RIDGEVILLE, SC - Bolstering its import network, Walmart recently held a grand opening event for its new import distribution center. Located in South Carolina, the 3 million-square-foot facility will leverage the deep-water Port of Charleston to provide convenient cargo access.

“We know our customers count on us for a broad assortment, and this new import distribution center will give us expanded access to seaports, in turn allowing us to deliver a wide selection of merchandise from around the globe,” said Mike Gray, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations. “We also strive to be a store of the community and are proud of how we’ve been able to leverage our investments in the supply chain to create economic opportunity and jobs for the Dorchester County area.”

Walmart selected South Carolina for the facility due to its business-friendly environment and decided on Dorchester County for its proximity to the Port of Charleston, a press release explained.

This new import distribution center will store and sort imported products that arrive through the port for later delivery to 850 regional Walmart and Sam’ Club locations in the Southeast. As soon as the facility is fully operational, it is expected to increase local port volumes by almost 5 percent.

“Our team of more than 980 associates from Dorchester County and the surrounding communities are excited to officially open the doors to our new Import Distribution Center,” said Jeff Holzbauer, General Manager, Import Distribution Center #8980, at the grand opening event. “South Carolina is home to some of the country’s most convenient and efficient modes of transportation, including the Port of Charleston and Interstates 26 and 95. Being a member of this community means having the advantage of the region’s existing infrastructure as well as a pool of experienced associates familiar with it. Cutting this ribbon today signifies our commitment to that community.”

The retailer’s initial hiring goal for the distribution center was 1,000 associates, meaning that Walmart is well on its way to achieving those numbers. Working with the Department of Commerce, Walmart expects to employ over 1,300 local full-time associates at this new operation.

“We are actively staffing Ridgeville with a team that will play an important role in serving our customers,” said Andrew Dale, Senior Director of U.S. Supply Chain People. “Walmart is dedicated to the training and development of its associates. Each of the positions we’re currently hiring for in Ridgeville brings with it a pathway of lifelong career opportunity that, with Walmart’s scale, has industry-changing impact. Walmart is full of everyday people doing extraordinary things.”

To read more about Walmart’s latest facility, click here.

What other benefits will this new distribution center provide for the retailer? Only time and AndNowUKnow will tell, so keep reading.

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