Tractor Supply Company, the largest retail farm and ranch store chain in the United States, today announced plans to open a regional distribution center in Macon, Ga.

The new 650,000-plus square-foot distribution center, expected to be in operation by the end of 2013, will serve stores in the southeastern United States. The distribution center is expected to employ approximately 200 employees when fully operational and represents a capital investment of more than $50 million.

“We evaluated numerous sites in several states and chose Macon as the best location for this facility,” said Gregory A. Sandfort, President and COO for Tractor Supply. “We are especially pleased this new facility will be built in Georgia, where we have a substantial and growing presence. This new, state-of-the-art distribution center will replace a smaller, leased facility in Braselton that we have outgrown. This new facility will better support our growth requirements and enable us to continue to grow in Georgia.”

Mr. Sandfort added, “We appreciate the hard work of the county and state officials who helped us through the process.  Macon’s central location offers many benefits to the company and our vendors, now and in the future.  We anticipate a very productive business partnership with the community.”

 Following today’s announcement, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Chairman Cliffard Whitby of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Chairman Samuel F. Hart of the Bibb County Board of Commissioners and Tractor Supply executives broke ground for the new facility, which will be located in the I-75 Business Park at 1115 Frank Amerson Jr. Parkway.

“We are pleased that Tractor Supply Company has decided to invest more than $50 million in this new facility in Georgia,” said Lt. Gov. Cagle.  “Georgia is proud to play a role in this significant project and looks forward to a continued partnership with Tractor Supply for years to come.”

“This decision by Tractor Supply Company to bring their Regional Distribution Center to Bibb County is greatly appreciated,” said Chairman Hart.  “They could have gone other places, but chose this area because of the available facilities, good workforce and the excellent support provided by our extended economic development team, from local to state level.  This is another example of how putting your best foot forward pays off in new jobs, new investments and new opportunities for businesses to be successful here.”