John Sommers II for TT
UPS Inc. is planning a massive expansion in Plainfield, Ind. to keep pace with surging growth in e-commerce.
UPS on June 13 announced it is building an 893,000-square-foot hub in Plainfield that is scheduled to open in fall 2019. UPS will spend $260 million on the expansion, which includes adding up to 578 jobs by 2023.
UPS ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.
The company’s growth offers a counter-narrative to the oft-told story of struggling retail. UPS is increasing its footprint in Central Indiana as e-commerce sales boom. Indiana, with its close proximity to several large markets in the North and South, is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the trend.
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The Indianapolis area is a hub not only for UPS but also for UPS competitor FedEx. Several companies, ranging from Amazon and Kohl’s, also have established distribution and fulfillment centers in the area.
FedEx ranks No. 2 on the TT Top 100.
“Central Indiana is a logistics gateway for efficient transportation networks that enhance UPS reliability and service,” Kevin Church, president of UPS’ Ohio Valley District, said in a statement.
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The Indiana Economic Development Corp. has offered up to $7.5 million in tax credits and $200,000 in training grants for UPS’ plan. Gov. Eric Holcomb in a statement said the expansion is “more evidence that Indiana is a global logistics powerhouse.”
“Our state’s top-ranked infrastructure network has been key to growing our economy — especially in the manufacturing and logistics sector,” Holcomb added.
UPS, which has been in a perpetual state of hiring, expects to have openings for package handling and driver positions in the fall.
Atlanta-based UPS already has started construction on the Plainfield hub.
| By James Briggs The Indianapolis Star |
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