Groundbreaking for Mills Fleet Farm Distribution Center Highlights Celebration of Chippewa Falls’ Economic Development

Wisconsin-based Midwest retailer Mills Fleet Farm broke ground on a 1.1 million square foot distribution center in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin during a morning ceremony on Friday, May 19. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred in conjunction with the annual Chippewa County Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) breakfast.

“We are very committed to local growth,” said Mills Fleet Farm CEO Wayne Sales. “This new distribution center is a cornerstone of the recent economic development in Chippewa Falls.”

Governor Scott Walker also in attendance said, “This scale of development is great news for Chippewa Falls, for Chippewa County and the surrounding areas, and for Wisconsin.”

The distribution center is one of the largest economic investments in Chippewa County in recent years. It will create an estimated 325 jobs within the next five years, facilitate growth of future retail stores, and drive more than $60 million in capital investment in Chippewa Falls.

“People are already calling our office to find out how they can put their job application in,” said Charlie Walker, president and CEO of the CCEDC. “It really is a great time to live, work, play and do business in Chippewa Falls.”

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on site at the Lake Wissota Business Park, and more than 100 people attended the event. Attendees included Sales, Governor Walker, Chippewa Falls Mayor Gregory Hoffman, real estate developer Ryan Companies, business partners and local public officials.

“You don’t have an opportunity like a project of this scope come along often,” said Mayor Hoffman. “It can have a significant impact on the whole Chippewa Valley.”

Ryan Companies, the design/builder for the project, expects construction to be completed by the 2017/2018 winter, with an anticipated opening in 2018.

“We are pleased to provide an economic solution for Mills Fleet Farm with the construction of this new distribution center,” said Casey Hankinson, SVP of Build-to-Suit Ryan Companies US, Inc. “The construction of this project is more than the delivery of a building; it means job creation and business growth that will positively impact not only the Mills Fleet Farm business, but the City of Chippewa Falls and the State of Wisconsin. A positive impact to the customer and the community in which we build is what we strive for on each project here at Ryan.”

DHL Supply Chain, the market-leading third-party logistics provider, will manage the distribution center for Mills Fleet Farm. Hiring is expected to begin in late 2017 for more than 250 jobs that will be available for the Chippewa Falls distribution center’s start-up.

Mills Fleet Farm has been proudly serving the Upper Midwest since 1955 with high quality merchandise. We are your fullservice supplier for life, work, home, and recreation -combining wide-ranging products, convenient services and friendly, knowledgeable personnel all under one roof. After more than 60 years in business, Mills Fleet Farm has become a trusted name in retail with 37 locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota. We remain committed to our founding values: honesty, integrity, hard work, service, and loyalty to our customers and partners.