Walmart Launches State-of-the-Art Distribution Center in Jacksonville, Florida
Walmart has officially inaugurated its expansive 1-million-square-foot distribution center at 1511 Zoo Parkway in Jacksonville, Florida. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to streamline operations for 18 Sam’s Club locations across Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, as well as seven clubs in Puerto Rico. Strategically situated just 10 minutes from the Port of Jacksonville, the center also serves as a pivotal hub for storing and sorting imported goods destined for four distribution centers throughout the Southeast.
The grand opening ceremony was a momentous occasion, attended by Walmart associates, local elected officials, and community members. Frank Herrera, the general manager of the new facility, expressed pride in the company’s investment in the community, stating, “We’re proud to create a new slate of jobs in our community. Each position brings a pathway for opportunity at Walmart and Sam’s Club. Today’s ribbon cutting is a celebration of our commitment to our associates, our community, and our future.”
The distribution center is not only a testament to Walmart’s commitment to operational excellence but also to its dedication to employee welfare. Full-time associates at the facility are eligible for comprehensive benefits, including medical, vision, and dental insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, an associate stock purchase plan, and access to company-paid college degrees and skills certificates through Walmart’s Live Better U program.
In alignment with its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Walmart marked the opening by presenting $5,000 grants to two local organizations: Keep Jacksonville Beautiful and the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville. These contributions underscore Walmart’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and support. In fiscal year 2024 alone, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and the Walmart Foundation donated over $122 million in product donations and grants to various local causes and organizations across Florida.
The establishment of this distribution center further solidifies Jacksonville’s reputation as a burgeoning logistics hub. Aundra Wallace, President of JAXUSA Partnership, highlighted this development, stating, “Jacksonville is continuing to build its reputation as a logistics hub and the place to be to reach customers throughout the Southeast. We appreciate Walmart investing in our region and look forward to the company’s success here.”
The facility’s development was part of a larger initiative known as Project Crystal. The city enacted Ordinance 2023-332-A on June 13, 2023, approving a five-year $1.5 million Recapture Enhanced Value Grant for the project, based on 50% of the increase in real and tangible property taxes. The building, constructed by Evans General Contractors LLC of Savannah, Georgia, was developed by VanTrust Real Estate LLC and later sold to AK Imeson LLC for $95 million.
This new distribution center exemplifies Walmart’s strategic investments in infrastructure to enhance supply chain efficiency and its unwavering commitment to community development and employee advancement.
