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KERNERSVILLE — Local elected officials joined representatives from FedEx Ground Friday morning to break ground at the site of the company's planned, 400,000-square-foot facility.

About 75 people were on hand for the event, the ceremonial start to a project that has been almost two years in the making.

Like the morning snow melting into the red clay earth, attendees said they hoped the $100 million hub would help thaw the impact of a sour economy by bringing stable employment and growth.

"Bring on the jobs, jobs, jobs," said Greensboro City Council member Mary Rakestraw, as dignitaries lined up to shovel a mound of dirt.

"This is a good day for all involved, the city and the state," Rakestraw added. "It makes us look good, progressive."

The Kernersville location was lauded by company officials in part for its access to highways, a logistical plus that would help the company reach customers up and down the East Coast. The site was chosen over possibilities in Greenville, S.C., and Murfreesboro, Tenn.

FedEx has a history of attracting companies and additional jobs to the areas it selects for its major hubs, said John Payne, vice president of linehaul for FedEx Ground.

"I've very confident you'll see that continue," he said, adding that the company also plans to play a major part in the community.

Greensboro mayor Yvonne Johnson said the project, which is expected to bring 300 new jobs to the area when it opens in 2011, represented all good things for the surrounding communities.

"Here when cities are struggling, with unemployment at an all time high, we are so blessed," Johnson said. "This will help our economy, our employment, our people."

By 2015, FedEx projects the hub could add up to 260 new full- and part-time jobs and 200 independent contractor jobs.

Total employment, including 450 existing company jobs and independent contractor positions transferred into the facility, could eventually top 1,200 workers.

The Kernersville hub will become part of a growing footprint FedEx is establishing in the state. The company has plans for a FedEx Air hub in Greensboro and also has a ground hub in Charlotte.

Contact Lanita Withers at 373-7071 or lanita.withers@news-record.com