BATAVIA, Ill. — Aldi here said Monday it would enter the Houston market next year, with plans for 30 new stores over the next three years.

Aldi said its first 10 stores in the Houston area would open in early 2013 as part of a $100 million investment in the region. Aldi currently operates 37 stores in Texas, with most in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

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"Our history and recent growth in Texas has us poised for great success in the Houston area as more and more shoppers are discovering the high-value, high-quality shopping experience that Aldi offers," Scott Huska, division vice president for Aldi, said in a statement. "Our expansion will bring job opportunities with excellent pay and benefits to the Houston area. We are excited to bring these benefits to Houston as we continue our expansion in Texas."

Hiring for the Houston stores is expected to begin in the coming weeks.