| H-E-B to Build Distribution Center near Rail Park at Central Pointe |
H-E-B to Build Multi-Million Dollar Distribution Center on 160 Acres near Temple's Rail Park at Central PointeMary Poche, TEDC - 254.773.8332Leslie Lockett, H-E-B - 512.421.1017 February 12, 2009 Temple, Texas - In yet another positive turn for the Temple-area economy, grocer H-E-B, the Temple Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) and the City of Temple have announced the purchase of more than 160 acres on which H-E-B plans to build a 400,000 square foot distribution center. The warehouse will be built adjacent to Temple's Rail Park at Central Pointe, near the newly developed Wendland Road. When complete the facility is expected to employ 112 people and serve more than 50 H-E-B retail stores across the region, an area that extends from Austin to Dallas. "H-E-B has already proven itself to be a true community partner with Temple through its retail locations," Lee Peterson, president of the Temple Economic Development Corporation, said. "Through their purchase of property adjacent to our Rail Park and their multi-million dollar investment, they have shown their commitment to growing and sustaining a workforce that will help secure future jobs for our region. The H-E-B facility marks the debut of a fourth major food distribution company in Temple and we look forward to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between the company and our organization." "Temple is strategically located in the Central Texas region, has good highway and rail access, and will allow H-E-B to better serve our customers," Brad Alm, H-E-B director of industrial projects, said. "We are excited to be furthering our investment in the Temple community. H-E-B will continue our mission to improve the communities we serve, which includes investments like this facility, and our signature community volunteering and philanthropic support." "We are extremely proud that H-E_B has chosen Temple for their newest distribution location," said Bill Jones III, mayor of Temple. "We look forward to being a launching point for H-E_B to increase its presence in the Texas market. When companies like H-E_B choose Temple, it is an indication that we are doing the right things necessary to continue to expand our tax base and create jobs for our growing population and for all of Central Texas. Congratulations to H-E_B and the Temple economic development team for this great success." Temple's burgeoning "Central Point Parks" network has proven a popular choice for companies seeking to build new facilities or expand existing businesses. In recent months, the TEDC has been instrumental in bringing a variety of companies to Temple, including previously announced projects from Gulf States Toyota and Fikes Wholesale. Alongside those successes, Panda Energy also recently announced a project to be built in the city's Southeast Industrial Park. Through these efforts and now with the news of H-E-B's new facility, the role that the TEDC plays in keeping Temple's economic engine moving forward is once again being acknowledged. "This is certainly another feather in the economic cap of Temple and the TEDC," Jon Burrows, Bell County Judge said. "It is significant that in these trying economic times Temple and Bell County are making noise by bringing in more industries and new jobs to our area! A 400,000 square foot distribution center, 112 new jobs and the entry of mega-grocer H-E_B onto the roster of Temple companies further strengthens Temple's reputation as a major distribution location. Bell County is excited about this multi-million dollar investment and the potential it brings for other investments to follow. Bell County extends its heartfelt congratulations to Temple and the TEDC." About Temple:
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