The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, and Ocado, UK, announced plans to build a new high-tech customer fulfillment center in Forest Park, Ga. The $55 million investment will create more than 400 new jobs.

"Kroger is incredibly excited to construct one of our industry-leading customer fulfillment centers in Forest Park—a city south of Atlanta—through our relationship with Ocado," says Robert Clark, Kroger's senior vice president of supply chain, manufacturing and sourcing. "Through our strategic partnership, we are leveraging advanced robotics technology and creative solutions to redefine the customer experience across America."

Kroger has committed to building 20 customer fulfillment centers (CFC), powered by Ocado, to accelerate its ability to provide customers with anything, anytime and anywhere. The CFC model – an automated warehouse facility with digital and robotic capabilities, also known as a "shed" – will be replicated to serve customers across America.

Last month, Kroger broke ground on what is said to be the first U.S. CFC, situated in Monroe, Ohio.

"Kroger and Ocado's first customer fulfillment center in Metro Atlanta will transform the e-commerce experience for customers in the region," says Luke Jensen, chief executive officer of Ocado Solutions. "In a fast-developing landscape for grocery retail, Kroger's determination to continue delivering the best experience for its customers, online as in stores, is unparalleled."

"The new facility will provide Kroger the ability to bring customers across the coverage area fresher food faster than ever before," says Tim Brown, president of Kroger's Atlanta division. "I'm thrilled the Atlanta market was selected as one of the 20 CFC sites, and this location is a tribute to the commitment and enthusiasm Kroger has for the City of Forest Park, Clayton County and State of Georgia."