Gap Fresno distribution center image via longconstructionmgt.com

Mayor Lee Brand announced Thursday that The Gap, Inc. plans to relocate its e-commerce fulfillment operation to Fresno, bringing in at least 515 full-time employees.

Full operations will ramp up over a three-year period, with the San Francisco-based retailer investing at least $80 million in equipment for the facility, which will be located at its current store distribution campus near Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

“Fresno continues to build momentum as more major corporations like Gap, Inc. are establishing and expanding their operations in our great city. Companies know we are open for business and will help them grow,” said Fresno Mayor Lee Brand. “The addition of 500 new jobs moves us closer to my goal of 10,000 new, good-paying permanent jobs that will change our city’s narrative and make Fresno a better, safer and more prosperous place to live.”

The agreement is made possible through a 30-year economic incentive agreement that will provide performance-based incentives based on the creation of at least 500 new net jobs, and possibly hundreds more for part-time and seasonal needs.

The agreement will also ensure continued sustainability for the 351 employees currently working at the Fresno facility, which opened in 1999.

“For over 18 years, our Fresno Distribution Campus has played a pivotal role in providing great service to our customers. It serves as a key strategic location for growth and opportunity. We consider our Fresno team members to be the very best in the business,” said Shawn Curran, executive vice president of supply chain & product ops for Gap, Inc. “We are thrilled to move on to the next step in our journey as we expand our operations adding 500 new jobs over the next two years. On behalf of the entire management team at Gap Inc., we would like to thank the City of Fresno for their commitment to our vision and their support throughout the planning process.”

The agreement will go before the Fresno City Council on April 5 for approval.