Dollar General is expected to break ground next month on an $85 million combination dry and DG Fresh distribution center in Blair — the first of its kind constructed by the company.
It was announced Tuesday the 800,000-square-foot facility is expected to create approximately 400 new career opportunities and support more than 1,500 stores in the Midwest. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2022.
The dual facility, which will be located on an 85-acre site southeast of the intersection of 10th and Wilbur streets, will include approximately 650,000 square feet of dry goods and approximately 150,000 square feet of DG Fresh items.
“We are excited for the addition of our first-ever, ground-up dual distribution center, which is to be built in Blair, and look forward to expanding our mission of serving others in the Midwest,” said Mike Kindy, Dollar General's executive vice president of global supply chain. “We are grateful for the continued partnerships with Nebraska state and local leaders, particularly Gov. Pete Ricketts and Washington County Economic Development Director Mike Rooks, who, together with their outstanding teams, have helped make this project possible. We also look forward to welcoming approximately 400 new Nebraskan employees to our our Dollar General family soon.”
The announcement drew praise and support from area leaders and community partners close to the project.
“We’re proud to welcome the first ground-up dual-distribution site for America’s general store to Blair,” Rooks said. “Dollar General’s commitment to community is a perfect fit for this region, and Washington County, regional leaders and Dollar General have worked together tirelessly to bring this exciting project forward.”
Ricketts thanked Dollar General for choosing Nebraska for its newest facility.
“This $85 million investment by Dollar General speaks to Nebraska’s business friendliness and natural advantages as a logistics and supply chain hub,” he said. “The dual distribution center also adds to the tremendous growth Blair has been experiencing.”
Blair Mayor Rich Hansen expressed excitement over the announcement.
“It will not only be a tremendous economic boost to the Blair community but to the whole metro Omaha area and state. It will further help diversify our traditional ag-based economy for the benefit of the school, city and county,” he said. “But what really excites us, is that with approximately 400 quality jobs, it will give our youth the ability to continue to live, work, and raise family in the great school system and community they call home.”
The project comes on the heels of collaboration by Dollar General, Washington County, the Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, Nebraska Department of Transportation, City of Blair and regional public utilities.
In September, the Blair City Council approved $200,000 in LB 840 funds for DG Distribution Midwest, LLC for land acquisition.
The council also approved a $350,000 LB 840 request by the City of Blair to purchase 13.18 acres of land for the extension of 10th Street from the intersection of 10th and Wilbur streets to U.S. Highway 75. The 10th Street extension would align with the new Blair South Bypass, which is expected to be completed in 2023.
Economists with the Greater Omaha Chamber expect the new facility will make a significant impact on the economy in both Blair and Washington County.
An analysis shows that, when fully operational, the facility will add $106.1 million to the local economy each year, $53.5 million of which will be specific to Washington County.
“We’re proud of Dollar General and the partnerships that catalyzed this venture,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber.
Brown said the local economy is expected to see a boost of about $39.5 million to payroll income.
“That’s a remarkable testament to teamwork, and we couldn’t be more excited for all that is ahead,” he added.
The company plans to begin initial hiring for management positions by summer 2021 with opportunities for general warehouse and DG Private Fleet team members by fall 2021.
