PALESTINE, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Walmart is announcing the completion of the renovations made to the retrofitted regional distribution center (RDC) in Palestine, Texas, transforming it into a high-tech automation center. This multi-million-dollar investment to the 1.2 million square foot facility is part of a broader initiative that the retailer announced last year to renovate all 42 regional distribution centers with automated technology. This technology will continue modernizing Walmart’s vast supply chain network aiming to increase the speed, efficiency and safety at which products are distributed.
“Walmart’s Palestine distribution center has been a pillar in the community for the last 42 years, and we’re excited to transform our building into an industry-leading, high-tech distribution center. This isn’t just an investment in our facility, but also our associates, our community, and our future. I couldn't be more proud to be at the forefront of Walmart’s supply chain transformation,” said Marty Denney, General Manager, Regional Distribution Center #6036, Walmart U.S.
Walmart’s supply chain is undergoing a digital transformation to ensure customers can get the items they want, when and how they want them. Regional distribution centers are a strategic part of Walmart’s broader supply chain network and exist to keep its more than 4,700 stores stocked with food items, home goods and tech gadgets. This new, revolutionary technology investment uses a combination of AI-powered software systems, robotics and automation to sort, store, retrieve and pack merchandise onto pallets which are then shipped to stores. For customers, this means they will find that products get onto shelves even faster.
“Adding game-changing automation and AI-powered software systems to this facility will revolutionize an already impressive operation, changing the way we distribute products to stores, and we’re just getting started,” said Mike Gray, senior vice president, supply chain operations at Walmart.
Altogether, the technology transforms existing RDCs into high-density, automated facilities that provide faster product intake, increased inventory accuracy and increased building capacity. It saves store associates time by creating store- and aisle-ready pallets which take the guesswork out of unloading trucks and provide them with more time to serve customers. Finally, the technology also works to increase associate safety while evolving jobs into those that offer new skills in robotics and technology, are more fulfilling and result in longer term employment. New jobs include that of cell operator and maintenance technician, among others.
Continued Investment in Texas Community
During the grand opening ceremony, Walmart celebrated its commitment to the community by presenting two $2,000 donations to local independent school districts, Grapeland and Palestine, along with a $3,000 donation to the East Texas Food Bank. Since 2015, Walmart has averaged more than $1 billion in annual donations each year to a variety of local causes and organizations.
Providing Career Opportunities
The facility employs nearly 1,000 associates with more positions becoming available as operations continue to grow. Candidates can search for open positions and complete applications online at careers.walmart.com.
Walmart associates are provided a path of opportunity beginning on their first day. Associates may participate in Walmart’s Live Better U program, where they can earn a college degree in business, technology, supply chain management or more without the burden of debt, with Walmart paying 100% of college tuition and books. Other career advancing opportunities include Walmart Supply Chain Academies which pay associates to learn through immersive teaching that combines technology, classroom training and ongoing coaching in role.
Full-time positions qualify for Walmart’s total rewards and benefits plans, including medical, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, stock purchase plan and more.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better — anytime and anywhere — in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 230 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2022 revenue of $573 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.com/walmart.
About Walmart in Texas
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In Texas, we serve customers at 593 retail units and online through Walmart Online Grocery, Walmart.com and our family of brands. We are proud to employ 176,179 associates in Texas. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $81.3 billion with Texas suppliers in FYE22 and supporting 781,994 Texas supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In FY22, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $142.4 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Texas. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.