[dropca]P[/dropcap]enske Logistics recently celebrated the grand opening of its 606,000-square-foot, build-to-suit standard freezer-cooler distribution center in Romulus, Mich.

The company said its new facility is responsible for bringing more than 400 new jobs to the region, and was opened to serve the food distribution needs of its customer, The Kroger Co. of Michigan.

Marc Althen, President, Penske Logistics

“Our new distribution center to serve Kroger’s needs is fully operational,” said Marc Althen, president of Penske Logistics. “We are dedicated to providing customers with the state-of-the-art facilities they need to serve their own customers.

“The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the support of Kroger, InSite Real Estate, ARCO Design-Build Inc, City of Romulus, Wayne County, Detroit Aerotropolis, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and our highly valued associates. We sincerely appreciate and thank everyone for the strong collaboration and spirit of partnership on this project.

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“We look forward to being a bigger part of the growing business community here in Romulus.”

InSite Real Estate led construction of the $98.5 million facility, which began in the fall of 2017 and concluded in the fall of 2018, Penske said. Local on-site Penske Logistics management and workers were then gradually hired as food and beverage products were strategically moved into the facility.

Michigan Strategic Fund Grant

A grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF), as well as tax incentive abatements requested through the Detroit Aerotropolis from the City of Romulus, and Wayne County played integral roles in the job creation and facility site selection, officials said.

Jeff Mason, chief executive of Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC)

“Penske Logistics’ decision to choose Romulus for this expansion project over competing states underscores both the appeal and economic strength of Michigan as a place to do business,” said Jeff Mason, chief executive of Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), the state’s chief marketing and business attraction arm that administers programs and performs due diligence on behalf of the MSF.

“We are grateful to join the Detroit Region Aerotropolis Development Corp., the city of Romulus and Wayne County in helping to drive Penske’s expansion here in Southeast Michigan. This project is creating hundreds of jobs for our citizens, and we look forward to continuing to work with the company as it grows further and brings more jobs to Michigan.”

Penski Logistics, Michigan Fresh Center, a 606,000-square-foot, build-to-suit standard freezer-cooler distribution center in Romulus, Mich.

Michigan Fresh Center

The new distribution center, dubbed the Michigan Fresh Center, will help ensure Kroger’s Michigan stores and customers are readily supplied with fresh, frozen and other wholesome foods, Penske said.

Rachel Hurst, corporate affairs manager for The Kroger Co of Michigan

“The new Michigan Fresh Center brings greater convenience to The Kroger Co of Michigan and enables us to supply store locations with fresher product every day,” said Rachel Hurst, corporate affairs manager for The Kroger Co of Michigan. “All products housed in the new distribution center are Kroger products and the facility will only service Kroger’s Michigan Division.”

Located at 15520 Wayne Road in Romulus, the Penske Logistics distribution facility is situated on about 47 acres with access to Interstate-275 and Interstate-95. The facility boasts 105 loading docks; freezers set at minus-20 degrees; 35-degree coolers; an ambient temperature section; and space for commercial semi-trucks and trailers, company officials said.