BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ—Industrial equipment supply firm Grainger announced plans today to build a new 1.3-million-square-foot Northeast distribution center here.

The Chicago-based company that operates 11 locations in New Jersey, including 10 branches throughout the state and a distribution center in Robbinsville, reports it has purchased 96 acres of land in Bordentown in connection with the project. The distribution center is scheduled to open in 2016.

"Our new distribution center will allow us to get more products next day to our customers in the Northeast, so they have what they need to help keep their operations running and their people safe," says Paige Robbins, a supply chain executive with Grainger. "Grainger has been in New Jersey since 1933, and we're looking forward to becoming an active member of the Bordentown Township business community."

When the facility is operational, the company expects to employ more than 400 individuals at the complex, primarily in warehouse operations. Grainger anticipates the jobs will be filled by a mix of existing employees and new hires.

"Bordentown Township is excited to welcome Grainger to our community," says Stephen Benowitz, mayor of Bordentown Township. "The company has a reputation as a strong employer and good neighbor, and their presence will surely be a boost to our economic development plans. We will continue to work with Grainger as they build and open their facility, and look forward to a long, mutually-beneficial partnership.”

IDI Gazeley will serve as the developer/construction manager and Gray Construction will serve as general contractor on this project. In addition, New Jersey-based KSS Architects is the project's architect, and Maser Consulting, is the project's civil engineer.