The developers invited government and business leaders to have a look at the project Friday morning.
Plant manager Steve Dalton said the center would serve customers in three states.
"We're consolidating some warehouses into one facility to use this as a 'cross stock' facility for our customers in a tri-state area," Dalton said.
Jimmy Adams, President of The Adams Companies, which is developing the project, said transportation was the selling point that kept the estimated $4 million expansion from moving to North Carolina.
"We had to work through logistics and transportation avenues that went through North Carolina versus the I-85 and U.S. Highway 120 connector to move the freight over there," Adams said. "Transportation was a pivotal decision for Land 'o Lakes in making the decision to locate here."
According to Adams, the City of Gainesville played a support role in helping the expansion's location with the commitment to install an additional traffic light installed at Ridge Road and Athens Street.
The new center should be ready by next spring.
The Adams Companies is currently building the center on 17 acres adjacent to the Purina feed mill.
This center will house Land O Lakes' distribution operation in 69,000 square feet. An additional 21,000 square feet is available for lease.
Jimmy Adams on site with plant manager Steve Dalton
http://accesswdun.com/article/2007/12/204685