Food/beverage distributor to create 745 jobs in Caroline

World Class Distribution Inc. (WCD Inc.) plans to build a $275 million, 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Caroline County that will create 745 jobs, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Wednesday.

A subsidiary of Tact Holdings Inc., WCD distributes food and beverage products, including canned foods, dry foods, candy, grocery, beer and wine, frozen foods and other refrigerated products. The company currently has 11 distribution centers throughout the United States and more than 4,500 employees in eight states.

WCD plans to start operations in 2023 at the Caroline 95 Logistics park in Ruther Glen. Virginia competed against North Carolina for the project. The jobs to be created will be management and facility operations positions, as well as distribution operators, packers and handlers.

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward as we focus on returning more Virginians to the workforce, and I thank World Class Distribution for creating 745 new, high-quality jobs in the commonwealth,” Youngkin said in a statement.“Virginia’s extensive transportation infrastructure is the cornerstone of our position as a leader in supply chain management, and World Class Distribution’s major investment will contribute to the commonwealth’s success in this important industry.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Caroline County to secure the project. Youngkin approved a $3 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the county with the project. The company is eligible for benefits from the state’s Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit for new, full-time jobs created. VEDP is also working with the Virginia Department of Transportation to determine eligibility through the Economic Development Access road program.