US-based grocery retailer Kroger has revealed plans to open a customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in North Carolina to enhance its delivery services.

The 200,000ft² CFC will be powered by UK-based technology company Ocado and use machine learning and robotics.

It is intended to offer affordable and fast fresh food deliveries as part of the company’s ‘seamless’ ecosystem.

The facility is expected to become operational within 24 months of construction beginning.

It will create jobs for up to 700 people over the next five years.

Kroger senior vice-president and chief supply chain officer Gabriel Arreaga said: “The acceleration of our delivery business continues with the development of an additional customer fulfilment centre, advancing our commitment to creating career opportunities and serving shoppers fresh food fast through interconnected, automated and innovative facilities and last-mile solutions across America.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“We thank Governor Roy Cooper for his collaboration and support of this project, and the company looks forward to serving new and existing customers across North Carolina.”

Kroger had previously announced plans to build a new CFC in the South of the US.

The company’s Fulfilment Network currently operates two CFCs located respectively in Monroe, Ohio, and Groveland, Florida.

It also plans to open more locations in various states, including Texas, Georgia, Maryland and Arizona, as well as in the US’ Northeast, Pacific Northwest and West regions.

Ocado Solutions CEO Luke Jensen said: “As demonstrated by the two state-of-the-art CFCs already live in other parts of the country, Ocado is helping Kroger to establish a new high-bar in the type of quality and service that US grocery shoppers can receive online.

“We can’t wait for customers across North Carolina to experience online delivery enabled by Ocado’s unique technology.”

Earlier this month, Kroger reported sales of $31.9bn for the third quarter of the fiscal year 2021 (FY21), which ended on 6 November.