BFNAT to Build New Distribution Center in Jacksonville

(Akron/Tire Review) Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire (BFNAT) will invest approximately $44 million to build a 1 million-square foot distribution centre at Cecil Commerce Center North in Jacksonville, Florida.

The announcement was made in a joint release by Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission (JEDC), Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership and Jacksonville Port Authority (Jaxport).

The new distribution centre will be built on 63.3 acres and will create about 250 jobs in the area within three years. The project will also indirectly result in the creation of approximately 220 new jobs in the transportation and maritime sectors, according to the release.

BFNAT aims to begin construction by this fall and open the facility in June 2007. “The proximity of the major interstates, combined with the accessibility of Jaxport, makes this the ideal location for us,” said Nelson Miller, director of logistics for BFNAT.

“This is the first private development project at Cecil Commerce Center North. It is a great opportunity for the City of Jacksonville and I believe, the first of many to come as we continue to market the commercial ‘jewel’ we have in Cecil Commerce Center,” added Mayor Peyton.

“The Bridgestone/Firestone distribution center will utilize some of the key logistical assets of the city, mainly Jaxport and the convenient interstate access, to the mutual benefit of their business and Jacksonville’s economy,” Peyton added.