REI Co-op to Establish Distribution Center in Lebanon

0
984
Photo: TN Department of Economic and Community Development Facebook
  • Nation’s largest consumer co-op to create more than 280 new jobs in Wilson County
  • Facility will be REI’s fourth distribution center in the country

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and REI Co-op officials announced the specialty outdoor retailer will establish a new distribution center in Lebanon.

REI, the nation’s largest consumer co-op, will create more than 280 new jobs in Wilson County as a result of the project. Construction is now underway and the facility, REI’s fourth distribution center in the country, is expected to open fall 2023. Once complete, it will serve more than 70 REI stores on the East Coast and in the Midwest and South.

Situated on 41 acres in Wilson County, the 400,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility will be one mile from I-40 and three miles from downtown Lebanon at 1400 Murfreesboro Road. It is being constructed with industry-leading sustainability and technology features. The design is centered on a productive and healthy build environment that intentionally takes into consideration how employees work, rest and connect to nature.

Headquartered near Seattle, REI is a specialty outdoor retailer with 174 locations across 41 states and the District of Columbia. Since 1938, the company has provided quality gear and apparel and expert advice to consumers with a love of the outdoors. REI operates five stores in Tennessee that employ nearly 300 people across the state.

Since 2017, TNECD has supported 15 economic development projects in Wilson County, resulting in 4,750 job commitments and $971 million in capital investment.“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. 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,” said Gov. Bill Lee.

“On behalf of Wilson County, I want to welcome REI Co-op to our community. This decision was made possible because of the partnership formed with REI and members of our economic development team especially those of the Wilson County Commission. We look forward to continuing our relationship and of being part of REI’s newest technology driven omni-channel operation center. Their commitment to sustainability, to their people and to commitment to technology blends well with the goals and plans of our county. We look forward to further partnering with REI though their community outreach, events and stewardship programs,” said Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto.

About the REI Co-op
REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 20 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 174 locations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here