Ace Hardware Taps Virginia for Import DC

Ace Hardware will invest $14 million in an import re-distribution center for the East Coast near Virginia’s Port of Norfolk.

The company selected a 336,000-square-foot build-to-suit location at the CenterPoint Intermodal Center in Suffolk, Va., about 20 miles from the port. The site will serve the hardware retailer’s East Coast regional distribution centers, including its operation in Prince George County.

The location's proximity to the container terminals in Norfolk and Portsmouth was a critical factor in driving the decision, Ace officials said.

"We investigated several cities along the Gulf and East Coasts to find the ideal location that would allow us to lower costs and provide optimum service to our retailers," said Lori Bossmann, senior vice president for supply chain and retail support for Ace Hardware. "Suffolk is only 30 miles from the Port of Virginia, which is the most modern port in the United States. We also have the capabilities to expand our new facility in order to accommodate anticipated growth."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with City of Suffolk and Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Gov. Robert F. McDonnell approved a $100,000 grant to assist City of Suffolk with the project.

Construction is scheduled for completion May 1, 2012.