United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI), Providence, R.I., announced plans to significantly expand its footprint in Rhode Island, with plans to hire 100 new full-time employees by the end of 2018 and a total of 150 new full-time employees by 2020.

UNFI is working toward a long-term lease at a Providence metro-area site, and anticipates investments in the property to accommodate the new employees.

Based on third-party analysis, these 150 new jobs are projected to realize a projected net increase of $4.8 million in personal income, sales and corporate business tax revenues over a 12-year period.

“We look forward to expanding our presence in Rhode Island with the opening of our shared services center, which will enable us to drive greater efficiencies and improve the customer experience as we further simplify and standardize our supplier and customer interactions,” says Steven Spinner, UNFI president, CEO and chairman of the board. “At UNFI, our people are our most valued asset, and we are committed to working with our associates to ensure a smooth transition as we position UNFI for continued growth.”