Lidl, one of the largest retailers in the world, broke ground yesterday for a new regional headquarters and distribution center in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. Virginia elected officials as well as business and community leaders joined Lidl U.S. vice presidents Payton Reid and Christoph Hettinger at the ceremony. The facility is expected to create 200 jobs in the state and open no later than 2018.

“We are tremendously excited to break ground on this facility in Spotsylvania County,” Brendan Proctor, president and chief executive officer of Lidl U.S., said in a press release. “We chose Spotsylvania not just for its central location, but also for its talented workforce and economic vitality. We look forward to being part of this community and to introducing residents to a unique shopping experience that will be unlike anything else in the market. We thank Governor Terry McAuliffe and local leaders for their support throughout this process. They have been tremendous partners to bring Lidl to the area.”

Lidl operates nearly 10,000 stores in 26 countries throughout Europe, offering customers high-quality fresh produce, meat, bakery items and a wide array of household products at low prices. In addition to the Spotsylvania facility, Lidl will soon open the company’s U.S. headquarters in Arlington Country, Virginia. In total, Lidl is investing more than $200 million in its operations in Virginia and has pledged to create 700 new jobs in the state by 2018.

"I am thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking event for Lidl's regional headquarters and distribution center," said Maurice Jones, Virginia secretary of commerce and trade. "As one of the leading European retailers, we are happy Lidl chose Virginia as its gateway to the United States. Lidl's investment is a great testament to the outstanding talent, strong infrastructure and pro-business climate in Virginia. We look forward to continuing this great partnership with Lidl."

“Spotsylvania County is delighted to be the home of Lidl's regional headquarters and distribution center,” said Mark B. Taylor, Spotsylvania County administrator. “We are proud to be associated with such a well-respected and dynamic global company. It has been a real pleasure to work with the Lidl team. With their passion for quality and value, their commitment to efficiency and their determination to provide great customer service, Lidl is right in step here, and is a great new addition to Spotsylvania County.”