The world’s largest cosmetics and beauty company, the L’Oreal Group, has found its way to Dallas’ southern half.

The Dallas City Council on Sept. 26 approved a multi-million dollar plan to build a 513,000-square-foot L’Oreal USA distribution center in the International Inland Port of Dallas, near the intersection of Telephone Road and Dallas Avenue.

The center will initially bring 75 jobs to the area, according to Hammond Perot, assistant director of economic development for the city of Dallas.

“It’s a good thing for the city and it just highlights the current and future opportunities that the Inland Port provides,”
Perot said.

The truck-in, truck-out distribution center is a good location in terms of logistics, according to Perot, because of the major highways nearby, Dallas’ access to national markets, and the city’s available, quality workforce.

The Inland Port of Dallas is a public-private partnership with a goal to make Dallas the nation’s premier logistics and
distribution center.

Perot said officials hope to have the center completed by October 2013.

He also said the project could end up exceeding costs of $50 million. L’Oreal did not respond to requests for comment.

The area is one of the major areas of focus in Mayor Michael Rawlings’ GrowSouth plan to redevelop South Dallas’ reputation, amenities, employment opportunities and more.

Rawlings saw the opportunity South Dallas had before his election in June 2011, and unveiled his plan in February 2012.

“When he came into office, he formalized his vision for Southern Dallas in the Grow South plan,” said Shawn Williams, the mayor’s deputy chief of staff.

The plan included a $1.8 million grant to L’Oreal, as well as an additional $2 million for infrastructure improvements. The projected starting salary for employees is around $34,500.

Even though the company is initially expected to hire around 75 workers, Perot said the job number has the potential to eventually reach more than 100.

While the news is good for Dallasites seeking work, it can also be seen as beneficial for the 234,000 acre Inland Port. Allen Group, the port’s biggest investor, is currently emerging from bankruptcy.

Ridge Property Trust, a private real estate investment trust that specializes in warehouse, distribution and manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Mexico, owns the property the center will be built on.