Publix Super Markets plans to expand its head office in Lakeland and recruit 700 new employees
Publix announced Thursday that it planned to complete its expansion by 2027, bringing its workforce to 2,100 employees.
Publix has asked the Florida Economic Opportunities Department for economic incentives and has stated in official documents that it plans to spend up to $ 25 million on this project. The state did not indicate how the incentives for Publix could be eligible.
"These additional jobs will help support our store associates as they continue to provide the premier service expected by our customers," said Todd Jones, CEO and President of Publix, in a statement. "We are proud of the role we continue to play in the great state of Florida."
Governor Rick Scott, who comes to the US Senate, was in Lakeland to make the announcement.
The expansion of Publix's head office will add approximately 190,000 square feet of space and bring the building to 510,000 square feet.
Publix did not specify what type of employment or salary would be reserved for new employees of the company.
Construction is expected to begin later this year. The headquarters of Publix is located southeast of downtown Lakeland and north of Lakeland Linder International Airport.
Publix has 1,198 stores in seven states, including 749 in Florida. It also has about 190,000 employees.
Publix has built its current headquarters in Lakeland in 2001. Originally, it employed 800 people but has since risen to 1400. Since that time, Publix has also added 500 new grocery stores and has expanded to markets such as Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Publix made a profit of $ 2.3 billion in 2017 on a $ 34.6 billion business figure. Its stock is publicly traded and available only to employees and directors.
