By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
COOKEVILLE – An official groundbreaking ceremony for the new FedEx Ground distribution facility was held Wednesday, April 27. The 251,000 square foot facility, located at 4676 Tennessee Avenue.
The facility is aiming for a November 2022 opening, prior to the holiday season, according to Robert Newman, Managing Director of FedEx Ground. The facility is expected to turn over 7,300 packages per hour.
Booming business during the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted FedEx to open 200 new facilities as the shipping industry has absolutely skyrocketed, according to Newman.
FedEx Ground is currently operating with 215 employees in a 30,000 square-foot facility on TennTex Drive off of Highway 111. With the move to the new, much larger facility, FedEx plans to add another 200 employees.
“An investment in Putnam County is an investment in growth. The proximity to both HWY 111 as well as I-40 makes this project a no-brainer for the shipping industry. The location combined with the workforce in Putnam County will bring success for all parties involved,” said Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter.
“We are thrilled to welcome the FedEx Ground distribution facility to the Highlands Business Park,” Chamber President Amy New added. “Their investment in our area shows their dedication and confidence in our community to provide the ideal workforce that will be a main contributor to their success.”
Developed by The Westmoreland Company, Inc., the project dedicates a significant capital investment from the group which impacts Cookeville and Putnam County as a whole. The site for the project is located on Tennessee Avenue south of Highlands Business Park. The facility is designed by Castles Design Group, PLLC and is being constructed by T.W. Frierson. This facility will work in tandem with FedEx Ground’s various facilities throughout the Southeast.
“This is the first project in Cookeville developed by Westmoreland Group, and we are thrilled to welcome them into Cookeville’s economic development family. Their stellar work and commitment to the project will be a game-changer for our community,” said Melinda Keifer, Coordinator of Economic Development for the City of Cookeville
“FedEx Ground is growing and their commitment to Cookeville emphasizes our role as a logistics location for the shipping industry in the Southeast,” said Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton.
