GREENSBORO, N.C. — Publix Super Markets Inc. will build a $300 million regional distribution center here that could employ 1,000 people.

Gov. Roy Cooper announced the news at an annual luncheon Wednesday sponsored by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce.

“This is exciting news not only for this area but for our state,” he said. “Publix has a growing footprint in the southeast United States and they could have chosen anywhere to put this distribution center but they have chosen here, in the Piedmont in Guilford County.”

The center will go on land that is currently owned or controlled by Greensboro developer Roy Carroll.

The News & Record reported Wednesday the 1.8 million-square-foot center will be one of the largest distribution centers in the Piedmont Triad and will sit on approximately 350 acres near the intersection of Birch Creek Road and U.S. 70 in eastern Greensboro.

Cooper called Greensboro “one of the best-kept secrets of the world.”

“The world is watching us (in) Guilford County and there are more companies I believe that have their eye right here.”

A Publix spokesperson said they plan to start construction on the first phase of the center in 2020.

“The first phase for us will be warehousing and distribution jobs, as well as driver jobs as well as office jobs. We think that providing the opportunity for over $40,000 yearly for starting salary and continuing to go over the years,” Maria Brous said.

She added that the company plans to fill the thousand jobs in the next five years.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce President Brent Christensen said the move could mean additional Publix stores in the Triad.

“I think you’ll begin to see a few more stores, if not a lot more stores pop up in the region because of this development,” he said.