JACKSON TWP — The long-awaited FedEx distribution center is gradually opening in the township.

The center on Tomlinson Road started a phased opening Aug. 5 after about three years of planning the project and then the building of a new intersection on Route 528.

“Everything is going according to plan,” said FedEx spokesman David Westrick. “We’re working to make it a smooth operation.”

The more than 320,000-square-foot center will employ about 230 people, 90 of whom are new to the company. The other 140 employees transferred from other FedEx facilities in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

The company has a 15-year lease with Sippel Development Co. Inc., which owns the land.

“It’s going to definitely be a boon to the local economy,” said company owner Doug Sippel previously.

A private ribbon-cutting ceremony will be Sept. 14 to mark the center’s grand opening.

FedEx has opened 11 new hubs featuring advanced material-handling systems and expanded or relocated more than 500 local facilities since 2005.

The center’s location in Jackson Township was chosen because of its ease of access to highways, being near to Route 528, Route 19 and Interstate 79.

Township officials said the center’s opening is a big step in the township’s growth.

“It’s great for the community,” township supervisors President Trent Geis said. “We think it will be an economic boon for the area, and it will be great for people moving into the township or currently living in the area.”

Other developments also are planned for that immediate area.

A 42-acre development headed by Zelienople-based Plunkett Motor Freight Rentals was recently approved by the supervisors.

That development will be between FedEx, Route 528 and I-79 and is planned to have a hotel, restaurant, convenience store and a flexible-use building.