GROUND HAS BEEN BROKEN FOR A NEW FEDEX DISTRIBUTION CENTER IN KINGSPORT. FEDEX IS PUTTING AN EIGHT MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY ON MORE THAN 13 ACRES AT GATEWAY COMMERCE PARK. THE CENTER WILL SERVE THE KINGSPORT, BRISTOL AND JOHNSON CITY AREAS AS WELL AS GREENEVILLE AND BULLS GAP, HAWKINS COUNTY AND UP TO GRUNDY AND POUND VIRGINIA. FEDEX INITIALLY PLANS TO HIRE AN ADDITIONAL 80 EMPLOYEES. THE NEW KINGSPORT CENTER IS SET TO OPEN IN JUNE OF NEXT YEAR AND WILL CONSOLIDATE EXISTING OPERATIONS IN KINGSPORT AND GRAY.