NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Construction is underway for a $140 million Dollar General distribution center in North Little Rock, with plans to open next year.

Officials with the Little Rock Regional Chamber joined Dollar General CEO Jeff Owen, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr., North Little Rock Terry Hartwick and U.S. Reps. French Hill and Bruce Westerman Wednesday to make the announcement.

Owen said that there are currently more than 4,700 Arkansans employed by Dollar General across 550 store locations. Once construction is finished on the new distribution center, Owen said that there will be nearly 300 more job opportunities.

The 1.2 million square foot facility will be located on Arkansas Highway 70. It will be used to distribute products to Dollar General stores across the state. The distribution center will also house a cold storage component to deliver fresh products to stores.

Owen also talked about additional plans the company has for communities in the Little Rock-North Little area, including the expansion of fresh produce in stores. He said that 12 store locations in Little Rock carry fresh produce.

Dollar General is also providing customers with healthier meal options with its DG Better For You program. Owen said that the company is also helping to fight food insecurity with donations to the Arkansas Food Bank. DG Wellbeing provides healthcare assistance to customers.