Swedish furniture retailer IKEA plans to construct a second distribution centre (DC) in Joliet, Illinois, to accompany a previously announced terminal that is scheduled to open in summer 2017.

The home furnishings giant has submitted a proposal to city officials seeking permission to construct the combined distribution hub would serve the inventory needs of its stores throughout the US Midwest.

In February, the firm advanced the development of its previously approved 1.4-million-square-foot Midwest DC on 72 acres it purchased in 2008 at the Laraway Crossings Business Park in Joliet, 48 miles from Chicago. The second DC would be a similar-sized facility located on 62 acres of land that it hopes to purchase adjacent to the currently planned first building, reported American Shipper.

"These two Joliet facilities will enhance the current distribution network comprised of two distribution centres on the west coast and three on the east. Its central location will allow goods to be received at coastal ports from both Asia and Europe and then transported inland to the Joliet warehouses," the company said in a statement.

"Also, proximity to a nearby railroad intermodal will provide additional long-term transportation options," the statement said.