Lidl US Details Plans for Regional Hqts., DC in Md.

As it prepares for its United States expansion, Lidl will open its regional headquarters and distribution center in Cecil County, Md., no later than 2018. The $100 million facility will create 100 new full-time jobs in the state over the next three years.

“This facility is an important step in building an efficient infrastructure that will allow us to deliver outstanding quality goods to our customers at the lowest possible prices,” said Brendan Proctor, president and CEO of Lidl US. “We selected Cecil County not only because it offers a central location for our distribution network, but also because it will be a great place for our employees to work and live.”

“Locating in Maryland provides Lidl with a competitive advantage to be able to expand throughout the U.S.,” noted Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “With convenient access to international airports, rail lines and the Port of Baltimore, as well as access to one-third of the U.S. population within an overnight drive, Maryland is the ideal location for a distribution center.”

To help with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $360,000 conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). Further, the Cecil County Office of Economic Development is providing a $20,000 Workforce Training Partnership grant and a $16,000 conditional loan based on the projected job-creation goals. Lidl is also eligible for various tax credits, among them Maryland’s Job Creation Tax Credit and Enterprise Zones Property Tax Credit.

Based in Neckarsulm, Germany, Lidl has about 10,000 stores in 27 countries across Europe. In addition to the Cecil County facility, the company has established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington County, Va., and is constructing regional headquarters and distribution centers in Spotsylvania County, Va., and Alamance County, N.C.  All told, Lidl has committed to creating more than 1,000 new jobs at these facilities. The company plans to open its first U.S. stores by 2018.