Discount grocer Aldi Inc. has completed its Denton distribution center and plans to start the process for hiring warehouse workers as early as next week.

The 500,000-square-foot distribution center cost an estimated $50 million and will begin operations in January.

DRC/David Minton

The new Aldi distribution center at 2500 Westcourt Road in Denton is set to open early next year. The German grocery company plans to begin hiring warehouse workers as early as next week.

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The retailer is planning to hire about 40 part-time warehouse workers to stock about 30 stores in North Texas, said Martha Swaney, a spokeswoman for the company.

Two of those stores, which are scheduled to open in the spring, are in Denton County — one at Frankford Road and Marsh Lane in Dallas and the other at Old Denton Road and Frankford Road in Carrollton, officials said.

Last year the grocer opened about 100 stores in the United States, Swaney said.

“This has been one of the biggest years of growth for the company,” she said. “There are new customers that try us for our prices and stay for the quality. We’re planning to be a long-term partner with the Denton area.”

The new facility was built to last, with a modern, streamlined appearance and is impressive, said Linda Ratliff, the city’s economic development director, who toured the distribution center last week.

“This is an excellent addition to the Denton community,” Ratliff said. “They built to stay.”

As part of a tax abatement agreement with the city, Aldi improved Westcourt Road by adding pavement, curbs and a gutter system, which cost an estimated $2.5 million, she said.

The city didn’t have the money to improve the road, most of which is adjacent to city property at Denton Airport. The improved road will provide better access for airport tenants and airport expansion, Ratliff said.

The hiring event is scheduled to take place from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2500 Westcourt Road.

The company’s last warehouse hiring event, held in Florida, attracted thousands of applicants, and Aldi officials are taking precautions by streamlining the application process, Swaney said.

Applicants will receive an interview appointment voucher for a later time and an application for positions that start at $16 per hour and include full benefits and a 401(k) plan, she said.

“We’re anticipating a good response, and we’re prepared to accommodate it,” Swaney said. “It always has to be bigger in Texas, so who knows?”

For more information, visit www.alditexasjobs.com .

CANDACE CARLISLE can be reached at 940-566-6889. Her e-mail address is ccarlisle@dentonrc.com .