Site provides access to workforce talent and transportation and logistics efficiencies
Wednesday’s ceremonial groundbreaking for Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., marked the company’s plans to open a distribution center in the village of Navarre. The company, which operates roughly 1,900 stores in 49 states, is making an initial investment of nearly $70 million in the operation. The distribution center will support the Company’s retail growth and bring 375 new jobs to the region.
“Tractor Supply is excited to break ground on our ninth distribution center.,” said Colin Yankee, Tractor Supply’s Executive Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer. “The central location of this new facility in Navarre, Ohio will allow us to more efficiently service our growing store base and online sales as we continue investing in our business for future success. Beyond the technical fit, we were excited to find the right combination of community support, workforce and cultural fit between Tractor Supply’s values and the Village of Navarre. We thank everyone who has helped in making this possible and look forward to a longstanding partnership as we build a loyal and dedicated team at this facility and become an integral part of this community.”
The 895,000-square-foot facility is being designed and built to meet high energy efficiency and environmental standards and will be the second project built on the former 327-acre Stark County Farm property, managed by the Stark Board of Trade. Tractor Supply Company joins Hendrickson USA, a global manufacturer of air suspension systems and components for heavy-duty trucks and trailers.
Tractor Supply currently operates 96 stores and employs over 1,700 Team Members across Ohio. The new facility will service over 250 Tractor Supply stores.
Daniel DeHoff, president of The DeHoff Development Company, which is developing the Stark County Farm on behalf of the Stark Board of Trade, stated “On behalf of the six foundations who invested in the development of this Industrial Park, we welcome Tractor Supply as our newest industry. We look forward to bringing more great companies and great paying jobs to Stark County. Each new industry helps these foundations realize their respective Mission-Related Investment which multiplies their philanthropic impact in the communities they serve – and that’s great news for everyone.“
“Speaking on behalf of the citizens of Navarre, I could not be happier that Tractor Supply chose to build and create jobs in our village,” said Navarre Mayor Bob Benson. “We have been working on building our industrial park for 30 years; for Tractor Supply to bring its 80+-year legacy to our community means the world to us. We have been focused on driving economic growth here, and today, the future of our economy is looking bright.”
CEO and President Ray Hexamer, Stark Economic Development Board, further noted, “We are excited for the opportunity the Stark County Farm property affords businesses like Tractor Supply Company whose logistics benefit from choosing an accessible location with a supportive business environment.”
On behalf of the broader region, Bill Koehler, CEO of Team NEO added, “The groundbreaking of the Tractor Supply Company facility represents what can be done when a strong, aligned regional network comes together to support business growth and economic vibrancy for the Northeast Ohio Region. Along with our local partners, Ohio Development Services Agency and JobsOhio, we look forward to working with Tractor Supply to ensure their continued success.”
About Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ: TSCO), the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, has been passionate about serving its unique niche, targeting the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle, for more than 80 years. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service for the Out Here lifestyle. With more than 42,000 Team Members, the Company’s physical store assets, combined with its digital capabilities, offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday low prices they deserve. At March 27, 2021, the Company operated 1,944 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.TractorSupply.com.
Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At March 27, 2021, the Company operated 177 Petsense stores in 23 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.Petsense.com.
About Stark Economic Development Board
The Stark Economic Development Board is a private, non-profit organization formed by business and community leaders in May of 1985 to help businesses grow and expand in Stark County. The mission of the Stark Economic Development Board is to strengthen Stark County by driving business growth and leading its economic transformation. For more information, visit www.starkcoohio.com.
About Stark Board of Trade
Stark Board of Trade is a unique collaboration of six local foundations aimed at bringing more jobs and investment to Stark County. The Stark Community Foundation, The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Massillon Development Foundation, Hoover Foundation, Gessner Family Foundation and The DeHoff Family Foundation, formed the Stark Board of Trade in 2016 to drive economic growth and raise the standard of living for all residents. For more details about this impactful mission-related investment, please visit Case Study: Stark Farms.
About Team NEO
Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization accelerating business growth and job creation throughout the 18 counties of the Northeast Ohio Region. As the designated JobsOhio Network Partner, we align and amplify local economic development efforts in the region’s 18 counties; we conduct research and data analysis to inform local conversations and influence solutions; we market the Northeast Ohio Region; and we work to increase access to jobs, education and training for the region’s 4.3 million people. We do this to build a more vibrant regional economy — one that is more talented, equitable, competitive, innovative, resilient and prosperous. For more information, visit teamneo.org.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio is a private nonprofit economic development corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion. The organization also works to seed talent production in its targeted industries and to attract talent to Ohio through Find Your Ohio. JobsOhio works with six regional partners across Ohio: Dayton Development Coalition, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.