SIKESTON, Mo. — Today is a great day not only for Sikeston, but all of Southeast Missouri, according to Mayor Mike Marshall.

Following months of negotiations, Orgill Inc., known as the world's largest independent distributor of home improvement products, announced today that it will build its new distribution center in Sikeston.

"This is one of the best things that has happened to this community in a long time," said Ed Dust, Sikeston's economic developer.

The facility, which will be built on a 70-acre site in Sikeston's Industrial Park just north of town, will be a 795,000 square-foot "Mid-America SuperCenter" and be expandable to 1 million square feet.

Orgill officials weren't on hand at the conference. However, a news release noted the new center will replace facilities currently in Vandalia, Ill., and Memphis, Tenn. Officials said the consolidation of those two centers into the new Sikeston center will allow the company to serve its customers in the Midwest and mid-South more efficiently.

Construction is set to begin in August, with completion expected in one year, said Marshall. When it opens, the facility will employ about 150, but the number of employees is expected to grow to approximately 350 in five years.

"We are very fortunate to have an outstanding company like Orgill bring 350 jobs to our community," said Marshall. "All of the improvements that have been made to the city of Sikeston and the sacrifices and efforts from our local citizens are starting to pay off."

Orgill Inc., provides retailers across the U.S. and in more than 60 countries access to more than 65,000 products and industry-leading retail services.