Walmart retrofits Texas supply chain facility for high-tech automation
Walmart continues growing its next-generation fulfillment center infrastructure.
The discount colossus has completed renovations to a retrofitted regional distribution center in Palestine, Texas, transforming it into a high-tech automation center. This multi-million-dollar investment to the 1.2-million-sq.-ft. facility is part of a broader initiative to renovate all 42 of Walmart’s RDCs with automated technology.
Regional distribution centers are a strategic part of Walmart’s broader supply chain network and help keep its more than 4,700 stores stocked. This new technology investment uses a combination of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered software systems, robotics and automation to sort, store, retrieve and pack merchandise onto pallets which are then shipped to stores.
Since 2017, the discount giant has worked with AI technology provider Symbotic to optimize an automated technology solution to sort, store, retrieve and pack freight onto pallets in its Brooksville, Fla., distribution center. Under Walmart’s existing system, product arrives at one of its regional distribution centers and is either cross-docked or warehoused, while being moved or stored manually.
When it’s time for the product to go to a store, a 53-foot trailer is manually packed for transit. After the truck arrives at a store, associates unload it manually and place the items in the appropriate places.
Leveraging the Symbotic solution, a complex algorithm determines how to store cases like puzzle pieces using high-speed mobile robots that operate with a precision that speeds the intake process and increases the accuracy of freight being stored for future orders. By using dense modular storage, the solution also expands building capacity.
Equipped with this technology, Walmart intends to transform its existing regional distribution centers into high-density, automated facilities that provide faster product intake, increased inventory accuracy and increased building capacity.
[Read more: Walmart brings automation to regional distribution centers]
Walmart also seeks to save store associates time by creating store- and aisle-ready pallets which streamline the unloading of trucks and provide associates with more time to serve customers. The automated technology is also designed to increase associate safety while helping them shift to higher-level positions that offer new skills in robotics and technology and result in longer term employment.
These new jobs include that of cell operator and machine technician. The facility employs nearly 1,000 associates with more positions becoming available as operations continue to expand.
“Walmart’s Palestine distribution center has been a pillar in the community for the last 42 years, and we’re excited to transform our building into an industry-leading, high-tech distribution center,” said Marty Denney, GM, Regional Distribution Center #6036, Walmart U.S. “This isn’t just an investment in our facility, but also our associates, our community, and our future. I couldn’t be more proud to be at the forefront of Walmart’s supply chain transformation.”
“Adding game-changing automation and AI-powered software systems to this facility will revolutionize an already impressive operation, changing the way we distribute products to stores, and we’re just getting started,” said Mike Gray, senior VP, supply chain operations at Walmart.
Headquartered in Bentonville, Ark., Walmart Inc. operates more than 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners in 24 countries and e-commerce websites.