Ahold Delhaize USA — parent company of Food Lion, The GIANT Company, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop — has announced an $860 million investment to build a new state-of-the-art distribution and transportation hub in Burlington, North Carolina.
The project is expected to create more than 500 jobs over time, with initial operations beginning in 2029 following a 2026 construction start.
For Burlington and Alamance County, this represents one of the largest private investments in local history and a major boost to the region’s logistics infrastructure. The new 1-million-square-foot facility will support grocery operations across the East Coast, reinforcing North Carolina’s role as a vital link in the national supply chain.
Local Economic Impact
The initial 120 jobs will bring more than $10 million in annual payroll, supporting local families and small businesses. Partnerships between Ahold Delhaize USA, the City of Burlington, Alamance County, and the North Carolina Community College System are already in motion to provide workforce training and site development.
This investment builds on Burlington’s strategic location along the I-40/85 corridor, where easy access to both the Piedmont Triad and Research Triangle regions continues to attract logistics, manufacturing, and technology employers.
Where Employees Will Live
While Burlington itself offers a growing downtown, affordable neighborhoods, and short commutes, many employees are also expected to live in surrounding bedroom communities such as:
- Graham – a revitalizing downtown and expanding housing stock.
- Elon – college-town appeal with new residential development.
- Gibsonville – quiet suburban setting close to major routes.
- Mebane – a fast-growing hub between Alamance and Orange Counties with retail and housing expansion.
The broader Piedmont Triad metro area — especially Greensboro and High Point — is within commuting distance and provides a larger labor and housing base.
Real Estate and Investment Outlook
Major employers like Ahold Delhaize serve as economic anchors that stimulate local demand for workforce housing, neighborhood retail, and service-oriented centers.
With Burlington positioned between two of North Carolina’s fastest-growing metros, investors can anticipate steady population growth and rising retail activity through the second half of the decade.
North Carolina’s continued ability to attract large, long-term corporate investment underscores the fundamentals that make it one of the most resilient real-estate markets in the U.S.
Doug Kline, PhD, has held income properties in North Carolina for more than 20 years. He holds a North Carolina broker’s license, and is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Triangle Real Estate Investors Association. He holds an MBA and a PhD in business. In addition to his real estate activities, Doug enjoyed a successful career in academia, achieving the rank of Full Professor in the Cameron School of Business at UNC Wilmington. He was honored with research and teaching awards, served as Director of the MS Computer Science and Information Systems program, and was awarded the endowed position Distinguished Professor of Information Systems.