O’Reilly Auto Parts opened its new distribution center and warehouse in Lakeland, Florida, which will create 400 jobs in the Polk County region and generate $40 million in capital investment.

The firm one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional service provider markets.

“We are very excited to begin servicing our stores from this new, state-of-the-art distribution center in central Florida,” said Greg Johnson, Senior Vice-President of Distribution Operations for O’Reilly. “O’Reilly currently operates over 90 stores in Florida, 30 of which opened within the past year. We see great opportunities to continue to expand our store base throughout Florida, and our new distribution center in Lakeland will provide us with the springboard necessary to successfully execute that growth.”

Gov. Rick Scott said, “O’Reilly Auto Parts’ new distribution center and warehouse is a great addition for families in the Lakeland community.”

Secretary of Commerce and president & CEO of Enterprise Florida, Gray Swoope said, “O’Reilly Auto Parts’ new distribution center in Polk County is a great addition to Florida’s logistics and distribution industry. The strong workforce in Florida and great tax benefits will help companies like O’Reilly Auto Parts to continue growing and I look forward to seeing their future accomplishments.”

This project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Lakeland Economic Development Council, Workforce Florida, Inc., and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

LEDC Council Chairman and Partner with Crowe Horwath LLP, Ira Anderson, said, “The LEDC team is pleased to see the O’Reilly project complete and employing local residents. O’Reilly’s company culture and ownership mirrors the values of our business community and is sure to have a positive impact overall here. We think Lakeland is an excellent choice for anyone looking to open a high impact distribution center given our location, great labor force and business friendly policies.”

The broader wholesale trade, transportation and logistics industry employs more than half a million Floridians, according to Enterprise Florida. Of those, some 85,500 work at companies specifically providing logistics and distribution services. As the gateway to Latin America, Florida’s logistics and distribution industry is poised to grow further with the Panama Canal expansion in 2014 and the numerous infrastructure developments and upgrades underway around the state.