Big Rock Sports is working to establish its new distribution center in the Richmond County Industrial Park on the U.S. 74 Bypass.

Employment applications are still being accepted through the N.C. Employment Security Commission.

Big Rock represents an investment of $10 million in a 310,000-square-foot facility, and has the potential of hiring some 150 people.

During a dedication of the facility May 15, Richmond County Commission Chairman Kenneth Robinette said he hoped there would be expansion of the operation in the future and the attraction of associated industries.

Big Rock Sports is the parent company of All Sports, AWR Sports, CSI Sports, Henry’s and MT Sports, all wholesale sporting goods distribution centers located across the nation.

Collectively, Big Rock Sports’ companies serve more than 15,000 hunting and fishing retailers in all 50 states, the Caribbean and nine foreign countries.

While under development in Richmond County, the company was represented as SRB Holdings. At a February meeting of the county commissioners, Wayne Decker was introduced at vice president of SRB Holdings. He is senior vice president of Big Rock operations and logistics.

Prior to the dedication of the distribution center in Richmond Country, Ed Small, Big Rock Sports president and chief executive officer, announced plans to relocate Henry’s Distribution Center in Morehead City to the Hamlet location.

Henry’s distribution has served the Northeast, Southeast and South Central states as well as the export business.

Current office and administrative functions remain in Morehead City.

At the announcement, Decker said, “Over the past two years, a very extensive analysis and review of our east region distribution has been done in which we’ll be incorporating extensive automation and world class processes that will have significant positive impact for our customers and our company.”

He said they planned an expanded fleet to support more of their customers with their own trucks taking full advantage of their proximity to major interstate highways.

Big Rock’s stated goal is ultimately offering wall-to-wall, one-stop distribution to independent retailers and regional chain stores on behalf of all outdoor sporting goods manufacturers on a national and international basis while retaining a regional product assortment focus.

Small said, “We continue to execute effectively on all elements of our long-term strategic plan.”