Kroger

FOREST PARK, Ga. - The Kroger Co. announced Thursday it will relocate to a new $175 million distribution complex in the Atlanta suburb of Forest Park, creating 120 new jobs over the next five years.

The 1 million-square-foot distribution center will service existing operations in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. The new jobs at the Forest Park facility will include warehouse, security, transportation management and other maintenance positions.

Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger's Atlanta Division, said the new facility "will improve efficiences, help the economy in the communities we serve and deliver products to our stores much more quickly."

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal touted Georgia's highway and rail system, relatively low cost of business and a skilled workforce as reasons the state is the right place for the company to expand.

"Georgia is the ideal location for Kroger to establish its newest distribution facility," said Deal. "Our interconnected highway and railway system, low cost of doing business and highly skilled workforce create a solid foundation to better serve Kroger's markets in the Southeast."

The Fort Gillem property, where the Kroger facility will locate, was officially transferred from the Department of Defense to the city of Forest Park for this project.

Kroger currently employs more than 24,000 Georgians. The company's existing operations include two food manufacturing facilities, distribution centers and numerous retail locations.