Construction Underway on IKEA Distribution Center in Joliet

JOLIET, IL — Construction is now underway on an IKEA Midwest distribution center in Joliet.

The center is located on 72 acres at the Laraway Crossings Business Park, according to a news release from the City of Joliet.

“Slated to become operational in spring 2018, the approximately 1.25 million square foot distribution center will serve inventory needs of stores throughout the Midwestern United States as well as customer fulfillment. This is the first of two 1.25 million square foot distribution centers at that location,” the release said.

IKEA has chosen Gray Construction to design and build its new IKEA Joliet distribution center. As a nationally ranked engineering, architecture, and construction firm with more than 55 years of experience, Gray has designed and built more than 250 distribution facilities across the United States, including other IKEA distribution centers, the release said.

“We are pleased that construction has begun in Joliet for our Midwest distribution center, which will support our growing presence in that region of the country,” said IKEA U. S. President Lars Petersson in the release. “As we become even more accessible nationwide by opening new stores, this distribution center will help meet the home furnishing needs of Midwestern customers. We appreciate the support of Joliet city officials and staff for helping advance this project.”

In terms of contributing to the local economy, this project will result in construction-related jobs and nearly 100 positions at the distribution center, plus property tax revenue generated for local governments and schools.

Mayor Bob O’Dekirk said he welcomes IKEA to Joliet and thanked them for recognizing the value that their marketplace affords.

“The skilled construction jobs and permanent IKEA positions will be a great employment opportunity for those here in Joliet. This project is the first big announcement for what is shaping up to be another great construction year in Joliet,” O’Dekirk said in the release.