The country's largest beer, wine and liquor distributor plans to invest more than $10 million to establish operations in central Indiana, creating 200 jobs at a regional office and distribution center here.

Southern Wine and Spirits of Indiana Inc. will occupy a 200,000-square-foot distribution center in Greenwood and 7,500 square feet of office space in Indianapolis, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. said late Monday.

The Miami-based distributor, which employs more than 11,000 nationwide, plans to start hiring warehouse workers immediately; distribution operations are expected to begin next month.
 
Founded in 1968 to service retailers, bars and restaurants in Florida, Southern Wine and Spirits has grown to serve more than 175,000 customers in 30 states.

Its plans for central Indiana are more extensive than initially expected.

Southern received approval to distribute alcohol in Indiana in November despite opposition from competitors that said it would drive smaller distributors out of business. In March, Indianapolis-based National Wine & Spirits announced plans to join forces with Dallas-based Republic National Distributing Co., the nation's second-largest wholesale beverage distributor.

The state Alcohol and Tobacco Commission approved Southern's application for permits after twice denying it permission to do business in Indiana.

The IEDC offered Southern up to $1.4 million in performance-based tax credits based on its job creation plans. The cities of Greenwood and Indianapolis will consider additional property tax abatements.