FedEx Ground is to build a new distribution hub in Ocala, Florida, creating more than 350 jobs andmore than $170 million in local investment, as part of its ongoing expansion plan, Florida’s
governor Rick Scott announced.He stressed that FedEx Ground’s network enhancements are designed to increase the company’sdaily parcel volume capacity and enhance its speed and service capabilities. The efforts havealready resulted in faster ground service deliveries across the country, including more residentiallocations.
Located at the Ocala/Marion County Commerce Park, the 37,161 sqm distribution facility isexpected to complement FedEx existing operations in Orlando and absorb the local pickup anddelivery operations from a FedEx Ground facility in Ocala, which currently employs around 90people. The new hub will feature advanced automated material handling technology, designed toinitially process 15,000 parcels per hour. Its capacity can be tripled to 45,000 parcels per hour,if fully expanded.
The construction of the new hub is currently underway. It is expected to be completed inAugust 2016.
“This project, as well as a 300,000-square-foot (27,781 sqm) facility south of Orlando,demonstrates our continued growth in the Florida and Southeast markets,” Bob Holcombe, FedEx GroundRegional Vice President, said. “The site’s ease of access to major highways, proximity tocustomers’ distribution centers and a strong local community workforce makes it an ideal locationfor such an important facility in our network.”
Governor Scott said: „FedEx Ground’s decision to grow in Ocala and create jobs is great newsfor Florida families. I knew when I toured the location in the spring of 2013 that Ocala would bethe perfect fit for FedEx Ground, and we continued working hard to help deliver this win for areafamilies. Florida has added more than 715,000 private-sector jobs since December 2010 and the stateunemployment rate has fallen to 5.8 per cent. We will keep working to create a job for everyFloridian who wants one.”
Florida is ranked second in terms of transportation infrastructure in the USA. Gray Swoope,Secretary of Commerce and president and CEO of Enterprise Florida, Inc., confirmed: „Florida’sstrong infrastructure and large workforce make it a great location for FedEx Ground. The state’sroadways, air and seaports not only support more than 19 million residents, but almost 100 millionvisitors annually. We thank FedEx Ground for their commitment to the state and look forward totheir continued growth across Florida.”
