OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -
On Tuesday, Menards opens its Owensboro store with 150 workers on the payroll and more on the way.
At 246,000 square feet, Menards officials say the new Owensboro store is the biggest home improvement store in the world.
"This is the heart in the state of Kentucky where so much growth is already happening," said General Manager of Menards, Tim St. Louis.
On Monday, Mayor Ron Payne helped open the store to a few contractors with the cutting of the first board. The store officially opens at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. It'll take 150 people to keep the store running.
"We start above minimum wage. We pride ourselves on paying our employees well," said St. Louis.
St. Louis says they plan to add more jobs in the future.
"Sales and stocking positions are what we're looking for. 200 jobs is a lot to commit to any community, but we think that's going be a fraction of what we actually end up with in our work force around here. We brought 35 families down to this community. 35 families looking for housing," said St. Louis.
Menards is expecting some heavy traffic over the next few days on Highway 54 where the store is located.
"Be patient with us," asks St. Louis.
Right now, there's only one way into the store lot and that's turning in from East Byers. Eventually, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials say they plan to add a traffic signal interchange off Highway 54 into the store lot.
"They have stepped up and agreed to pay for the improvements that we're going to see occur out there to accommodate the store. In the long run, it's all going to be worth it," said Payne.
The store opens at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning. Store officials say job applicants can apply at the store or online at Menards' website.
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