Associated Wholesale Grocers Announces $110M Investment in Pearl River Facility
Major upgrade enhances automation, workforce development, and regional supply chain stability
Media Contact: Kristin Durand
Immediate Release: March 24, 2026
PEARL RIVER, La. – Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG), which serves as a key link in the supply chain for independent grocery stores, has announced they will invest $110 million to upgrade its Pearl River distribution facility, reinforcing the company’s long-term presence in Louisiana while enhancing product movement across the Southeast. The company will retain 372 current positions at its facility, reflecting an annual payroll of $23.7 million with an average annual salary approximately 9% above the average wage in St. Tammany. The project will support the human capital investment in automation and advanced technology roles while strengthening long-term operational stability.
“Associated Wholesale Grocers’ investment demonstrates how technology is strengthening essential industries in Louisiana, with existing employers continuing to invest in and modernize their operations,” Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois said. “By integrating advanced systems into a key food distribution operation, the company is improving how essential goods move through the region while creating upskilling pathways for their workers to grow alongside industry advancements."
The project will install advanced automation within the facility’s ambient section, improving the selection and movement of grocery products to enhance order accuracy and service reliability. The upgrades will support current operations and future growth while strengthening the facility’s ability to operate during severe weather conditions and maintain consistent service for independent grocery retailers. The modernization of the Pearl River facility represents a shift toward the distribution of the future, where advanced automation enhances productivity, reduces downtime, and improves worker safety.
“AWG is excited to partner once again with St. Tammany Parish and LED on this exciting new project within our Gulf Coast Division Support Center – our network’s largest conventional grocery division,” AWG Executive Vice President, Distribution and Logistics Richard Kearns said. “With the assistance of St. Tammany and LED, AWG has chosen to make a strategic investment of over $110 million in our current Gulf Coast facility.”
“We congratulate AWG on this investment and look forward to their continued contributions to jobs and a strong, reliable food supply across the Gulf Coast region,” said Pearl River Mayor, Joe Lee.
“Associated Wholesale Grocers has been a wonderful neighbor and partner to St. Tammany Parish and its citizens,” said St. Tammany Parish President, Mike Cooper. “I congratulate them on this $110 million investment in their Pearl River-based distribution facility, which will streamline operations to serve 3,500 grocery stores nationwide.”
“As a long-standing business partner in Pearl River, we’re thrilled with Associated Wholesale Grocers’ decision to reinvest in St. Tammany,” President and CEO of St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Russell Richardson said. “This investment strengthens our region’s supply chain capabilities while creating high-wage STEM-related jobs and advancing a safer, more resilient distribution environment for the future.”
To secure the project in Pearl River, the state of Louisiana offered Associated Wholesale Grocers an incentives package that includes a $500,000 performance-based grant to support the retention of the facility through infrastructure updates and equipment modernization.
Regional partners say the investment further reinforces St. Tammany’s role in the Gulf South’s growing logistics and distribution network.
“Associated Wholesale Grocers’ expansion highlights the region’s role in keeping goods moving nationwide and St. Tammany Parish’s growing distribution corridor, supported by interstate access and strategic logistics advantages,” President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. Michael Hecht said. “With this investment, AWG is doubling down on a location that delivers on what companies need to succeed. The company will also retain hundreds of quality jobs with meaningful wages, providing strong career opportunities for local residents.”
Louisiana companies can register their business at SourceLouisiana.com to enter the pipeline for contract and vendor opportunities with development projects statewide.
To learn more about Associated Wholesale Grocers, visit their website at https://awginc.com/.
Please reach out directly to St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation Director of Communications, Kristin Durand, for any media inquiries or to schedule interviews.