Wednesday January 12, 2022

REI Co-op building state-of-the-art distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee

Al. Neyer has partnered with REI Co-Op to develop, design, and build its fourth distribution center in Lebanon, TN, which is expected to be complete in the fall of 2023.

From REI Newsroom:

REI CO-OP BUILDING STATE OF THE ART DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN LEBANON, TN THAT PRIORITIZES THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS 

National specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op today announced that it is building a distribution center in Lebanon, Tennessee to support its continued growth on the East Coast and in the Midwest and South. Expected to open in fall 2023 the building and its operations will proactively address the employee experience, community engagement, and environmental impact.

REI’s Lebanon distribution center will be approximately 400,000 square feet and employ more than 280 staff. Situated on 41 acres in Wilson County, the facility will be one mile from I-40 and three miles from downtown Lebanon at 1400 Murfreesboro Road. The location will considerably reduce shipping times to fulfill customers’ online purchases and be able to support more than 70 REI stores. Nearly 5.6 million REI members live in the service area of the new distribution center.

Al. Neyer is the co-op’s partner for the new distribution center. The Nashville-based team has supported site selection and land purchase; engaged with Lebanon’s elected officials and economic development council; and facilitated introductions with regional power suppliers. Additionally, Al. Neyer is the architect and general contractor for the project.

“Opening a distribution center in Lebanon strategically positions REI for growth and complements the service areas of our other distribution facilities. Most importantly, the center will reflect the co-op’s values by putting people first and apply a new standard in fighting the climate crisis,” says Bill Best, REI vice president of supply chain. “We have a strong local partner that understands REI’s brand, sustainability ethos, and interest to create healthier communities.”

“Al. Neyer’s integrated team of developers, licensed architects, and construction management experts are excited to partner with REI to deliver a best-in-class distribution center that will set an important precedent for sustainability in Greater Nashville and beyond,” states Justin Hartung, Al. Neyer vice president of design-build. “Our team has been working closely with REI over the past year and a half to develop this leading facility that will not only be a great place to work and a great addition to the community but will also make a lasting positive impact on the environment.”

REI selected Lebanon after looking at several other locations in the south and considering key factors that included, but were not limited to, general population statistics, job market potential, construction readiness, existing regional environmental commitments, and cost to build.

Read more in the REI Newsroom.

About the REI Co-op

REI is a specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. The nation’s largest consumer co-op, REI is a growing community of more than 20 million members who expect and love the best quality gear, inspiring expert classes and trips, and outstanding customer service. REI has 174 locations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, REI Outlet or the REI shopping app. REI isn’t just about gear. Adventurers can take the trip of a lifetime with REI’s active adventure travel company that runs more than 100 itineraries across the country. In many communities where REI has a presence, professionally trained instructors share their expertise by hosting beginner-to advanced-level classes and workshops about a wide range of activities. To build on the infrastructure that makes life outside possible, REI invests millions annually in hundreds of local and national nonprofits that create access to—and steward—the outdoor places that inspire us all.

About the Project

Al. Neyer’s integrated team of developers, architects, and construction experts are working closely with REI to build a state-of-the-art distribution center that will serve more than 70 REI stores and 5.6 million co-op members. The facility will be approximately 400,000 SF and include features that support the employee experience and community engagement while lessening its environmental impact. The project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2023. Read more in our portfolio.

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