Ahold Delhaize USA, along with ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation, officially broke ground yesterday on the new $860 million distribution center in Burlington, N.C., first announced in October 2025.

Nearly 200 associates, partners, members of the media, elected officials and community leaders gathered for the ceremony, against the backdrop of Food Lion trucks and a larger-than-life aerial rendering of the future facility. Golden commemorative shovels and custom hard hats marked the moment as leaders turned the first soil.

“This state-of-the-art distribution center represents one of the most significant investments we have made in our supply chain," said CEO JJ Fleeman. "The facility speaks to our growth in the region and enables us to strengthen how we support Food Lion stores, improve service across the Carolinas, and ensure we can nourish our neighbors and communities well into the future."

The facility, spanning more than 1 million square feet, will expand fresh and frozen capacity and incorporate advanced automation to enhance efficiency and support long-term growth. It will become one of the largest facilities in the Distribution & Transportation network and is expected to create more than 500 jobs over time.

“The Burlington distribution center enables us to expand capacity, implement new technology and modernize how we serve our brands and customers,” said Sanja Krajnovic, Chief Supply Chain Officer and EVP of ADUSA Distribution and ADUSA Transportation.

Construction is underway, with operations anticipated to begin in 2029, a milestone made possible through the dedication and collaboration of teams across ADUSA, ADUSA Distribution, ADUSA Transportation and beyond.

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