Home Depot Opens in Auburn, over 160 jobs added

AUBURN (Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009) – The Home Depot, the world's largest home improvement retailer, will open its doors in north Auburn on Thur., Feb. 19, 2009. A special dedication ceremony with local officials will be held Wed., Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. Doors will open at 5 p.m. The store is one of a handful to be opened this year, and the only one scheduled for Northern California, according to the company.

“The fact that Home Depot chose to open here says very positive things about the economic strength of our region,” said Placer County Board of Supervisors Chairman F.C. “Rocky” Rockholm. “I am pleased to welcome them.”

The Home Depot opening in Auburn is also long-awaited, according to Placer County Supervisor Jim Holmes, who represents District 3. “I am very pleased that Home Depot will be providing many much-needed jobs to local residents,” Supervisor Holmes said. “I also want to thank Home Depot for the excellent traffic improvements on Highway 49, Atwood Road, Willow Creek Road and Education Street.”

According to The Home Depot, about 165 associates will be employed at the store; 110 are new hires from Auburn and the surrounding communities.

Adam Lauder, Operations Manager, a 10-year employee with The Home Depot, is returning to the area to help manage the store. The Placer High School graduate grew up in Foresthill. “I am thrilled to back in the Auburn area,” he said. “The store is full of people who live and work in this community and we are ready to give the best customer service to our neighbors and friends,” he said. Other local employees include Vern Souza of Meadow Vista and Leonard Schaffer of Lake of the Pines.

According to store officials, the new store will feature The Home Depot’s latest floor plan, with many newly re-designed departments. The retailer, well known for product selection, value and expertise, provides a one-stop home improvement destination where consumers can purchase quality materials and get the know-how they need.

The Home Depot is actively involved in improving communities through volunteerism. Team Depot, the store-based volunteer program encourages and enables associates to participate in service projects in their communities. The north Auburn store is giving $2,000 to the Boys & Girls Club to celebrate the store opening.

The new store is located at 11755 Willow Creek Dr., off Highway 49 in North Auburn. For a list of home improvement clinics, visit www.homedepot.com.