The Kroger Co. and Ocado are partnering to open another automated Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC), this time in Frederick, Md.
The new 350,000-square-foot CFC will help the grocery retailer expand its footprint in the Northeast. The facility, which will service several markets, including Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, is expected to become operational about two years after the site breaks ground.
"Kroger is incredibly excited to construct one of our industry-leading Customer Fulfillment Centers in Maryland in relationship with Ocado to bring fresh food to our customers faster than ever before," said Robert Clark, Kroger's senior vice president of supply chain, manufacturing and sourcing. "Through our strategic partnership, we are engineering a model for the region, leveraging advanced robotics technology and creative solutions to redefine the customer experience."
In June, Kroger and Ocado broke ground on its first CFC in Monroe, Ohio, and has since announced additional locations in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Wisconsin and in the mid-Atlantic region. Kroger's deal with Ocado announced in May 2018 called for the construction of 20 highly automated grocery CFCs.
Cincinnati-based Kroger employs nearly half a million associates who serve 9 million-plus customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and 2,769 retail food stores under a variety of banner names.