United Natural Foods to expand in Rhode Island

United Natural Foods (UNFI) is planning to expand its footprint in Rhode Island, US.

UNFI intends to hire 100 new full-time employees by the end of next year and a total of 150 new full-time employees by 2020.

With 34 distribution centres and 9,800 employees, UNFI is a leading natural, organic and speciality foods and non-food distributor in the US and Canada.

Rhode Island governor Gina M Raimondo said: “The business climate we've worked to foster over the past couple of years is one that's mutually beneficial for businesses and our residents, and we're careful to ensure that the opportunities we create pay off in both the short and long-terms.”

The company is currently working to secure a long-term lease at a Providence metro-area site where it expects to receive investments to accommodate its new employees.

UNFI plans to apply for tax credits under the Qualified Jobs Incentive Act programme.

Rhode Island secretary of commerce Stefan Pryor said: “UNFI is a terrific addition to the list of existing Rhode Island companies that, with support from our economic incentives, are expanding right here in our state.”

Based on third-party analysis, the 150 new jobs will generate a $4.8m projected net increase in personal income, sales and corporate business tax revenues over a 12-year period.

Rhode Island’s annual GDP is also expected to increase by $9.7m after the hiring.

UNFI president, CEO and chairman of the board Steven L Spinner said: “We look forward to expanding our presence in Rhode Island with the opening of our shared services centre, which will enable us to drive greater efficiencies and improve the customer experience as we further simplify and standardise our supplier and customer interactions.

“At UNFI, our people are our most valued asset, and we are committed to working with our associates to ensure a smooth transition as we position UNFI for continued growth.”

Since 2009, UNFI's corporate headquarters is located in Providence and has than 450 employees in Rhode Island.