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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

AutoZone Plans New Kent County, Virginia, Warehouse-Distribution Hub

02/21/2022
AutoZone, Inc., the nation’s leading auto parts retailer and distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories, will establish a new warehouse and distribution center in New Kent County, Virginia. The $185.2 million project is expected to create 352 new jobs.

The company will construct an 800,000-square-foot distribution center and direct import facility in the New Kent City Center to serve as its East Coast distribution operation.

“With over 145 stores in the Commonwealth of Virginia and more than 735 stores in neighboring states along the East Coast, we are very excited to be a part of the New Kent community and Greater Richmond region,” said Bill Rhodes, AutoZone Chairman, President, and CEO. “During our rigorous and competitive search process to identify our next distribution center location, Virginia and New Kent County leadership were tremendous and instrumental in us deciding to join this wonderful community. Our large-scale investment in New Kent County is an important part of our strategy for accelerated growth and represents our commitment to always put customers first.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with New Kent County and The Port of Virginia to secure the project for Virginia. Former Governor Northam approved a $2,512,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist New Kent County with the project. The company is eligible to receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Zone Grant Program, and funding and services to support AutoZone’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. Dominion Energy Virginia will also assist with the project.

“AutoZone’s newest distribution operation in New Kent County will enable the company to easily access 47 percent of U.S. consumers within a one-day drive and global markets through The Port of Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “With more than 4,600 supply chain operations located throughout the Commonwealth, Virginia has emerged as a premier logistics destination serving as a single gateway into critical customer markets. We look forward to a continued partnership with AutoZone.”

AutoZone, Inc. is an American retailer of aftermarket automotive parts and accessories, the largest in the United States. Founded in 1979, the company has over 6,400 stores across the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Brazil and the US Virgin Islands. The company is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

“We applaud AutoZone’s decision to build its East Coast distribution center in Virginia and capitalize on the access to global markets offered by The Port of Virginia,” said Stephen A. Edwards, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “This company is going to be a significant importer, so consistency in its logistics supply chain is critical to a successful operation. The investments we’re making in our terminals will help to ensure that AutoZone can grow its volumes without concern. We welcome AutoZone and are looking forward to a long, collaborative relationship.”

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