Raleigh, N.C.— Governor Pat McCrory, N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla III and the Economic Development Partnership of N.C. announced today that Lidl, one of the fastest growing retailers in Europe, will open a new regional headquarters and distribution center in Alamance County. The project will create 80 new full-time jobs and 120 hourly positions in Alamance County during the next three years. The company plans to invest more than $125 million over the same period.
“Lidl is one of the best known grocery store names in Europe,” said Governor McCrory. “North Carolina will play a key role as the company begins its plans to enter the U.S. market.”
Lidl currently operates nearly 10,000 stores in 26 countries throughout Europe. It is part of the Schwarz Group, which is the largest retailer in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Lidl has a simple philosophy – focusing on offering customers top quality fresh goods and grocery products at the most competitive pricing in convenient locations. While customers find savings by choosing Lidl’s own great quality brands, they can still shop for their favorite branded goods, available at competitive prices.
“This is clearly a good strategic decision by Lidl to put a regional headquarters and distribution center in North Carolina,” said Secretary Skvarla. “By locating here, it can take advantage of our great workforce and infrastructure as it builds its presence in the United States.”
The new jobs will include administrative and management positions in the regional headquarters. The average annual salary for the full-time jobs will be $80,000 which exceeds the average annual salary of $36,019 in Alamance County.
“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 and 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 exciting news to have these great paying jobs coming to Alamance County,” said Senator Rick Gunn. “I look forward to working with Governor McCrory to bring more jobs like these to North Carolina.”
“Congratulations to Lidl for making the decision to locate in Alamance County,” said Representative Stephen Ross. “It will be a great economic boost for Graham, Mebane and all of Alamance County.”
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.