A new Macon distribution center is expected to employ 200 people. It’s the region’s first large-scale economic development announcement since 2010.

Tractor Supply expects to have the 650,000 square foot facility open by the end of 2013. It will serve the company’s stores throughout the southeast.

Company President and C.O.O. Greg Sanford says Macon beat four other locations because the site was shovel ready with infrastructure in place.

“Right now we’ve got a number of stores on the docket to be built in the south. But, with a facility like this we could probably expand that store base even further.”

Sanford says a generous local incentive package helped as well, including discounts on land, taxes and infrastructure. The state also stepped forward with job tax credits and employee training.

Tags: Macon, GPB, Georgia jobs, Josephine Bennett, Tractor Supply, Greg Sanford