Uline, which is a distributor of shipping, industrial and packaging materials to businesses, is coming to Connecticut next year with a new warehouse center expected to provide 250 new jobs.
The company said the new warehouse in Plainfield is expected to open its doors next July and be fully up and running by November 2026. This will be the company’s 15th fulfillment center.
The property will feature a 1.2 million-square-foot facility that “will support high-quality service and shipping of Uline’s wide range of products, including more than 40,000 packaging, shipping and safety products, to customers across New England,” according to Uline.
Uline offers thousands of products to businesses nationwide. Some of the items featured on the Uline website includes boxing, shipping supplies, material handling, office furniture, warehouse equipment, janitorial supplies, safety products and facilities maintenance.
Plainfield First Selectman Kevin Cunningham said Uline’s arrival has been years in the making. The company purchased the land, located at 105 Plainfield Pike, in August 2023 on what originally was an apple orchard.
“This is a fantastic business,” Cunningham said. “They very much want to be part of the community. … I think it’s something that we’re bring a lot to the table for our town and for the state. Tax revenue is great. Jobs are fantastic, and you know this is really a well thought out plan, so I do appreciate them coming in.”
Cunningham said Plainfield was one of three finalists for this warehouse, along with cities in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Before Plainfield was chosen, there was a roundtable that included officials from the company, the town’s first selectmen, fire marshal and building inspector and members of the police department, fire department and economic development team.
Cunningham said the proximity to Interstate 395, Interstate 95 and Route 6 were a big selling point for the town. The company will deploy 80 trucks from the warehouse.
“They aren’t far from one of our I-395 exits so they are not going through neighborhoods,” Cunningham said. “They are driving right off of the highway a mile up the road and they’re already into their warehouse. It makes it much easier where you’re not congesting your local roads.”
Uline has been a family-owned business since 1980. The company employs more than 9,000 people across 14 regional locations and 15 sales offices. More than 1,000 employees are in the East Coast region.
“Our expansion into Connecticut, driven by steady growth since 1980 and a continued commitment to customer service, marks a major milestone for Uline,” Gil De Las Alas, Uline’s chief human resources officer, said in a statement to the Courant. “After touring several potential sites across New England, Plainfield stood out for its ability to accommodate plans for our 1.3 million-square-foot facility and for its quality workforce.”
Cunningham said Uline has a 92% retention rate for its employees, noting that the company does its due diligence to find the right workers with using a three-hour test, a background check and psych evaluation. He also said pay starts at $25 an hour.
Uline also said it offers industry-leading benefits that include an incentive for new hires including a $5,000 year-end hiring bonus.
“This investment will not only ensure product availability and same-day shipping for customers in the region, but it also brings around 250 new jobs to Plainfield,” De Las Alas said. “At Uline, we believe in investing in people early and often. We offer a stable work environment with competitive compensation and industry-leading benefits, providing our employees with the opportunity to build meaningful careers.”
Uline was recently named to the Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers for the third year.
“The company offers industry-leading benefits, including comprehensive health coverage and a 401(k) with 6% company match that start on Day 1,” according to a statement. “Team members also benefit from competitive wages, tuition assistance for continuing education and high-quality on-site amenities, including a fitness center, walking paths and an affordable café, to support their health and wellness.”
Plainfield job openings are already posted for warehouse, facilities and human resources management positions. Additional roles are expected to open up in the coming months.