RANDOLPH COUNTY — One of the region’s largest forthcoming economic development projects is preparing to begin construction.
Discount apparel chain Ross Stores, Inc. recently bought 336 acres in Randolph County for its planned 1.7 million-square-foot distribution hub.
The purchase price was $20.8 million, and the seller was Samet Corp., according to the property deed for the transaction.
The Greensboro general contracting firm assembled the land near the Interstate 74 and U.S. 311 interchange in recent years for a potential industrial park.
Randolph County Economic Development Corp. Business Recruitment Director Crystal Gettys said Ross Stores’ goal is to begin on-site pre-construction work in mid-August, pending permit approvals.
Construction is estimated to take three years, and the company is planning to build all 1.7 million square feet of the facility in one phase during this time, she added.
The company, which operates more than 1,700 Ross Dress for Less stores, will own the distribution center building, Gettys said.
Over five years, it expects to invest $450 million in real and personal property and create at least 852 jobs that pay above the average Randolph County wage, she said.
The jobs will include a mix of shipping, receiving, packing, assembly and administrative positions.
When the project was announced in May, Ross Stores said it chose this site for its ninth U.S. distribution center to support its growth initiatives over the long term.
The construction will begin as infrastructure is being extended to the site, which has been annexed by the city of Randleman.
The county is using grant funds to extend sewer service, while Randleman and the Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority are extending water lines to the property.
Ross Stores is eligible for local and state incentives if it hits certain job and investment targets.
Randleman and the county have collectively offered $38.6 million over 15 years in the form of property tax reimbursements. The company is also eligible for more than $11 million in state grants and training funds.