Grainger Breaks Ground on Massive 1.2M-Square-Foot Distribution Center in Hockley Near Cypress
Construction is officially underway on a new 1.2 million-square-foot distribution center in Hockley, just northwest of Cypress, as W.W. Grainger, Inc. breaks ground on what will be one of its largest U.S. facilities to date. The project was celebrated on October 1 with local leaders, company executives, and community members gathering to mark a milestone that will bring significant economic and operational benefits to the region.
Grainger, a Fortune 500 company and global leader in maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) supplies, is investing heavily in the new center, which will sit on a 108-acre parcel near Interstate 290 and Roberts Road. Construction is expected to be completed by 2026, with the facility employing approximately 400 team members within its first year of operation.
Founded in 1927, W.W. Grainger, Inc. serves more than 4.5 million customers worldwide and generated $16.5 billion in 2023 sales. The company operates two business models: the High-Touch Solutions segment, offering over 2 million MRO products and services including inventory management and technical support; and the Endless Assortment segment, where customers can access over 13 million products on Zoro.com and more than 22 million on MonotaRO.com. With major operations across North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom, Grainger helps organizations “Keep the World Working®” through robust supply chain solutions and customer-focused innovations.
"This isn't our first stop in the Lone Star State. Texas is home to more Grainger locations than any other state," said Rob Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Branch and DC Operations. “Grainger’s Houston Texas Distribution Center is going to be a state-of-the-art building that serves as a significant and tangible investment in our future.”
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Why Hockley? Strategic Location, Community Support
With Texas already serving as a strategic logistics hub for Grainger—home to 34 standard branches, a Dallas-Fort Worth Distribution Center, and a nearby bulk warehouse—the company identified Greater Houston as a key growth market. The new Hockley facility will support the company’s goal to ship next-day, complete orders, while increasing the number of industrial supply products available from 150,000 to up to 300,000.
“Our goal is to ship next-day, complete orders. To do this, we need to have a broad range of products stocked close to our customers,” explained Anand Lal, Group Vice President of Supply Chain. “Greater Houston is an ideal location given its geographical proximity to current and potential Grainger customers.”
The location also earned praise from local officials for its potential to drive job creation and economic growth.
“I am proud to welcome Grainger to Hockley, one of the fastest-growing areas in Precinct 4,” said Commissioner Lesley Briones of Harris County Precinct 4. “The new distribution center will create jobs for our residents and is an example of Harris County’s competitive spirit and commitment to economic opportunity.”
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Investing in Local Education and the Community
Beyond infrastructure and economic impact, Grainger also demonstrated its commitment to community partnership. At the groundbreaking event, the company presented a $20,000 donation to Roberts Road Elementary, part of Waller ISD, located near the construction site.
“Roberts Road Elementary is thrilled about our new partnership with Grainger and their new facility near us in Hockley,” said Principal Justin Pluckhahn. “This partnership perfectly aligns with our theme for this school year, 'The road to success is always under construction.' With Grainger’s support, we are excited to build on this theme by adding to the resources available for our students to thrive.”
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
