Lidl, part of the Schwarz group and one of the fastest growing retailers in Europe, will invest more than $125 million to open a new regional headquarters and distribution center in Alamance County, North Carolina. The project will create 80 new full-time jobs and 120 hourly positions in Alamance County during the next three years.

“North Carolina provides a talented workforce, a strategic location and market opportunities which presents an incredible opportunity as Lidl prepares its expansion into the United States,” said Brendan Proctor, President/CEO for Lidl US. “We thank Governor McCrory and our local partners in Alamance County, who recognize Lidl’s potential and are working with us to bring Lidl to the area.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $250,000. The One NC Fund provides financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state. Companies receive no money up front and must meet job creation and investment performance standards to qualify for grant funds. These grants also require and are contingent upon local matches.

“This is clearly a good strategic decision by Lidl to put a regional headquarters and distribution center in North Carolina,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla III. “By locating here, it can take advantage of our great workforce and infrastructure as it builds its presence in the United States.”

“Lidl is one of the best known grocery store names in Europe,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “North Carolina will play a key role as the company begins its plans to enter the United States market.”

In addition to N.C. Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C., other partners that helped with this project include North Carolina Department of Transportation, North Carolina Community College System, North Carolina Rural Economic Development Division, the Golden Leaf Foundation, NCWorks, Elon University, city of Graham, city of Mebane, Alamance County, the Alamance County Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Alamance County Economic Development Foundation.