Walmart Transforms Regional Distribution Center in Palestine, Texas into High-Tech Facility
October 26 2022 - 11:02AM
Business Wire
bringing new STEM-focused job opportunities to
Walmart’s Palestine workforce and enhance customer experience in
East Texas
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.
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Walmart Transforms Regional Distribution
Center in Palestine, Texas into High-Tech Facility (Photo: Business
Wire)
“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.
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