EMPIRE DISTRIBUTORS BUILDS HUGE NEW TRIANGLE FACILITY
MORRISVILLE, N.C. (March 1, 2007) - Empire Distributors is doubling the size of its operations with a
new routing delivery center in the Research Triangle Park. The $13.3 million venture improves Empire’s
ability to deliver a wider range of options to the dinner table.
“Empire Distributors is dedicated to ensuring that you have more choices,” said Paul Powell, general
manager of North Carolina’s Empire division, adding the move is a boon for economic development in the
Triangle. “Empire is a locally-owned business employing a large number of people.”
Empire’s new center is a 230,000 square-foot facility just off of T.W. Alexander Drive, near I-40 and Brier
Creek. Powell said the expansion was necessary due to the sheer increase in orders from around the state.
Empire has been a wholesale alcoholic beverage distributor in the southeastern part of the United States
since 1940.
Empire brings to market North Carolina wines from Duplin, Shelton, Raylin, Hannover Park, Chatham Hill
and Grove, as well as a dizzying array of wines from around the world. He said Empire’s local
understanding of the market and what wines are available is critical to helping get little-known great wines
on grocery store shelves.
“Distributors like Empire are locally owned and operated businesses that promote responsibility, ensure
quality and offer you variety,” said Dean Plunkett, Executive Director of the North Carolina Beer & Wine
Wholesalers Association.
Local tastes are driving the wine and beer market ahead in North Carolina. In the past 18 months, two other
local distributors have greatly expanded their facilities. Long Beverage recently built a 135,000 square-foot
facility in Durham now employing 140 people. Harris Wholesale recently completed an expansion project
in east Raleigh for approximately $11.3 million and employs 285 workers.
Powell said Empire is committed to giving back to the communities in which they