At a news conference this morning, The United Family® gave an update on the expansion of the distribution center and announced new projects that will bring the company’s total investment to more than $100 million in their headquarter city. President Robert Taylor outlined several initiatives the community will soon see come to life.

The program began with an update on progress at the Lubbock distribution center. The announcement of the purchase of the Lubbock distribution center last year, along with the expansion project, paved the way to today’s announcements. Construction is well underway and slated for completion this fall. The 200,000 square foot expansion will create more than 200 new jobs.

Seven of the current nine locations under The United Family banners throughout the city will undergo updates and remodels in the coming weeks. Taylor followed that exciting news by revealing a much-anticipated new United Supermarkets will break ground at 4th and Milwaukee Ave. It was also revealed the United Supermarkets at 82nd Street and Frankford will receive an in-store Starbucks, as will the Market Street at 50th and Indiana.

“The number of stores that we operate has increased more than 40 percent over the last two years,” said Taylor. “What many people may not realize is that whenever we add stores anywhere, it impacts Lubbock. All the back-of-house accounting, tech support, supply and merchandise; it all originates from our home base here in Lubbock and it means that we are rooted here for years to come.”

Renovations for the seven stores will begin immediately and are scheduled to be completed this fall. Beginning with the United Supermarkets at 82nd and Boston, updates will be staggered throughout the stores as to minimize interruptions during the shopping experience. Depending on the need of each location, the renovations will consist of updates and new features including new décor, updated fixtures and enhanced products and services.

“The Lubbock community has been incredibly loyal to our company over the past century and investing in the stores our guests frequent each week is a priority for our team,” said Taylor. “With the incredible expansion and growth our company has experienced in recent years, we want the Lubbock community to know we are thankful they have continued to grow with us over the years. Our executive team members are all long-time Lubbock residents and we are very excited about both today’s announcements and the outlook for the future of Lubbock.”

On the heels of a new United Supermarkets location expected to open this fall in South Lubbock at 1585 and Indiana, The United Family will also break ground on a United Supermarkets location on the west side of town. Residents of West Lubbock have long awaited the arrival of this store, which will support the United Express convenience store and drive-thru that opened in May 2011. The new store will anchor a retail space that is available for development.

“We are thrilled to announce another new second-generation United Supermarkets for Lubbock residents,” said Taylor. “We have long looked forward to being able to open a location in West Lubbock and similar to the store under construction on 1585, this store will be similar in size and scope with a few additions and changes that we look forward to announcing at a later date.”

In addition to the opening of two new stores and renovations to seven locations, The United Family is continuing its expansion of its distribution center. The company originally announced the purchase of the Lubbock distribution center and a $33.7 million expansion in May 2015 which will add 200,000-square-feet to the existing facility. While the project is still a work in progress, the physical plant investment in this property has been very large and will extend to the additional trucks, trailers, material handling equipment, technology and financial leadership that a growing operation demands.

The capital investment in Lubbock for all these projects is well over $100 million. In addition to the 200 new jobs previously announced as a result of the distribution center expansion, the two new retail stores will create another 400 brand new jobs in Lubbock. The positive economic impact associated with the increased business activity all originating from Lubbock will continue to impact in the local Lubbock economy for years to come.

“Great things are always happening in Lubbock, and The United Family’s announcement of a $100 million investment in new and existing stores shows their continued commitment to our city,” said Lubbock Mayor Dan Pope. “The United Family is an outstanding corporate citizen, and we are honored that they call Lubbock home. Lubbock continues to grow, and today’s announcement is another example of how The United Family consistently contributes to our growth, prosperity, and quality of life. This is great news for Lubbock.”

The United Family has been headquartered in Lubbock since 1956, when Jack Snell, son of H.D. Snell, purchased three Taylor Safeways. The company continued its expansion over the next four decades under the leadership of the Snell and Bumstead families, and by 1991, United stores were in 20 communities throughout Texas. Over the past three years, the company has grown to 73 stores and 33 fuel center/convenience stores, serving 45 communities in West Texas, DFW and most recently Eastern New Mexico.

Over the past 60 years, The United Family has created more than 4,000 jobs for Lubbock residents and has continued to build its reputation on service throughout the journey. The company prioritizes the need for quality service and values the importance of giving back to the communities they serve. In 2015 alone, The United Family donated more $1.3 million to local Lubbock organizations and will increase that number in 2016, during its 100 year celebration.

About The United Family®
In its 100th year of operation, United Supermarkets, LLC – d.b.a. The United Family® – is a Texas-based grocery chain with stores in 45 communities in West Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth and New Mexico. A self-distributing company with headquarters in Lubbock and distribution centers in Lubbock and Roanoke, The United Family currently operates 73 stores and 33 fuel center/convenience stores under five unique banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Albertsons Market and United Express, along with ancillary operations R.C. Taylor Distributing, Praters and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertson’s LLC. For more information, please visit www.unitedtexas.com.

(News release from The United Family)