A global logistics firm plans to open a large, new warehouse in Harford County, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area, which has been growing as a distribution hub, public officials and developer Chesapeake Real Estate Group said Thursday.
XPO Logistics, headquartered in Connecticut and operating in 34 countries, will occupy a 571,000-square-foot building at the Perryman Logistics Center. The lease expands XPO Logistics' presence in Maryland, where it already serves customers from several locations.
The firm, which reported more than $7 billion in revenue in the first half of the year, did not respond to requests for comment. Public officials said the company expects to add up to 400 jobs in the new facility.
"We are proud that a global industry leader like XPO Logistics sees the tremendous benefits of doing business in Maryland, and in particular along the I-95 corridor," Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement. "With this new facility, XPO Logistics is continuing to grow its footprint in Maryland and creating new jobs and opportunities for our citizens."
The 610 Chelsea Road warehouse, built with financial backing from USAA Real Estate Co., is located about 30 minutes north of the port of Baltimore, close to Interstate 95.
Harford County Executive Barry Glassman said his jurisdiction has been attractive to companies because of its access to highways and large tracts of land, which can accommodate the bigger warehouses retailers are looking for as they adjust to the growth in online shopping.
"This is a significant win for Harford County … and will result in significant economic impact on the housing and retail sectors, among others," he said in a statement.
Chesapeake Real Estate Group started work on the building in 2014 without a tenant, banking on a strong industrial market.
Retailers such as Kohl's, Sephora and Restoration Hardware are among the recent large deals in Maryland. More than a fifth of XPO Logistics customers fall into the retail or e-commerce category, according to a recent investor presentation.