(Anderson-AP) Jan. 6, 2004 -- The nation's largest drugstore chain has announced plans to build a distribution center in Anderson County and create 450 jobs.

The Illinois-based Walgreens Company says it'll invest $174 million to build the center. It is expected to open in 2007 at the Alliance Industrial Park near Interstate 85 and state Highway 81.

The director of the Anderson County Economic Development Center John Lummus says the investment will be a boost in the county, which has a 6.1% unemployment rate. Lummus said the facility will be state-of-the-art, offering high tech job.

The center will serve up to 250 stores in eight states.

Posted 8:33pm by BrettWitt