BMW To Build Multi-Million Dollar Distribution Center in Mississippi
29 March 1999
BMW To Build Multi-Million Dollar Distribution Center in Mississippi
JACKSON, Miss.--(AutomotiveWire)--March 26, 1999--BMW of North America Inc. announced plans to locate a multi-million dollar parts distribution center in Mississippi. The 200,000-square-foot regional center, which will serve dealers in the southeast, will be located in the city of Senatobia in northwestern Mississippi.The new BMW facility will be the company's third regional parts distribution center. BMW's two other North American distribution centers - located in New Jersey and California - are near capacity, necessitating a third distribution center. The Mississippi facility will be operational by late 2000.
After searching for a southeastern site, BMW chose Mississippi for several reasons, including close proximity to major transportation corridors and airport hubs, qualified labor pool, high quality of life, and cooperation from private and government leaders.
"We were impressed with the way the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development (MDECD), the city of Senatobia and the Tate County Economic Development Foundation presented their community to us and their willingness to work with BMW," said Hans Duenzl, vice president of Service, Parts and Engineering. "We're looking forward to becoming a part of this community and we're confident that they can help us become operational by the end of 2000."
Governor Kirk Fordice said, "We have worked hard to create a business-friendly environment in Mississippi and our hard work is paying off in capital investment and jobs for our citizens. I am proud to welcome BMW to our state."
"The fact that the luxury automobile maker chose to invest in Mississippi demonstrates confidence in the state's workforce and pro-business attitude," Fordice added.
"We're pleased to see BMW join our family of companies and welcome the opportunity to assist in any way we can, now and in the future," said Jimmy Heidel, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development. "BMW's decision to locate here speaks volumes about the economic climate of our state."
BMW is the latest company to join the growing number of Fortune 1000 businesses locating major distribution hubs in Mississippi. Automobile manufacturers Nissan and Mazda already have distribution centers in the state and General Motors has announced plans for a parts distribution operation in central Mississippi to serve its southeastern US customers. Additionally, Mississippi is home to several retail distribution centers, including Asics Tiger and Williams-Sonoma, the household and consumer products company which is investing $100 million in a DeSoto County, Miss. facility that will be operational in June.
The Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development is charged with developing new jobs and creating capital investment within the state. The agency administers national and international business development, existing industry and business assistance, tourism efforts, community development, employment training, and programs in finance, minority business, energy and retiree attraction. The state's site selection team offers customized financing, operating incentives, tax abatements and one-stop permitting to companies looking to expand or relocate.
BMW entered the North American market in 1975. Since then, the company has grown to include marketing, sales and financial service organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a design firm in California; a technology office in Palo Alto and various other operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the company's sales and marketing headquarters for North, Central and South America headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ.