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Construction of a new FedEx Ground distribution center began last week in Grimes, cementing the company's plans to relocate its West Des Moines operations to the nearby suburb.
FedEx Ground officials say the distribution facility, one of only three in Iowa, will be located in the Princeton Development business park along the east side of Iowa Highway 141, north of 62nd Avenue. The Grimes City Council approved the building's site plan during a meeting Oct. 8. City officials say Westmoreland Construction Co. has been contracted to complete the $4 million project in the spring of 2003.
David Westrick, a spokesman for FedEx Ground, said the center will become operational in July after custom machinery is installed. He added that the company's 40 or more fulltime and part-time employees as well as its 30 delivery drivers, will transfer to the Grimes location. The center is expected to reach its employment capacity by 2006.
Westrick said the company had outgrown its West Des Moines facility on Fuller Road and needed more room for its expanding operation. He said the staff handles more than 20,000 packages a day, nearly three...