BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The city of Bakersfield announced Wednesday it has been chosen as the location for Ross Stores’ 10th distribution center, the planned half-a-billion-dollar investment expected to create nearly 1,000 new jobs, according to city officials.
The 1.75-million-square-foot processing and distribution center is set to be near the corner of East Belle Terrace and Mount Vernon Avenue, city officials said in a press release.
It would be the second Ross distribution center in Kern County, following the existing center in Shafter.
Ross plans to invest about $500 million to develop the center through a multi-year project, which is expected to break ground in 2027, according to the city.
City Manager Christian Clegg said in the release that the new center is “the largest job generating project sited in Bakersfield in decades,” calling it a great win for the city and the nearby regions.
“This is an important step and signal in our efforts to grow and diversify our economy, Clegg said. “We showed we can fast track, use our development streamlining muscles, form partnerships and have a customer-first approach for this project.”
Ross is planning on recruiting locally for employees for the new distribution center, which is projected to bring hundreds of new jobs, according to the release.
“We are excited to expand our presence in the Greater Bakersfield area with the opening of a processing and distribution center in the city of Bakersfield,” said Rob Kummerer, Executive Vice President of Supply Chain, Ross Stores, Inc.
“This facility will strengthen our operations, support continued growth and create new employment opportunities in the community. We are grateful for the partnership and support of the many state and local leaders whose collaboration helped make this project possible.”
Mayor Karen Goh welcomed Ross Stores and the city’s partnership with the company, saying Ross offers many job opportunities for Bakersfield residents. According to Goh, the labor force income reinvested in the community is expected to result in an annual economic impact of over $100 million.
She thanked city staff, the site consultants and more who assisted in making the project possible.
Source: Ross Stores plans to build new distribution center in Bakersfield, investing $500M | KGET 17 News