CINCINNATI, OH - Kroger is investing $250 million to kick off the construction of a combined 2-million-square-foot distribution and warehouse center in Atlanta’s Forest Park. The facility is currently on schedule to be opened by September 2015, according to Cincinnati Business Courier.

The construction of the site marks one of the largest industrial projects in metro Atlanta in recent years, Atlanta Business Chronicle reports. It’s part of the first phase of a long-term redevelopment of the Fort Gillem army base that may eventually include apartments and retail.

Between 700 and 900 skilled workers will be hired when the facility opens, said Forest Park City Manager Frank Brandon. Employment is planned to increase to 1,500 eventually.

Kroger currently has 36 distribution centers nationwide. It employs more than 375,000 people and serves customers across 2,640 supermarkets in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names.

The retailer was also recently named Employer of the Year by the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities at the organization’s annual Bridges Gala in Washington, D.C.  

Kroger