Save-A-Lot to Open DC in North Carolina

Save-A-Lot plans to build a 325,000-square-foot distribution center in Lexington, N.C., in partnership with the state of North Carolina and other state and local entities.

“The Lexington distribution center will enable us to serve our current stores more efficiently and at the same time, grow our business in the region,” said Bill Shaner, Save-A-Lot president and CEO. “I believe this will be a wonderful partnership for Save-A-Lot, Lexington and the region.”

A subsidiary of Supervalu, Save-A-Lot operates 1,200 stores in 39 states, and has identified plans to double the number of stores it operates nationally over the next five years. The hard discounter operates 17 stores in North Carolina, including one in Lexington, with plans to open an additional eight stores in the state this year, as well as six stores in South Carolina.

The new distribution center, a $24 million project, will help support the company’s growth plans in North Carolina and the surrounding region, which the company has identified as a key region for growth.

The facility, to be located in Lexington’s Business Center, is scheduled to open in December 2011. It is expected to employ more than 40 employees initially, with more possible after the facility is operating at full capacity. The new building will be a state-of-the-art food distribution center utilizing the latest in green technologies, including lights that only operate when a person is present and an HVAC system that uses smart thermostats.

Also at Supervalu, the Minneapolis-based retailer announced the retirement of Mark Anderson, president of its Midwest/Southeast region, who plans to leave the company at the end of the fiscal year in February 2011.

“After 30 great years with Supervalu, I look forward to spending more time with my wife, children and grandchildren,” Anderson said. “While I am looking forward to retirement, I will miss working with all of my employees and our many customers throughout the region.”

Janel Haugarth, EVP and COO of supply chain services, said: “Mark has been instrumental in taking the lead on developing and implementing a number of major company initiatives, and his leadership provided the catalyst for sales and profit improvements throughout the region. Additionally, Mark has been extremely dedicated to the success of both his associates and his customers.”

The company has promoted Bill Chew, EVP of the Midwest/Southeast region, to president of the region. Chew began his career at Supervalu in 1984, and most recently served as EVP of the sales, marketing and merchandising functions for both the Midwest and Southeast regions.

“Bill brings a wealth of experience from his 26-year career with Supervalu and is well positioned to lead the region going forward,” Haugarth said. “I am confident that his leadership will ensure the continued strength of our business and operations.”

With annual sales of $38 billion, Supervalu operates 4,270 stores across the United States.