Meijer to open new Ft. Wayne facility

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- Meijer Stores, LP, a retail supermarket chain, announced plans Thursday to open a new operations facility in Fort Wayne, which will create up to 36 new jobs by 2014 in the process.

According to the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan-based company, which currently has more than 7,500 employees in Indiana, plans to purchase and equip an operations facility and begin hiring additional warehouse, logistics and information technology associates to coincide with the facility's opening next year.

"We're delighted with Meijer's decision to locate its newest facility here in the Hoosier State," said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "At the heart of the nation, Indiana's robust infrastructure and low-tax policies give businesses the upper hand."

Founded by Hendrik Meijer in 1934, the family-owned company began operations in Greenville, Mich. as a low-cost grocery store for customers during the Great Depression. Today, Meijer operates 28 retail stores in Indiana and nearly 200 throughout the Midwest.

"With 28 stores and a manufacturing complex, Meijer currently has a significant presence in the state of Indiana," said Frank Guglielmi, director of public relations for Meijer. "We are pleased to announce this new facility and our expanded presence in Fort Wayne."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Meijer Stores, LP up to $370,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $30,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Fort Wayne will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance.

"I'm thrilled to see the creation of new jobs and yet another major investment in our community," said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. "When outstanding companies like Meijer make these commitments, it tells me the business community sees that Fort Wayne is indeed, a city built for success. As a regional hub, I know we will continue to have a long-standing and successful relationship with Meijer."

About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 198 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com . Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer .