Retail giant Walmart announced plans to build its third milk processing facility in the US, with Robinson, Texas, chosen as the location.
The $350m facility is expected to open in 2026 and create nearly 400 new jobs in the Robinson community.
The Robinson facility follows Walmart's recent investments in its food supply chain. This includes opening its first milk processing facility in Indiana in 2018, with another facility under construction in Georgia scheduled to open in 2025.
Additionally, Walmart has invested in beef processing facilities in Georgia and Kansas and partnered with sustainable agriculture companies.
Boosting local economy and transparency
“We’re excited to be able to provide Texas and its surrounding states with high-quality milk sourced primarily from Texas dairy farmers,” said Bruce Heckman, vice-president of Manufacturing at Walmart.
“This new facility continues our commitment to building a more resilient and transparent supply chain and ensuring our customers’ needs are met for this everyday staple.”
Texas' governor Greg Abbott applauded Walmart's decision, highlighting the economic benefits for the state.
”Walmart’s new processing facility in Robinson is exciting news for Texas, creating millions in investment for the local economy and hundreds of new, good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in Central Texas,” Abbott said.
“World-renowned companies like Walmart continue to choose Texas because of our unmatched business climate, lower business operating costs, and highly skilled, diverse and growing workforce.”
Serving Southern customers
The new facility will process and bottle a variety of milk products under Walmart's Great Value and Sam's Club's Member's Mark brands.
These products will be distributed to more than 750 Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs across the South US, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and parts of Arkansas and Mississippi.
Walmart's continued growth
The Robinson project aligns with Walmart's 'Investing in American Jobs' initiative, a ten-year, $350bn commitment to source and manufacture products in the US.
This new facility signifies Walmart's dedication to job creation, community support, and providing high-quality milk at affordable prices to its customers.
