Home Depot to open new distribution center in Locust Grove, hiring 600 associates.

On August 4, Governor Kemp announced Georgia-based Home Depot will be opening the first of three new metro Atlanta distribution facilities in Locust Grove. The distribution facility is located at 3150 Highway 42 South in Locust Grove, illustrated in green on the site plan above.

The 657,600 square foot warehouse is currently hiring for 600 new associates. Interested jobseekers should visit careers.homedepot.com for more information or text JOBS to 52270 for a link to apply to local positions.

Home Depot continues to grow its presence as a major employer in Henry County with several distribution and repair centers. Including the new Locust Grove facility, the company will employ over 1,600 associates in the county.

“Henry County is thrilled to have the world’s largest home improvement retailer continue to make long-term strategic supply chain investments in our community,” said June Wood, chair of the Henry County Board of Commissioners. “Henry County has gained a solid reputation as one of the top sites for business locations and expansions. This location further demonstrates that our community is built for success.”

Locust Grove approved the rezoning of Gardner Logistics Park in May 2018. The zoning supports up to two million square feet of industrial space. One year later in 2019, the plans incorporated an adjacent 96 acres to support Home Depot’s plans for the property. Building 1 — with one million square feet of floor space — remains available for lease.

Home Depot is the latest in a series of company announcements along highway 42. Across the street off Colvin Drive, Love’s Travel Stops will employ 55 team members at its new tire retread and retail distribution facility. The 200,000 square foot facility will open in the first quarter of 2021.

In McDonough, Moving Henry Forward was the first to report that Ferrero USA, Inc. will open a new distribution center this fall at 875 Highway 42 South. The new center will add 250 jobs. Last week, Governor Kemp announced Purple Innovation, Inc. will create 360 jobs at its new advanced manufacturing operation.

Transportation Improvements planned in Locust Grove

In preparation for Home Depot and Love’s to open, the city of Locust Grove is actively working with Georgia DOT, Norfolk Southern, and the developer(s) to advance transportation improvements. The first additions will be new traffic signals at Marketplace Blvd and Colvin Drive along highway 42.

GDOT has approved the traffic light installation for both locations. The goal is for the signals to be installed and operational prior to Home Depot opening for business.

GBLG Development Company — the developer for Love’s — will be upgrading Colvin Drive. Improvements include support for heavy truck traffic and upgrading the existing railroad crossing.

Locust Grove is coordinating with Norfolk Southern to construct a northbound auxiliary lane on highway 42 between Bill Gardner Parkway and Marketplace Blvd. This is similar to the southbound auxiliary lane funded by GDOT between Bill Gardner and Peeksville.

GBLG Development Company is expected to provide a financial contribution for the northbound auxiliary lane project.

Finally, GDOT has approved the city’s plans to modify the Bill Gardner Parkway interchange with I-75 and add additional turn lanes. More information about the project will be featured in an upcoming blog post.

Portions of this article were copied from the Governor’s press release.