"I am extremely pleased that Walgreens has chosen central Connecticut for a substantial new distribution facility and new jobs," said Gov. M. Jodi Rell. "As so many companies have discovered, our strategic location and skilled workforce produce positive economic results."

Site work on the property is expected to begin in late spring, with a planned opening in 2008. The facility's size will be about 700,000 square feet, with the capability for future expansion.

More than 200 employees are expected to be hired initially for the center, and employment could grow to as many as 550 as the facility serves more stores. When it opens, the center is expected to serve about 275 stores in New England and New York. Walgreens is investing more than $175 million in the project.

"Like the distribution center we'll open next year in Anderson, S.C., our goal for this facility is to have one-third of the workforce made up of disabled employees working side-by-side with other team members," said Randy Lewis, Walgreens senior vice president of distribution and logistics. "We're doing this because it's the right thing to do. Seventy percent of adults with disabilities - and 95 percent of people with autism -- will never be offered a job. I believe we can, and will, make a difference for many of them."

Gov. Rell said, "Walgreens commitment to hiring such a large percentage of disabled employees is impressive and will greatly benefit many of our residents. We will work closely with Walgreens to ensure they have an effective workforce and creative government support to achieve long-term success."

Special features of the facility that will allow for the employment of disabled employees include fully adjustable work stations and redesigned, easier-to-use computer screens. The distribution center also will be equipped with the newest technology in automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), along with sophisticated sorting and high storage rack systems.

Officials from the Town of Windsor and the State of Connecticut joined in a collaborative effort to attract Walgreens to the area. "This is another example of Windsor continuing its leadership role in responsible development in the Capitol region," said Windsor Mayor Donald Trinks. "We're thrilled at the positive response from Walgreens regarding our access to major roads, environmentally-sound land and business-friendly approval process."

Walgreen Co. (NYSE, Nasdaq: WAG - News) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2005 sales of $42.2 billion. The company operates 5,080 stores in 45 states and Puerto Rico. Walgreens also provides additional services to pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives (a pharmacy benefits manager), Walgreens Mail Service, Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy and Walgreens Home Care.

------

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ Walgreens plans to build a $175 million distribution center in Windsor, creating 200 jobs initially, Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Tuesday.

Employment could grow to as many as 550 as the facility serves more stores in the drug store chain. When it opens in 2008, the center is expected to serve about 275 stores in New England and New York.


The project is supported with about $5 million in proposed incentives from the state Department of Economic and Community Development. The funding will include a $1.5 million loan to the company for machinery and equipment, a $2 million grant to Windsor to support its business assistance program and a $1.5 million grant to establish a training program.

The funding must be approved by the State Bond Commission.

The Connecticut Development Authority also may provide a sales tax exemption on materials used in construction. The assistance must be approved by the CDA board of directors.

Walgreens is expected to begin work in late spring on the 130-acre site in the planned New England Tradeport industrial park.

Walgreen Co. reported a profit of about $1.3 billion in 2004.