PEARL RIVER, La. (Mar. 24, 2026) — Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) announced plans to invest $110 million to modernize its Gulf Coast Division Support Center in St. Tammany Parish, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to Louisiana while strengthening supply chain efficiency for independent grocery retailers across the Southeast.
The project will retain 334 existing jobs at the Pearl River facility, where average wages are approximately 9% higher than the parish average. Upgrades will include advanced automation technologies designed to improve order accuracy, streamline operations and enhance the movement of grocery products throughout the region.
State officials emphasized the investment’s role in supporting both workforce development and supply chain resilience. By integrating advanced automation systems, the project will create opportunities for employee upskilling while helping ensure consistent delivery of essential goods, even during severe weather events.
AWG leaders noted the modernization effort represents a strategic reinvestment in one of the company’s largest conventional grocery divisions. The Pearl River facility serves as a critical distribution hub within AWG’s national network, which supplies more than 1,100 member companies operating 3,500 grocery store locations across 33 states.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2027, with installation of automation systems expected to start in April 2027. The upgraded facility is anticipated to be fully operational by November 2027.
Local and regional leaders highlighted the project’s broader economic impact, citing strengthened logistics infrastructure, enhanced supply chain capabilities and the retention of high-quality jobs. The investment also reinforces St. Tammany Parish’s growing position as a key distribution corridor supported by interstate access and strategic proximity to Gulf Coast markets.
To secure the project, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) offered a $500,000 performance-based incentive grant to support infrastructure updates and equipment modernization tied to the facility’s retention and long-term growth.
Founded in 1924, Associated Wholesale Grocers is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler serving independently owned supermarkets. The company reported consolidated sales of $12.1 billion in 2024 and operates nine wholesale division support centers nationwide, along with subsidiaries providing real estate development, pharmaceutical distribution and supermarket support services.
