Penske Logistics, Reading, Pa., opened its new 606,000-square-foot build-to-suit standard freezer/cooler distribution center in Romulus, Mich., to serve the food distribution needs of The Kroger Co. of Michigan. The new facility is responsible for bringing more than 400 new jobs to the region.

"Our new distribution center to serve Kroger's needs is fully operational," says Marc Althen, president, Penske Logistics. "We are dedicated to providing customers with the state-of-the-art facilities they need to serve their own customers. The successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the support of Kroger, InSite Real Estate, ARCO Design/Build Inc., City of Romulus, Wayne County, Detroit Aerotropolis, Michigan Economic Development Corp. and our highly valued associates. We sincerely appreciate and thank everyone for the strong collaboration and spirit of partnership on this project. We look forward to being a bigger part of the growing business community here in Romulus."

InSite Real Estate, Oak Brook, Ill., led construction of the $98.5 million facility, which began in the fall of 2017 and concluded in the fall of 2018.

The new distribution center, referred to as the Michigan Fresh Center, will help ensure Kroger's Michigan stores and customers are readily supplied with fresh, frozen and other wholesome foods.

"The new Michigan Fresh Center brings greater convenience to The Kroger Co. of Michigan and enables us to supply store locations with fresher product every day," says Rachel Hurst, corporate affairs manager, The Kroger Co. of Michigan. "All products housed in the new distribution center are Kroger products, and the facility will only service Kroger's Michigan division."

The Penske Logistics distribution facility is situated on approximately 47 acres with convenient access to I-275 and I-95. The facility boasts 105 loading docks, -20°F freezers, 35°F coolers, an ambient temperature section and ample space for commercial semi-trucks and trailers.