Jacksonville grabs major DC

Jacksonville grabs major DC Bridgestone Firestone North America Tire LLC said Friday it will build a $44 million, 1 million-square-foot distribution center in Jacksonville.
      Citing the port and local interstate highway connections, the company said the site at the new Cecil Commerce Center North suits its distribution needs.
   'We look forward to building our distribution and logistics center at Cecil Commerce Center. The proximity of the major interstates, combined with the accessibility of Jaxport makes this an ideal location for us,' commented Nelson Miller, director of logistics for Bridgestone Firestone, adding 'With the persistent efforts of Mayor (John) Peyton, JEDC (Jacksonville Economic Development Commission) and Cornerstone (a Jacksonville-based public-private partnership for area development) staff, it was hard for us to say 'no' to Jacksonville.'
   Bridgestone Firestone expects to use the services of ocean carriers, including Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Hamburg Sud, to bring product into Jacksonville for distribution to its retailers throughout the Southeast U.S.
   Said Jaxport executive director Rick Ferrin: 'We are please that Jacksonville's port has played a significant role in bringing this new business and these new jobs to Jacksonville.'
   The company plans to begin construction on the new distribution center by fall 2006, with a projected opening date of June 2007.