MAJOR FLOORING RETAILER SELECTS TRADEPOINT ATLANTIC FOR NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Floor & Decor will add 150 new jobs at eastern Baltimore County logistics hub
BALTIMORE, MD (January 24, 2019) – Floor & Decor, a leading specialty retailer of hard surface flooring, announced plans today to open a 1.5 million square-foot distribution center at Tradepoint Atlantic in eastern Baltimore County. The project is expected to create 150 full-time jobs by the end of 2023. The building will be the second largest in Maryland, and once operational, the company will be one of the Port of Baltimore’s largest customers.
“Adding a new distribution center in Baltimore County to support our expansion into the Northeast marks another milestone in the growth of Floor & Decor,” said Brian Robbins, Floor & Decor’s executive vice president of business development strategy.
“Due to the diligent efforts of Governor Hogan, Maryland Department of Commerce, Baltimore County, Maryland Port Administration, and others, we are excited to announce Baltimore as our long-term distribution home,” said Bryan Dodge, Floor & Decor’s senior vice president of real estate.
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Atlanta, Floor & Decor offers the industry’s largest in-stock selection of tile, wood, laminate, and natural stone flooring, along with decorative and installation accessories, at everyday low prices. The company has 101 retail stores across 28 states, with additional stores planned.
“It’s a big win for Maryland and the Baltimore region that a growing national company like Floor & Decor is choosing to open a new facility and bring 150 new jobs to Tradepoint Atlantic,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Attracting this exciting project to Maryland underscores our commitment to keeping our state open for business and working hard to create new job opportunities for Marylanders.”
“This is what 21st century job creation looks like. We are excited to welcome a rapidly growing company like Floor & Decor to the list of companies at Tradepoint Atlantic,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “By continuing to support the businesses of tomorrow, we can continue Sparrows Point’s transformative redevelopment into a vibrant hub for global commerce.”
“Locating their new distribution center in Maryland gives Floor & Decor a competitive advantage to be able to get their products to customers quickly and efficiently,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “From their new facility at Tradepoint Atlantic, Floor & Decor will be in close proximity to the Port of Baltimore, and able to access a number of key interstates to reach one-third of the U.S. population within an overnight drive.”
“We were very happy to work together with the Maryland Department of Commerce and help secure Floor & Decor into the Port of Baltimore. They recognized the Port’s collaborative environment and planned enhancements that align very well with their vision. We look forward to their growth and in helping them be successful in Maryland,” said James J. White, executive director of the MDOT Maryland Port Administration.
“We are excited to welcome Floor & Decor, another marquee national brand to Tradepoint Atlantic,” said Eric Gilbert, chief development officer for Tradepoint Atlantic. “This massive facility will be the largest import distribution center in Maryland. Floor & Decor’s commitment at TPA underscores our strong partnership with MPA and illustrates the tremendous value proposition of our site.”
To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $700,000 conditional loan through Advantage Maryland (formerly the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF)). Additionally, Baltimore County will provide a $70,000 conditional loan. The company is also eligible for various tax credits including the state’s Job Creation Tax Credit, Enterprise Zone tax credits, and a training grant through the state’s Partnership for Workforce Quality program.
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
