Christmas came early this year in Franklin as Kroger announced it will build a $391 million distribution center in Simpson County, a development that is sure to continue our region’s economic explosion.

Gov. Andy Beshear’s office announced the development last week. Once it fires up it will employ roughly 430 people full-time.

The center operations, which will be scalable and automated, will help supply the region, according to Beshear’s announcement. It also follows a $224 million Kroger investment into expanding its Country Oven facility in Bowling Green.

Simpson County Judge-Executive Mason Barnes and Franklin Mayor Larry Dixon said it’ll strengthen the local economy. Barnes added that it’ll help broaden the county’s industrial diversity.

“The projected 430 jobs will have a lasting impact on our community and enhance our region’s economic landscape,” Jim DeCesare, executive director of the Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority, stated.

Beshear added that the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, which provides business incentives, approved Kroger for up to $1 million in tax incentives. This, Beshear stated, is through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, which “allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.”

We applaud Kroger’s commitment to southcentral Kentucky and we wish them good luck in their Simpson County venture.