Aldi Opens New Alabama Distribution Center
Discount retailer Aldi has completed a new regional headquarters and distribution center that has the capacity to serve as many as 100 stores in the Gulf Coast region.
The new 564,000-square-foot facility in Loxley, Ala. is equipped to supply stores across Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle. The facility is the 26th regional headquarters and distribution center for Aldi, and its sixth to be opened in the southern U.S. The Loxley distribution center will create approximately 200 new jobs in the area.
‘We are thrilled to open our facility in Loxley,” Heather Moore, Aldi divisional vice president for the Loxley region, told Store Brands. “The new Loxley facility will further our ambitious growth goals and allow us to serve a total of 100 Aldi stores, or more than 8 million Gulf Coast region customers. We purposely chose Loxley, as it is a central location to the Southeast region of the country.”
Aldi is currently operating 30 stores in the Gulf Coast, having opened 20 stores in the area last year alone, with plans to add another 13 stores in 2023. Moore added that stores in the region feature Aldi’s private label staples as well as regionally-curated branded items.
“We’re passionate about offering Aldi shoppers quality foods and products they love, at great prices,” added Moore. “We’re proud to say that one in three Aldi-exclusive products are award-winning. That said, we know preferences vary across the country, which is why approximately 5%-10% of the products in each store are regional items. We understand the importance of having a great selection of local items that meet the needs (and tastes) of our shoppers locally. Our new Gulf Coast locations will carry local favorites such as Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning, Crystal Hot Sauce, Blue Plate Mayonnaise, Blue Bell Ice Cream and Luzianne Sweet Tea.”
Officials say that the Loxley facility was designed with sustainability top-of-mind, with components including roof-mounted solar panels, LED lighting, an environmentally friendly refrigeration system and metal panel insulation.
“We are incredibly proud Aldi chose to lay down its roots in our Alabama community,” said Richard Teal, mayor of Loxley. “Our community is growing quickly, and we’re excited to be welcoming the expansion of Aldi alongside Loxley. Not only will this facility create hundreds of jobs for the hardworking members of our community, but it will also allow our residents and neighbors easy access to fresh food at low prices.”
Aldi operates more than 2,240 stores across 38 states.