482,000 square-foot distribution facility will provide more than 8,000 items and create hundreds of job opportunities
HENDERSON – Smith’s Food and Drug Stores unveiled its new $13.5 million dry goods distribution center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house event at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 16, 1775 Executive Airport Drive in Henderson. Elected officials and representatives from the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) joined the grand opening celebration. In addition, Smith’s presented Three Square Food Bank with 3 pallets of their most requested foods to help combat hunger in the communities of Nevada.
The first food distribution center for Smith’s located in the state of Nevada, a 482,000 square-foot facility, will provide more than 8,000 items, allowing the grocer to ship products to Smith’s stores throughout the southwest including 45 in Nevada, 25 in New Mexico, 4 in Arizona and 2 in Utah. The location will enhance the convenience of shopping by reducing the lead-time from a distribution center to stores, and reduce the supply chain operating expenses, which will lead to lower prices for customers.
“Unveiling our new distribution center is one way we are redefining the grocery experience for our customers through Restock Kroger, our three year growth strategy”, said Kenny Kimball, Presided of Smith’s Food & Drugs Stores. “This investment will allow us to better serve our customers through improved in-stock of grocery products and provide fresh products at lower prices, while also protecting our environment through our Zero Waste operations.”
Keeping with Smith’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, the distribution center will operate as a Zero Waste facility diverting more than 98 percent of waste from the landfill. Techniques include recycling shrink wrap, carboard, pallets, paper, bottles and cans; use of motion sensor LED lighting and a styrofoam free site. The distribution center will prioritize food waste recycling by donating 100 percent of unsellable items that are still edible to Three Square Food Bank.
Additional features of the distribution center include:
- Warehouse associates use a hands-free smart technology that uses voice recognition to communicate work assignments to order selectors.
- The shipping department uses load sequencing to drive accurate delivery of product to customers.
Tax incentives approved by GOED’s Board of Directors helped move the project forward. The LVGEA, Southern Nevada’s regional economic development authority, worked with the Smith’s team, assisting with the application of incentives, as well as the site selection process and connecting it with the City of Henderson.
“The LVGEA is proud to have assisted in Smith’s expansion, which will create hundreds of new jobs for our residents,” said LVGEA President and CEO Jonas Peterson. “Smith’s has a strong existing presence in the greater Las Vegas area, and its decision to further expand and open its first food distribution center in our region is a true reflection of the friendly business climate and operating advantages we offer.”
About Smith’s Food & Drug Stores
At Smith’s Food & Drug Stores, a division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: to Feed the Human Spirit™. We are nearly twenty-thousand associates who serve thousands of customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 142 retail food stores, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
About Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) is a public-private partnership dedicated to growing the economy in Southern Nevada through connectivity, community development, and strong business recruitment, retention and outreach. As Southern Nevada’s regional development authority, the LVGEA’s vision is to help residents thrive in a global economy by fostering a more prosperous, diverse and connected regional economy. To learn more, visit www.lvgea.org.
About Governor’s Office of Economic Development
Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and Governor Brian Sandoval to restructure economic development in the state. GOED’s role is to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous economy in Nevada, to stimulate business expansion and retention, encourage entrepreneurial enterprise, attract new businesses and facilitate community development. More information on the Governor’s Office of Economic Development can be viewed at www.diversifynevada.com.
About the City of Henderson
Incorporated in 1953, Henderson is Nevada’s second largest city with more than 310,000 residents. Henderson is a premier city, nationally recognized for its stunning parks, trails, master-planned communities, outstanding quality of life and patriotic past. Recognized as one of America’s Best Places to Live (MONEY and Liveability.com), one of America’s Best Cities (Business Week), one of the safest cities in America (Forbes, InsuranceProviders.com, Law Street Media, Movato.com), and a Bicycle Friendly Community (League of American Bicyclists), Henderson is a progressive and vibrant city committed to maintaining premier amenities and services for all who choose to live, learn, work and play in Henderson…a place to call home.
