The Katy-based Igloo Products Corporation formally opened its new 420,000-square-foot distribution facility Oct. 10 at 28501 Hwy Blvd. in Katy.

"We have been experiencing double digit growth as a percentage of sales for the last three years," Igloo chairman and CEO Gary Kiedaisch said.

The new 120-dock distribution center will help the cooler company keep up with its growing line of products, company spokeswoman Katie Davis said.

The company manufactures about 300 products, totaling between 17 and 20 million units annually.

The new building, combined with the existing facilities, will increase the company's footprint in the area to 1.8 million square feet.

Igloo is among the top 10 largest employers in the region and will employ an estimated 1,100 workers by the end of 2013. Coincident with the new facility, the company is hiring about 280 new employees by the end of 2013. About 20–30 will staff the new facility.

Igloo had short-term leases in the area for warehouse and distribution space prior to setting up a longer term lease agreement in the new building.

"This new distribution center is pivotal to be able to keep up with our substantial growth and to prepare for the years to come," he said.