to each area.

What moves are next for retailers? Stay tuned with AndNowUKnow for the latest!

Sprouts Farmers Markets