Fort Wayne, IN—Thanks to increased demand for its printed fabric handbags, leathergoods and other accessories, Vera Bradley Inc. plans to double the size of its Roanoke, Indiana, distribution center, a $22.5 million project that will create 124 jobs.
According to the company, the construction that will expand the current 220,000-square-foot distribution center to nearly 420,000 square feet will begin this fall and be completed by fall 2012.
Michael C. Ray, ceo, said, “This investment in our distribution center will position the company to achieve our long-term strategy of expanding into new channels and geographies.”
Vera Bradley, which employees more than 1,800 worldwide, including 840 inIndiana, will also be expanding its workforce as a result of the expansion.
Growth Spurt
The company, which went public last year, saw sales increase 30% to $103.8 million in its second quarter from $80.1 million a year ago. For its fiscal year, Vera Bradley forecast sales of $438 million to $443 million.
Earlier this year, Vera Bradley executives announced plans to create 101 new clerical and management jobs as part of a move of its design center in Fort Wayne.
Vera Bradley is working with the state of Indiana and City of Fort Wayne and Allen County to obtain incentives to support this investment and the company’s ongoing commitment to Northeast Indiana.
“Vera Bradley is a standout homegrown success story,” Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-Indiana) said in a written statement. “This highly successful company continues to recognize Indiana as the destination of choice for new job-creating investment, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
