CHEYENNE, WYO. — In January, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., the world’s second largest, home-improvement retailer, announced its plans to construct a new state-of-the-art regional distribution center (RDC) in Cheyenne.

The $60 million facility will employ more than 425 people and supply products to more than 70 stores throughout Central and Western United States.

"This puts Wyoming on the map, giving us national credibility from a well-known company," said Jack Crews, President of LEADS, the Cheyenne-Laramie County Corporation for Economic Development.

Sitework on the project began the end of May with Duke-weeks Construction of Indianapolis, IN serving as general contractor.

In addition to the distribution center, Thomas Whiddon, executive vice president of logistics and technology for Lowe’s, said the company will also construct and open a $20 million retail store in Cheyenne located north of Frontier Mall in the spring of 2002.

LEADS worked in partnership with the local business community, City of Cheyenne, Laramie County, and the State to bring the center to Cheyenne.