Kroger Co. /zigman2/quotes/206215053/composite KR -1.22% said Friday that it has partnered with automation and software specialist Knapp to update its Great Lakes Distribution Center in Delaware, Oh. The facility will also be expanded by 130,000 square feet. The distribution center first opened in 2003 and services 115 stores across Ohio and Michigan. In April, Kroger launched its first facility with U.K.-based robotics and software company Ocado Group PLC /zigman2/quotes/207225647/delayed UK:OCDO +0.52% in Monroe, Oh. Kroger stock has gained 20% for the year to date while the S&P 500 index /zigman2/quotes/210599714/realtime SPX -1.04% is up 15% for the period.




