Braselton welcomes Whole Foods Market

BRASELTON - Groundbreaking was held recently for Whole Foods Market' regional distribution center in Braselton.

It will be located in the Braselton Distribution Center on Georgia 124 west of the downtown district.

Whole Foods Market is a natural and organic foods grocery. The new distribution center, slated to open in the fall, will consist of 100,000 square feet and serve stores in the Carolinas, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. ARCO Design/Build is the general contractor, and the building will encompass "green features" to reduce its environmental impact.

"This state of the art building is something we had to do for the future growth of our region," said Joey Herndon, company vice president. "With the size of this facility, we are able to purchase in larger quantities and more directly, making our distribution process more efficient."

Braselton Mayor Pro Tem Richard J. Mayberry and Jackson County Commissioner Bruce Yates spoke in official capacities to welcome the center. Upon completion as it moves from a current facility in Gwinnett County, the center will add 20 new associate jobs and boost the Braselton-Jackson County economy by more than $3 million annually.

Whole Foods Market has more than 175 stores in the United States, Canada and United Kingdom.