Kroger to establish new $391 million distribution center in Franklin, create 430 full-time jobs
FRANKFORT, Ky. – On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed that Kroger intends to establish a new $391 million distribution center in Simpson County, a project expected to create about 430 full-time jobs.
“I want to thank leaders at Kroger not only for this announcement of a new potential distribution center in Simpson County but also for their continued commitment to the commonwealth over many years,” Beshear said in a statement. “Kroger has long been a crucial contributor to Kentucky’s thriving economy, and this new location helps ensure that will continue to be the case for years to come.”
The distribution center, internally known as Project Wave, had been discussed locally for several months. Simpson County Judge/Executive Mason Barnes said local officials first learned about the project during an industrial board meeting “two or three months ago,” and the Kroger connection was confirmed soon after at the industrial authority level, though not publicly announced until this week.
According to Barnes, the overall investment includes land acquisition, building construction and additional infrastructure improvements connected to the site. Kroger has already received preliminary development plan approval through local planning and zoning, with a final plan still required.
The facility will be located along Steele Road near Exit 2 on Interstate 65. Barnes said the project will require construction of a new roadway extending from U.S. 31-W to route trucks behind existing commercial properties near the interchange.
The jobs created will be full-time positions with benefits. Barnes said the company projects an average wage of about $24 an hour, though some positions are expected to start around $17 to $18 per hour, with higher-skilled roles reaching $30 to $40 per hour.
Although the project does not include a new Kroger grocery store, Barnes said company representatives have indicated they are evaluating potential retail expansion in the region. He said he has already provided Kroger with information on available commercial locations in Franklin and expressed support for helping secure a store in the future.
This development comes as Simpson County has navigated recent industrial fluctuations, including multiple facility closures. Barnes said continued recruitment of new employers is crucial as the community works to replace lost jobs and stabilize its workforce.
The Simpson County judge/executive issued a statement welcoming the project, saying, “It is really great to have a corporate partner like Kroger choosing to locate in our community. The jobs being created and the amount of investment dollars are extremely beneficial to strengthening our local economy. I am very glad to have Kroger here; it certainly helps broaden our industrial diversity in Simpson County.”
Franklin Mayor Larry Dixon added, “This significant $400 million investment in our community will not only create approximately 430 jobs with competitive salaries but also strengthen our local economy.”
Jim DeCesare, executive director of the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority, said the investment “represents not just a commitment to our workforce but also to innovation and growth in our industrial sector.”
The project adds to Kroger’s increasing footprint in Kentucky, including a recent $204 million expansion of its Country Oven bakery operation in Bowling Green. The company currently operates nearly 110 stores and employs more than 19,000 people statewide.
