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Albemarle Paper Supply, a leading provider of paper products, will have a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming warehouse expansion project.

The expansion, valued at $3.5 million, marks a significant investment in the company’s growth and commitment to Albemarle.

The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Friday at Albemarle Paper Supply headquarters at 735 Henson St., Albemarle.

Representatives from Albemarle Paper Supply and city and county officials will mark the occasion.

Since 2009, Albemarle Paper Supply has been a provider of disposable paper products to businesses in the Triad and Charlotte metro area.

Albemarle Paper Supply services a range of industries, including restaurants, caterers, offices, churches, bakeries, weddings and more.

Albemarle Paper Supply owners and cousins Nick and John Kalogeromitros are the sons of brothers Dino and Jimmy Kalogeromitros, local owners of Blue Bay Seafood.

Nick and John grew up working in the restaurant industry. They took their knowledge and experience to create a company that supports the food industry.

“From the very beginning, we saw the potential in the City of Albemarle and Stanly County. You can start a business here and make it grow. Our passion is serving local businesses no matter how small. We’re so grateful to the people who took a chance on us 15 years ago. We would not be here without their support,” said Nick Kalogeromitros, Albemarle Paper Supply co-counder.

Nick and John rented their first warehouse space from their fathers, a 5,000-square-foot building on East Main Street in Albemarle. In January 2010, they opened to the public as a retailer. In 2014 they purchased their first warehouse at their current location, 735 Henson St. The warehouse is a 25,000-square-foot building on 11 acres.

“We’re proud to witness the remarkable growth of businesses like Albemarle Paper Supply. Their journey from humble beginnings to the success they’re experiencing now shows what can be accomplished with hard work, dedication, and skill. The story of Albemarle Paper Supply is a wonderful example of the opportunity available in our community for entrepreneurs,” Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael said.

County Commission Chairman Bill Lawhon added “It’s great when a local company expands in Stanly County. We are always happy to see a local company doing well.”

For several months, Albemarle and Stanly County have worked to help facilitate Albemarle Paper Supply’s expansion.

“This project exemplifies the importance of community partnerships and our shared commitment to fostering local business growth. We appreciate Albemarle Paper Supply seeing the value of doing business in the City of Albemarle. We’re here to support anyone looking to start or expand their business,” Albemarle Economic Development Director Lindsey Almond said.

Stanly County Economic Development Commission Director Candice Lowder said “existing industry support in Stanly County is a vital component of the program of the Economic Development Commission.”

“Economic prosperity relies on strong partnerships with public and private partners,” Lowder said. “We provide support to large and small companies to help them achieve their goals, which will ensure their success in our community, now and in the future. We value the partnership with the City of Albemarle and Albemarle Paper Supply, and we congratulate them on their continued growth in Albemarle.”

The warehouse expansion project is expected to be completed by October.