FREDERICK, MD - As Kroger continues to build out its e-commerce infrastructure, it is solidifying its Ocado partnership as the two companies work to construct numerous new facilities. The retailer’s most recently-planned Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) is set to be located in Frederick, Maryland.

"Kroger is incredibly excited to construct one of our industry-leading Customer Fulfillment Centers in Maryland in relationship with Ocado to bring fresh food to our customers faster than ever before," said Robert Clark, Kroger's Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Sourcing. "Through our strategic partnership, we are engineering a model for the region, leveraging advanced robotics technology and creative solutions to redefine the customer experience."

The new 350,000-square-foot facility will grow Kroger’s presence in the Mid-Atlantic region. Once completed, the facility will generate 400 new jobs initially, with up to 100 more to be added later once the service area of the new facility expands. Kroger has partnered with Ocado before to build innovative, technology-forward facilities in the past, as a way to accelerate the retailer’s ability to provide its customers with anything, anytime, anywhere, according to a press release. The automated warehouse facility will possess digital and robotic capabilities, which will help Kroger serve more customers throughout the region.

"We are excited to bring Kroger and Ocado's latest automated warehouse to Frederick. This site will be key to delivering amazing grocery experiences to households across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. It will also create fantastic job opportunities for engineers looking to work alongside state-of-the-art robotics and automation," said Luke Jensen, CEO of Ocado Solutions. "The warehouse will be a key component of the seamless fulfillment ecosystem that Kroger is developing for customers across the United States. Ocado's proven technology will allow Kroger to achieve the lowest cost-to-serve in the market, combined with the best freshness, accuracy, and service."

The new facility, located at 7106 Geoffrey Way, will service several markets in the area, including Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. The new location confirms Kroger’s announcement that identified the Mid-Atlantic region as one of the first shed locations. The new facility has not yet broken ground, but once construction begins, Kroger expects the warehouse to become operational in 24 months.

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