FedEx's new hub expands distribution

PERRYSBURG TOWNSHIP, Ohio - FedEx Corp.'s ground unit celebrated the opening of a new distribution hub in Perrysburg Township, replacing its existing Toledo operation, the company said Tuesday.

The new $90 million, 584,000-square-foot distribution hub sits on 130 acres of land, and it features technology that is expected to boost processing rates to 22,500 packages per hour on 15 miles of conveyor belts, the Memphis, Tenn.-based company said in a statement.

"Expandability is critical," said Dave Rebolz, FedEx Ground president and chief executive officer. "When you put in this kind of investment the goal is not to walk away in 10 years. The goal is to expand in less than 10 years, so the space was ideal for us."

Rebolz said once this hub expands, it will increase its processing rate of 22,500 packages per hour to 45,000 at full capacity.

FedEx said the facility, which will create more than 50 jobs, will serve as one of two gateways for shipments destined to Canada.

The new hub is part of the company's network expansion to boost daily package volume capacity.

"We are clearly here for the long-term and look to build on the relationships we have today,” Rebolz added.

FedEx's decision to move out of Toledo caused Mayor Carty Finkbeiner to accuse Wood County Officials of "poaching jobs." That controversy was settled when Perrysburg Township and Toledo signed a joint-economic agreement that allows the Glass City to collect part of the income tax revenue generated by the hub.

In return, Toledo provided infrastructure help at the facility.
 

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)