LYMAN, SC - Having recently unveiled a new supply chain strategy to mitigate ongoing distribution challenges, Walmart has revealed another key piece of its plan in the form of a new high-tech distribution center (DC) for fresh and frozen groceries. The new 720,000-square-foot DC is slated to open in 2024 in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, and will create more than 400 full-time regional jobs.
“Walmart’s high-tech grocery distribution center will include game-changing innovations that are radically disrupting the supply chain, getting products onto shelves for our customers even faster, while saving time for our associates,” said David Guggina, Senior Vice President, Automation and Innovation. “We’re proud to be opening Walmart’s largest automated grocery distribution center in Spartanburg County and look forward to bringing new STEM job opportunities to the region.”
This new high-tech facility, which the retailer invested more than $450 million in, will be Walmart’s largest grocery distribution center to date, set to move two times more product than a traditional grocery DC, according to a press release. Through the use of automation technology, robotics, and machine learning to process groceries, the center will also be a new source of technology-focused job opportunities in the region.
Walmart’s high-tech DC is part of a larger investment from the retailer which was announced earlier and stated the company’s intent to double down on the use of automation technology in its supply chain. The big-box chain rolled out its first automated grocery distribution center in 2018 and has since continued to introduce innovative new supply chain solutions that reduce handling costs and improve service to stores and consumers. This includes investments in drones and autonomous vehicles to support last-mile deliveries.
“We’re thrilled to bring our high-tech grocery distribution center to the thriving logistics hub of Spartanburg County,” added Tim Cooper, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations. “The new distribution center will be critical to ensuring our stores are stocked with the freshest grocery items to provide convenience and quality at everyday low prices to customers and communities in the state of South Carolina.”
Although it is not yet clear how the new DC will play into Walmart's fresh plans, the technology is essential to keeping the retailer at the top of its game—which we know is critical for produce programs.
How will this new distribution center change Walmart’s position in the competitive grocery market? Stick with AndNowUKnow to find out.
