News Summary
Sysco International Food Group Inc. has acquired a 171-acre industrial site in Jacksonville’s Westlake Industrial Park, fueling speculation about Project Moana, an upcoming development. The $16.5 million purchase aims to expand Sysco’s operations with a new 275,000-square-foot warehouse projected to create around 100 jobs. With significant investment anticipated and necessary infrastructure improvements, the facility is expected to be operational by late 2029, enhancing Sysco’s footprint in the local food distribution sector.
Jacksonville – Sysco International Food Group Inc. has recently acquired a vacant industrial site in Westlake Industrial Park, a move that has raised speculation about a connection to an upcoming development project known as Project Moana. The purchase, which took place on July 22 for $16.5 million, involves a 171-acre lot, though the deed specifies the acquisition of nearly 96 acres from Becknell Industrial LLC. This site is intended for expansion aligned with Sysco’s growth initiatives in the region.
The Jacksonville City Council has approved $2.5 million in incentives aimed at an “international wholesale distributor,” which coincidentally aligns with the expansion plans for Project Moana, a project reportedly set to finalize its location by the second quarter of this year. Sysco, the world’s largest food distributor based in Houston, currently operates two cold-storage facilities in Jacksonville and has expressed that it often purchases land anticipating future growth opportunities.
Project Moana is poised to represent a significant investment, promising an estimated capital expenditure of $80 million for new construction and an additional $10 million dedicated to equipment. The plan includes the development of a 275,000-square-foot warehouse, which is expected to create around 100 new jobs in Jacksonville, primarily in logistics and warehousing. These positions are anticipated to offer an average annual salary of approximately $52,000, along with benefits worth around $13,700.
As Sysco aims to utilize the newly acquired site effectively, the company plans to take advantage of JaxPort. However, infrastructure improvements will be necessary; the site will require sewer enhancements, including a new lift station, and road upgrades to ensure proper access. The goal is to have the new facility operational by late 2029, extending Sysco’s reach and capacity in the local food distribution sector.
Sysco’s Jacksonville facilities currently include a 3.1 million-square-foot cold-storage plant situated on 17.7 acres in Northwest Jacksonville, alongside a second 315,580-square-foot cold-storage and distribution center occupying 56.6 acres within the same area. The proposed expansion through Project Moana is part of a broader strategy that could increase Sysco’s global employment footprint, which presently exceeds 71,000 people across approximately 333 distribution centers worldwide.
Project Moana’s hiring forecast indicates that the initiative will contribute over 10,000 jobs globally, with more than 200 of those in Florida. The Jacksonville acquisition is a crucial step in bolstering Sysco’s operational capabilities and responding to market demands. The site in question has been marketed for development—having undergone preparations by Becknell Industrial and the Colliers real estate firm—indicating readiness for immediate use.
In terms of utility services, Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) has already issued a service availability determination letter for Westlake Industrial Lot 21 and is currently assessing a request for service availability for an additional portion of the lot. Prior transactions involving the vacant site have been recorded, indicating a sustained interest in its development potential prior to Sysco’s acquisition.
As developments around Project Moana unfold, Jacksonville’s food distribution landscape may see substantial changes, reflective of Sysco’s ongoing commitment to expansion and infrastructure enhancement to meet growing demand.
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HERE Resources
Sysco Acquires Land in Jacksonville for Distribution Center
Additional Resources
- Jax Daily Record: Sysco Invests $16.5 Million in Westlake Industrial Park Land Purchase
- Google Search: Sysco Project Moana
- Jacksonville.com: FDA Recall of Frozen Shakes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Frozen Food Recall
- WTXL: Steinhatchee Neighbors Begin Recovery
- Google News: Steinhatchee Recovery
- Restaurant Business Online: Sysco Lawsuit Reinstated
- Google Scholar: Sysco Chicken Shortage
- Deli Market News: Sysco Expanding Jacksonville Facility
- Wikipedia: Sysco
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
