Food Lion’s parent company is building an $860 million distribution center on N.C. 61, approximately one mile south of Interstate 40 in Burlington.

The Triad Business Journal reports that Netherlands-based Ahold Delhaize plans to initially employ 120 people at the distribution center serving its grocery brands on the East Coast, with expansion plans to approximately 500 workers in eight years. Construction is scheduled to start next year, with operations likely to begin in 2029.

Developer Crown Cos. of Dobson closed on approximately a dozen parcels that made up the site in September, following a rezoning request in the summer of 2024.

The Burlington City Council unanimously approved a $21.5 million incentive package, followed by the Guilford County Board of Commissioners authorizing a package valued at up to $17.9 million.