Walmart employees, elected officials and community leaders recently celebrated the grand opening of a new 725,000-square-foot perishable distribution center in Wellford, South Carolina.
The facility is designed to receive and process fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat and frozen goods for delivery to 180 Walmart stores.
“The opening of our new high-tech perishable distribution center marks a major step forward in how we get fresher products to customers faster – whether that’s in-store, delivered to their home or even restocking their refrigerator,” said Rob Montgomery, EVP of supply chain, Walmart U.S.
The facility is the third of five new high-tech PDCs Walmart is opening nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the company’s supply chain transformation. These facilities use advanced automation to process more than double the volume of a traditional DC.
“South Carolina continues to lead in innovation and logistics, and Walmart’s investment in Spartanburg County is driving that momentum forward,” said South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.
“Through advanced supply chain technology and a strong commitment to local sourcing, we’re proud to partner with Walmart to deliver fresh, affordable food to communities across our state and the region.”
Walmart is reshaping associates’ work by integrating technology that removes some of their most physically demanding tasks. For example, robotics handle the movement of cases on and off pallets, reducing the need for strenuous lifting.
Employees at the facility work alongside the high-tech systems that build store-specific pallets, ensuring fragile items like eggs and yogurt are placed toward the top, to minimize product damage.
Artificial intelligence tracks every pallet to ensure accuracy and freshness. The technology also makes unloading at stores faster and easier, allowing store associates to spend more time helping customers.
To mark the occasion, Walmart awarded $15,000 in grants to the following nonprofits: Greer Relief food pantry; Wellford Academy of Science and Technology; Breaking Bread for Jesus soup kitchen, and foster care support provider PS I Love You Ministries.
In 2024, Walmart stores, clubs and the Walmart Foundation donated $16.8 million in cash and in-kind donations to organizations in South Carolina.
[RELATED: Walmart Debuts Case-Ready Beef Facility In Olathe, KS]