Abercrombie & Fitch and GXO Logistics’ 715,000-square-foot distribution center in north Goodyear is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year, the logistics company said in a statement.

The distribution center on the northeast corner of Thomas and Citrus roads will become the hub of the clothing retailer’s West Coast operations, according to the announcement. 

The center, located in the master-planned industrial park PV303, is expected to create about 300 jobs and will be “highly automated,” according to the announcement, incorporating robots to help employees “increase productivity and improve safety.” 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be deployed “to deliver fast, efficient distribution of products to customers.”  

While the Connecticut-based logistics company just made the agreement official, it’s been known for awhile that the company, formerly named XPO Logistics, was a tenant of PV303, part of Goodyear’s growing industrial corridor, with corporate tenants like Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI and UPS. 

In December 2020, the Phoenix Business Journal reported industrial real estate firm Westcor purchased the 45 acres at 17780 W. Thomas Road, though at the time the firm declined to name the tenant. 

The center will be GXO’s second distribution center in the city of Goodyear. The other is near Sells Drive and State Route 303. 

The company operates a total of seven warehouses in the region. 

The announcement promises a range of employee benefits including “a 401(k) plan, parental leave and flexible shift options.” The warehouse will also be “energy-efficient and climate-controlled,” the statement read. 

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in Arizona,” GXO’s Chief Commercial Officer Bill Fraine said, “This investment is another sign of the area’s vibrancy and talented employee base.”

The facility is developed by Phoenix-based Merit Partners, which also developed the surrounding PV303.