Harris Teeter, will invest $5.5 million to expand the perishable facility of its existing Indian Trail Distribution Center in Union County, North Carolina, with plans to create 41 jobs during the next three years.

The Indian Trail Distribution Center currently includes both a perishable and grocery facility. The Company anticipates starting construction on the 50,000 square foot expansion by late October 2014 and believes construction will take up to 10 months to complete. The expansion will allow the company to more efficiently operate its distribution network and deliver to the Harris Teeter stores served by its Indian Trail Distribution Center.

Harris Teeter is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. and operates 230 grocery stores in eight states throughout the Southeast as well as the District of Columbia. Harris Teeter distributes products through two distribution centers in North Carolina, as well as a relay station located in Virginia.

The Company’s Indian Trail Distribution Center currently serves an estimated 104 stores across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. The expansion will allow Harris Teeter to serve up to 125 stores.

“We’re committed to promoting economic growth in North Carolina, and we know that many of those jobs will come from existing companies like Harris Teeter,” said Governor Pat McCrory. “Harris Teeter’s decision to expand in Union County shows the company’s support of the local community.”

“North Carolina continues to be a top choice for companies looking to establish advanced distribution facilities,” said Sharon Decker, North Carolina Commerce Secretary. “We have the skilled workforce Harris Teeter needs to grow and flourish in North Carolina.”

The project was made possible in part by a performance-based grant from the One North Carolina Fund of up to $40,000. 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.

Other partners that helped with this project include: the N.C. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of N.C., N.C. Community Colleges, South Piedmont Community College, Union County, and Monroe-Union County Economic Development.