Last updated on September 6th, 2018
Walmart celebrated the grand opening of its new $145 million grocery distribution center in Cocoa, Florida in late August. Company officials were joined by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) and community leaders, including Gov. Rick Scott, at the opening.
The event was a celebration of a multi-year effort, supported by local and state officials and community members, to secure Walmart’s capital investment and job opportunities for Brevard residents. Plans for the 550,000-s.f. DC were first announced in mid-2017. According to Walmart, the Cocoa DC employs approximately 400 associates, including transportation positions. Wages for full-time hourly associates start at $16.05 per hour and will reach $19.55 per hour over a two-and-a-half-year progression.
“The high-tech work that will happen at this state-of-the-art distribution center will have a significant economic contribution locally, while further diversifying our industry base,” said Chairman of the EDC of Florida’s Space Coast Phil Hayes. “It’s a pleasure to welcome Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, to the Space Coast. Just like others, we know you will launch to new heights from here.”
“The best thing we can do for families in our state is to create an environment where our private-sector can grow and create jobs,” said Scott. “Since December 2010, we’ve created nearly 1.6 million jobs in Florida and our unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in over a decade thanks to projects like the one we are celebrating today. It’s great to be here to announce 400 new jobs for families in Cocoa.”
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