-Lowe’s Cos. Inc. says it is in the process of adding a new assembly line to its millwork facility in Lexington. This will result in the hiring of 25 new employees by this summer.

The expansion involves the assembly and distribution of unfinished cabinetry that will be sold in Lowe's stores throughout the region. The millwork site, part of Lowe's distribution network, currently assembles and distributes doors. Lowe's operates one million+ square foot Regional Distribution Centers, that ship to up to 200 stores, as well as smaller more specialized centers such as the millwork operation, that focus on products such as lumber, or custom doors and windows.

Because of the expansion, Lowe's says it is adding 24,000 square feet to the lexington millwork facility’s existing 144,000-square-foot size operation.

Once the expansion is complete, the number of loading docks at the plant will be doubled from seven to 14. The new positions will include cabinet assemblers. Hiring is expected to begin in mid- to late-summer time frame, and the openings will be posted on: www.lowes.com/careers

Separately, Lowe's joined other online retailers in opening the door to affiliate merchants, especially in states where Amazon booted them from selling at its site in a sales tax collection disputes in Texas and Illinois.