Walmart to add over 4K jobs with 4 new centers

Walmart is adding four new fulfillment centers to its existing capacity, a move that will bring more than 4,000 jobs and make next- or two-day shipping available to more Americans.

Walmart said Friday that the first next generation fulfillment center will open over the summer in Joliet, Illinois, 45 miles southeast of Chicago. Two will open next year in McCordsville, Indiana, 20 miles northeast of Indianapolis, and Lancaster, Texas, 16 miles south of Dallas. A fourth one is set to open in 2024 in Greencastle, Pennsylvania.

The announcement comes when consumers are relying on packages being shipped to their homes more than ever before. While online ordering has continued to increase over the years, the pandemic saw a huge surge in such orders as Americans stayed home during lockdowns and had essential items and other goods delivered to their doors. As coronavirus restrictions have eased, many consumers’ online ordering habits remain.

Aside from a growth in online orders, Walmart and other retailers are trying to make sure that their shipping speed keeps pace with rival Amazon, which offers sameday, one-day and two-day delivery options for those who pay for its Prime membership.

The next generation centers, which feature robotics and machine learning, will double the capacity and number of orders allowed to be fulfilled in a day, Walmart said. The four facilities will be able to provide 75% of the U.S. population with next- or two-day shipping on millions of items.

When combined with its traditional fulfillment centers, Walmart said it will reach 95% of the U.S. population with next- or two-day shipping.