WinCo Foods is building an 800,000-square-foot distribution center in Phoenix at 75th Avenue and Buckeye Road. One of the largest build-to-suit projects here in recent years, according to Greater Phoenix Economic Council president and CEO Barry Broome, the center is expected to open sometime next year and create up to 200 jobs in its first phase.
Noting the grocery store chain is experiencing strong growth in the Phoenix market and southern Nevada, company spokesman Mike Read points to the advantage of moving distribution from the current location in Modesto, Calif., to Phoenix. “It’s more economic for us, particularly with the plans we have for future growth.” Not only can the company also service some of its Southern California stores from Arizona, the Phoenix distribution center may also help the company “open other markets we’re not in, in southern Utah for example.”
Arizona Commerce Authority president and CEO Sandra Watson says this project “demonstrates how collaborative regional partnerships attract quality employers such as WinCo to Arizona.” The ACA provided project management and support; GPEC helped the company understand the Greater Phoenix market; and the City of Phoenix helped WinCo evaluate specific sites in Phoenix.
