The Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) reported Wednesday that Lowe’s is building an enormous distribution center in Bessemer to bolster its supply chain operations.

Details on the dollar amount being invested in the site, and how many jobs it will create, were not ascertained by the BBJ.

A Chicago-based developer has purchased 96 acres to begin construction of the project. It will be located on Morgan Rd in Bessemer, just southwest of the Ross Bridge golf course. Per the BBJ, the developer bought the land from U.S. Steel for $4 million.

Steve Salazar, head of corporate communications for Lowe’s, told the BBJ that the Bessemer facility “will serve as a bulk distribution center that will provide daily shipments of appliances and other bulky items such as riding mowers, grills and patio furniture to Lowe’s cross-dock facilities for last-mile delivery to customers.”

He added that the Bessemer location “will enable Lowe’s to provide faster and more predictable deliveries to customers in Alabama and surrounding states as we continue to grow our distribution network.”

Lowe’s, based in Mooresville, NC, is building the Bessemer facility as part of a $1.7 billion multiyear upgrade of its distribution capabilities that aims to make stocking its stores and shipping directly to online customers faster and more efficient.

“We are excited to join the Bessemer community,” Salazar concluded.

UPDATE: 4:23 p.m.

The BBJ is now reporting that the Bessemer facility is a $40 million investment for Lowe’s, and it will create between 150 and 200 new jobs.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95