Autozone’s groundbreaking marks first step for New Kent’s ‘City Center’

By Robb Johnson | July 1, 2022 9:29 am

Several local and state dignitaries, including Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (sixth from right) dig in as part of groundbreaking ceremonies for AutoZone's Distribution Center that will be located in New Kent.

Robb Johnson photo

Growth coming to New Kent County isn’t just its population; it’s businesses as well.

A groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 30 at the new location of AutoZone’s Distribution Center with several dignitaries on hand.

News of the facility was announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin during a Feb. 18 press conference. Located on Emmaus Church Road (Route 106) between the current Pilot and the eastbound ramp to Interstate 64, the $185.2 million project will occupy 800,000 square feet and create 352 new jobs. Most information about the distribution center was kept private until the governor’s announcement, which was confirmed by New Kent County’s Board of Supervisors on Feb. 23 after they approved an SPF development agreement with AutoZone.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, the governor was excited about the new opportunity of growth for New Kent.

“This is a big step for AutoZone, a big step for New Kent, and a big step for Virginia,” Youngin said. “In February, I had the great pleasure of signing the subsequent economic package that finalized the deal with AutoZone.

“Where else should a direct import facility be than right here in New Kent County?” the governor added. “AutoZone has 735 stores in neighboring states that will all interact with this distribution center.”

While the facility isn’t slated to open until the first quarter of 2025, Youngkin added that AutoZone will be the first tenant of New Kent County’s “City Center”, an industrial area that will cover approximately 1,600 acres. Youngkin concluded the ceremony that with the growth of the area that plans to expand Interstate 64 into three lanes in both directions from Richmond to Williamsburg was a top priority to attract additional businesses along the corridor.