Kroger, Ocado to build CFC in suburban Atlanta

The Kroger Co. and online grocery retailer Ocado Solutions will build a high-tech customer fulfillment center (CFCs) in Forest Park, Ga., the companies said today. The facility is the third of 20 planned CFCs that will serve customers across the country.

Cincinnati-based Kroger and United Kingdom-based Ocado have joined forces to build the CFCs, which are automated warehouse facilities that incorporate digital and robotic technologies. Also known as "sheds," the CFCs are designed to accelerate Kroger's omnichannel strategy and provide customers with "anything, anytime and anywhere," the companies said.

Located south of Atlanta, the Forest Park, Ga., CFC is a $55 million investment that is expected to create more than 400 jobs, the companies also said. Kroger is scheduled to break ground later this year and plans to have the facility up and running in 2021.

Kroger broke ground on its first CFC, in suburban Cincinnati, in June, and announced plans to build its second CFC, near Orlando, Fla., this spring. Kroger and Ocado said they expect both facilities to be operational in 2021 as well.