German supermarket giant Lidl formally announced that it will open a new regional headquarters and distribution center near Perryville.
Gov. Larry Hogan announced the regional headquarters and distribution center will be located in the Principio Business Park. Previous reports have indicated the center will employ 100.
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The company will invest $100 million in the project and create 100 new full-time jobs at the facility over the next three years. The company plans to open its first stores in the U.S. no later than 2018. The company had earlier taken out a building permit for the site, but had not made any formal comment,
“We are proud that a growing global company like Lidl chose Maryland as its gateway to the U.S. market,” said Hogan. “One of Lidl’s key guiding principles is providing its customers with outstanding quality at the best price. Maryland shares Lidl’s philosophy when it comes to customer service, and we are committed to attracting more companies like Lidl so that we can continue to provide Marylanders with excellent job opportunities.”
Lidl operates about 10,000 stores in 27 countries throughout Europe. Its stores offer customers the highest quality fresh produce, meat, bakery items, and a wide array of household products at the lowest possible prices.
The company has no stores but has been scouting site in the region. Locations mentioned in press reports include Elkton and Dover.
“We are excited to announce a new hub of operations for Lidl US in Maryland,” said Brendan Proctor, CEO of Lidl US. “This facility is an important step in building an efficient infrastructure that will allow us to deliver outstanding quality goods to our customers at the lowest possible prices. We selected Cecil County not only because it offers a central location for our distribution network, but also because it will be a great place for our employees to work and live. We thank Governor Hogan, as well as leaders in Cecil County, for their support throughout this process.”
“Locating in Maryland provides Lidl with a competitive advantage to be able to expand throughout the U.S.,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “With convenient access to international airports, rail lines, and the Port of Baltimore, as well asaccess to one-third of the U.S. population within an overnight drive, Maryland is the ideal location for a distribution center.
“This is not only a win for Cecil County but Maryland as well,” said County Executive Tari Moore. “We are very pleased to include this international company among our growing family of successful organizations.”
Over the years, Cecil County has landed distribution centers for Swedish retailer IKEA, drug store giant Rite Aid and upscale retailer Restoration Hardware.
“Lidl selected Cecil County as the home for their regional hub in a highly competitive market,” said Lisa Webb, Cecil County director of economic development. “That speaks highly of the opportunity that Cecil offers in gaining international attention, encouraging investment, and providing quality jobs to our community. We couldn’t be more pleased.”
The Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $360,000 conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). Additionally, the Cecil County Office of Economic Development is providing a $20,000 Workforce Training Partnership grant and a $16,000 conditional loan based on the projected job creation goals. The company is also eligible for various tax credits including Maryland’s Job Creation Tax Credit and Enterprise Zones Property Tax Credit.
Like its German rival Aldi, Lidl operates smaller grocery stores that focus on pricing.
