Ahold Delhaize USA Unveils Plans for $860 Million Distribution Center in Burlington, NC

Ahold Delhaize USA is set to construct a state-of-the-art distribution center valued at $860 million in Burlington, North Carolina. The new facility will encompass over 1 million square feet dedicated to fresh and frozen food storage, subsequently generating more than 500 jobs in the region.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks New Chapter

Company executives, alongside state and local leaders, officially broke ground on Monday for the new distribution site. This facility will serve Food Lion and other grocery brands under the Ahold Delhaize umbrella and is anticipated to commence operations in 2029.

Part of the Growing Together Strategy

This initiative aligns with the company’s “Growing Together” strategy designed to modernize its supply chain while expanding its operational capacity along the East Coast. “This groundbreaking marks another exciting step forward in strengthening our supply chain network and ensuring we can serve our customers with the freshest products every day,” stated JJ Fleeman, Chief Executive Officer of Ahold Delhaize USA. “We’re proud to invest in North Carolina – one of our home states for nearly 70 years – and to continue building on our commitment to serving local customers and communities by providing access to nutritious and affordable options.”

Innovative Features of the Burlington Facility

The Burlington site is set to become the largest distribution center within Ahold Delhaize USA’s network. It will incorporate advanced automation and sustainability features aimed at enhancing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. “At ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation, we are focused on delivering best-in-class service to the grocery brands we support,” remarked Sanja Krajnovic, Chief Supply Chain Officer and EVP at ADUSA Distribution and Transportation. “The Burlington distribution center will be our largest facility in the network, enabling us to expand our capacity, implement new technology, and deploy automation capabilities as we modernize our supply chain. We look forward to welcoming new associates to our team who are passionate about serving the millions of customers who rely on our brands every week.”

Supporting North Carolina’s Economy

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein highlighted the importance of this project, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking underscores North Carolina’s continued leadership in attracting transformative investments that create hundreds of good-paying jobs, strengthen supply chains, and support long-term economic growth.”

Ahold Delhaize’s Expanding Presence

The Burlington facility will mark Ahold Delhaize’s fourth distribution center in North Carolina, joining existing sites in Salisbury, Butner, and Dunn. Together, these facilities contribute to one of the largest grocery supply chains on the East Coast. Ahold Delhaize USA operates more than 8,000 transportation assets and covers upwards of 125 million miles annually, reflecting its extensive logistical capabilities.