PROVIDENCE, R.I., Feb. 15,
2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhode Island Governor
Gina M. Raimondo and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation today
announced that United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) intends to
significantly expand its footprint in Rhode Island, with plans to hire 100 new
full-time employees by the end of 2018 and a total of 150 new
full-time employees by 2020.
UNFI is a leading natural, organic and specialty foods and
nonfood distributor with more than 9,800 employees and 34
distribution centers in the U.S. and Canada. Named one of the World's Most Admired
Companies by Fortune, one of the Top Green Providers by
Food Logistics and repeatedly among the Healthiest Large Employers
by Providence Business News, it has since 2009
maintained its corporate headquarters in Providence and currently has over 450
employees in the state.
"We've long been proud that UNFI calls Rhode Island home, and today we're pleased
that it's decided to grow here," says R.I. Governor Gina M. Raimondo. "The business climate we've
worked to foster over the past couple of years is one that's
mutually beneficial for businesses and our residents, and we're
careful to ensure that the opportunities we create pay off in both
the short and long terms."
UNFI is working toward a long-term lease at a Providence metro-area site and anticipates
investments in the property to accommodate the new employees. UNFI
intends to apply for tax credits under the Qualified Jobs Incentive
Act program.
"UNFI is an outstanding social enterprise, and we're proud that
the company has such an important and growing presence in
Rhode Island," said Stefan Pryor, Rhode
Island Secretary of Commerce. "UNFI is a terrific addition
to the list of existing Rhode
Island companies that, with support from our economic
incentives, are expanding right here in our state."
Based on third-party analysis, these 150 new jobs are projected
to realize a projected net increase of $4.8
million in personal income, sales and corporate business tax
revenues over a 12-year period. We can also expect an increase of
$9.7 million in Rhode Island's annual GDP once all 150 hires
are in place.
"We look forward to expanding our presence in Rhode Island with the opening of our shared
services center, which will enable us to drive greater efficiencies
and improve the customer experience as we further simplify and
standardize our supplier and customer interactions," said
Steven L. Spinner, UNFI President,
CEO and Chairman of the Board. "At UNFI, our people are our most
valued asset, and we are committed to working with our associates
to ensure a smooth transition as we position UNFI for continued
growth."
To apply for a position with UNFI, visit the
company's careers page. UNFI will also host an open house on
March 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its corporate headquarters
in Providence (313 Iron Horse
Way). Hiring managers will be in attendance and conducting
interviews during that time period.
About United Natural Foods
United Natural Foods (NASDAQ: UNFI) is celebrating its 40-year
anniversary of delivering healthier food options to more people.
The company carries and distributes more than 100,000 products to
more than 43,000 customer locations throughout the United States and Canada. United Natural Foods serves a wide
variety of sales channels including conventional supermarket
chains, natural product superstores, independent retailers,
eCommerce and food service. For more information, please
visit http://www.unfi.com.
Contact: Matt Sheaff (Commerce) 401-278-9149
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SOURCE United Natural Foods Inc.