Ryan Companies helps deliver first U.S. high-tech fulfillment center

Ryan Companies US Inc., a national developer, builder, designer and property manager offering full-service commercial real estate solutions, recently announced the grand opening of Kroger Ocado Customer Fulfillment Center (CFC) in Groveland, Fla.

The 419,317-SF state-of-the-art, automated warehouse will introduce Kroger’s innovative shopping experience to central Florida, a new market for the nation’s largest grocery retailer, while also extending its reach and capabilities in online ordering and home delivery. 

Located in Groveland, just 30 miles from Orlando, the high-tech facility is the first of its kind in the United States.

In partnership with United Kingdom-based online retailer Ocado Solutions, autonomous mini-fridge-sized robotics will work seamlessly with team members to gather, pack and load online orders made by new Kroger customers. Kroger Ocado will provide home delivery of fresh grocery items without requiring patrons to sign up for a third-party subscription service. 

Ryan served as the lead architect, engineer, developer, and construction team for the project.

“The nation’s most prominent e-commerce, retail and manufacturing companies trust Ryan’s end-to-end industrial real estate services for the facility solutions that drive their success,” said JP Bacariza, vice president, market leader – Tampa at Ryan Companies.

“The new Groveland site will be a gamechanger for Kroger in Central Florida, allowing the community to enjoy America’s largest grocery retailer for the first time. Our team served as the touchpoint on each phase of the project from site selection to construction, and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with our long-term partners, Kroger and Ocado.”

Ryan developed a relationship with Kroger after being selected to design and build the first Ocado automated warehouse outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Ryan’s knowledge of designing and constructing complex facilities with automation and robotics played a part in deciding to work on additional Kroger Ocado fulfillment centers, including a separate facility in suburban Atlanta that will open later this year. 

Ryan has completed 40 automated warehouse projects (33+ million square feet) in 20 states for leading brands such as Kroger, Target, SuperValu and Nestle Purina.

“Implementing our “One Ryan” approach of improving the connection between design and construction was instrumental in tackling every challenge we faced and enabled us to deliver this project within our target 13-month timeframe,” said Bob West, director of Industrial Business Development for Ryan Companies. “E-commerce is fueling a surge in demand for automated warehouse facilities that are equipped to meet the fast-changing needs of grocers and F&B providers, and the comprehensive menu of service offerings provided under Ryan’s umbrella will allow us to innovate and drive change in this critical sector for years to come.”

The relationship with Kroger and Ocado ties into Ryan’s broader strategic partnership strategy and delivering projects as more than a contractor, but as experts in each phase of the process, from planning and designing to construction.

The Groveland project is unique to the region because Kroger does not currently have brick-and-mortar stores in Florida. The community anticipates the customer fulfillment facility will attract many new high-paying jobs. Features of the four-floor Kroger Ocado site include the distribution center, functional office space, double story break room and a mezzanine floor.

The Kroger Ocado Customer Fulfillment Center broke ground in July 2019 and will begin delivering groceries in Central Florida this summer.

Ryan Companies opens new KC office

Ryan Companies has officially moved into its new Kansas City office on a second-floor suite of the Interstate Securities Building/Topsy Building at 215 E 18th St. in downtown Kansas City, Mo.

The construction and real estate development firm has been working in the KC market for 15 years, but it wasn’t until 2018 that they established a physical presence in the city.

The 3,213 SF office is designed to seat 16 employees, with room to expand up to 24. The building was built in 1950 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The decision to further invest in the Kansas City market was ultimately made because of their success that has come out of the last decade and a half paired with a great outlook for decades to come, according to Ryan's marketing team.

“We’re stoked to be in another one of 3D Development’s and Lankford Fendler’s projects. True to fashion, they continue to outdo themselves and we can’t wait to pour an Irish pint (or two) when we have our official open house. In the meantime, give us a ring, bring a mask and come check out our new digs! You’ll love our Northwoods fireplace (in the winter) and the view from the rooftop the next time the temperature drops,” said Aaron Schlagel, vice president – real estate development, midwest region for Ryan Companies.

Ryan Companies also announced the relocation of  Craig Thompson, vice president of construction, from its Des Moines, Iowa offices to its new office in Kansas City.

“I want to help build something in Kansas City that will continue for years to come. In Des Moines, we were able to grow the office by four times what it was when we began. With Kansas City being a bigger market, the sky is the limit for what we can do here,” said Thompson.

Thompson, who just celebrated his 20-year anniversary with Ryan Companies, will help lead the growth of Ryan’s rapidly expanding team and presence in Kansas City.

Ryan Companies’ noteworthy local projects include Commerce Tower, St. Luke’s Community Hospital in Shawnee, Kan.) and multiple projects for Target and Amazon. The company will focus on real estate development while continuing to provide construction services.