Sheetz to open transportation depot in Jefferson County
KEARNEYSVILLE — It was announced on Monday by West Virginia Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch that Jefferson County will become the site for a Sheetz transportation depot.
The facility, to be located at the Burr Industrial Park, will serve as a transfer station for trucks operated by the gas station chain.
“The new Sheetz transportation depot is another step forward for West Virginia’s economy,” Gaunch said. “Much of the credit for this success goes to the Jefferson County Development Authority. We also have the advantage of West Virginia’s prime location close to distribution hubs, supply lines and customer markets.”
Travis Sheetz, president and COO of the company, said the depot will allow drivers to bring trailers for drop off. The trailers will then be picked up by local drivers and delivered to stores.
“We often need to give drivers a break and not extend their day,” Sheetz said, during the press conference on Monday.
According to Sheetz, the facility will initially measure approximately 2,000 square feet. However, the company typically expands these depots into larger distribution facilities.
“I hope we do that as we grow further east,” Sheetz said.
The location of the new facility will bring approximately 30 new jobs to the area, something Sheetz said his company is excited about.
“We’re very proud of our employees,” Sheetz commented. “They mean a lot to us a family company.”
The jobs will primarily be for truck drivers and delivery assistants. Interviews will begin this summer for positions starting in early 2022.
Jefferson County Development Authority director Dennis Jarvis expressed his pleasure at the expected opening of the Sheetz facility.
“We’re pleased to have you here,” Jarvis said. “It’s one more reward for the Eastern Panhandle.”
Jarvis commended all officials in Jefferson County for working together to bring Sheetz to the Eastern Panhandle.
“Sheetz is a great company and Jefferson County is becoming a much better place to do business,” said Jefferson County Commissioner President Josh Compton. “It is fantastic they’ve chosen to expand operations here.”
Sheetz was established in 1952 as a family-owned business and remains so today. As it expanded over the years, the convenience store chain adapted to changing markets with innovations such as Sheetz coffeez, bakery goods, and quality “made-to-order” food that customers can order electronically on a touchscreen or online.
The company operates 614 stores throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and North Carolina. The company currently employees more than 1,200 individuals in West Virginia alone.