Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), and REI co-op officials announced Wednesday that REI will establish a new distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee. The new location will create over 280 jobs and serve as REI’s fourth distribution center in the country.
“REI is a respected brand that has been trusted by outdoor enthusiasts for over 80 years, and I’m proud the company has chosen Tennessee for its newest distribution center,” Lee said; adding, “Our state’s central location and unmatched quality of life make it the ideal destination for a company so committed to outdoor recreation, and I thank REI for its commitment and job creation in Lebanon.”
State Senator Mark Pody said, “This sizable jobs investment is tremendous news. From our hard-working and skilled people to our prime location and optimal overall business climate, Wilson County offers the right ingredients for businesses to succeed. Congratulations to REI on their decision to locate this facility here and thanks to Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe and all of our state and local officials for working to bring these jobs home.”
According to the statement, construction for the center has already begun and is expected to be ready to open in the fall of 2023.
“Once complete, it will serve more than 70 REI stores on the East Coast and in the Midwest and South,” the press release said.
The center will consist of 41 acres in Wilson County. The announcement notes that the state-of-the-art facility will have a little over 9 acres – 400,000 square feet – under roof, and be located one mile from I-40 and three miles from downtown Lebanon.
The building will be made from “industry-leading sustainability and technology features,” and the design centered on “a productive and healthy build environment that intentionally takes into consideration how employees work, rest and connect to nature.”
John Bradley, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) senior vice president of Economic Development, said, “TVA and Middle Tennessee Electric congratulate REI on its decision to locate operations and create new job opportunities in Wilson County. We are proud to partner together to provide clean, reliable, low cost energy and support REI’s renewable energy goals. We celebrate this announcement along with the Joint Economic and Community Development Board of Wilson County and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and look forward to REI’s future business success.”
TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe said in the statement, “With more than 223,000 Tennesseans employed across nearly 14,000 distribution and logistics establishments, REI will be contributing to one of our state’s most robust industries.”
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Morgan Nicole Veysey is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow her on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “REI” by JJBers CC BY 2.0.
