AutoZone, the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive parts and products in the United States, will build a new distribution facility in Ocala, Florida. The new facility will create 240 jobs and invest $50 million in the local community.

Construction for the AutoZone Distribution Center –AutoZone’s 10th in the U.S.– will begin in early 2017 and open in 2018. This facility will service AutoZone stores throughout Florida and Puerto Rico. Each AutoZone store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. AutoZone opened its first store in Florida in 1984.

Rod Halsell, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain for AutoZone, said, “We are grateful to the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership, the Ocala City Council, the Marion County Board of Commissioners and Cone Distributing for their warm welcome and support for our growing business. We look forward to being an active member of the Ocala and Marion County community in the coming years.”

Governor Rick Scott said, “I am proud to announce that AutoZone will be building a new distribution facility and creating 240 jobs in Ocala. As a national company, AutoZone could have chosen to invest in many other locations, but they ultimately chose Florida as the best place to invest their growing company. We will continue to do all we can to outcompete other states for job wins so we can create even more opportunities for our families.”

According to the Governor’s Office, as a major international trade center, Florida has a robust distribution and logistics sector. Florida offers easy access to global markets, plus the infrastructure to facilitate the needs of any wholesale trade and transportation provider.

“Florida continues to attract international leaders in the logistics and distribution industry, and we’re thrilled to add the AutoZone name to that list. AutoZone will be able to capitalize on Florida’s expansive infrastructure, and we look forward to watching their new facility take shape in Ocala,” said Crystal Sircy, COO/Executive Vice President of Enterprise Florida.

Kathy Bryant, Chair of the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, said, “We are excited to welcome AutoZone to Marion County. Within three years, our community will have 240 job opportunities through this one company, and the positive impact of that will certainly be felt within our community beyond those new employees and their families.”