New center progresses
JACKSON TWP — The new FedEx distribution center being built on Tomlinson Road is nearing its opening in August.
Spokesman David Westrick said the 300,000-square-foot facility is part of a nationwide network expansion to boost daily package volume capacity and enhance the speed and service capabilities of the FedEx Ground network.
“The new facility will join an existing station on Neville Island, enabling us to continue to meet and exceed customer demands in the Pittsburgh area,” Westrick said.
The company has opened 11 new hubs since 2005 with advanced material-handling systems and it has expanded or relocated more than 500 facilities.
While Westrick said the number of jobs has not been determined, earlier reports said FedEx may hire up to 500 employees.
Interior construction on the facility is being done, including testing of its equipment.
Last month, a new intersection with traffic lights was installed, bringing together Lindsay Road, which is Route 528; Tomlinson Road and Jo Deener Drive.
Township manager Chris Rearick said while the intersection was not built specifically for FedEx or other businesses, their vehicles can use it to their advantage.
“The intersection was built to address ongoing safety issues on Route 528 in the vicinity of Jo Deener Drive and Tomlinson Road,” Rearick said.
However, the company did require traffic signal access of some sort for its vehicles.
“The dialogue continued with FedEx and the township worked cooperatively with them to participate in a larger project,” Rearick said. “The project then realigned existing roads to a more optimal location.”
He said along with job opportunities, the facility could attract more retail businesses.
Westrick said the site was chosen because of its ease of access to major highways, proximity to customers' distribution centers and a strong work force for recruiting.
The facility still needs final inspections to open.
