Walmart opened the construction of its nearly 3 million square foot Walmart Ridgeville Import Distribution Center in Dorchester County, South Carolina.
Walmart is investing $ 220 million to build the direct import distribution center, creating approximately 1,000 full-time jobs. Construction is underway at the new storage and cross-dock facilities at Ridgeville Industrial Campus, which is along Interstate 26. The distribution center, which was announced in July, will take approximately 14 months to build.
“Walmart’s $ 220 million investment is a vote of confidence in the hard-working people of South Carolina and in the favorable approach to our state’s business that attracts the world’s top companies,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “This investment and the 1,000 jobs that come with it will help to continue the tremendous economic success of our state and to change the lives of the people of South Carolina.”
The Walmart Ridgeville Import Distribution Center will provide several regional distribution centers, which will support approximately 850 Walmart and Sam’s Club stores in South Carolina and beyond.
“We found great partners in South Carolina, Dorchester County and SC Ports for our new $ 220 million distribution center in Dorchester County, South Carolina,” said Greg Smith, executive vice president of supply chain at Walmart. “SC Ports’ business mindset, efficient operations and excavation site on the Ridgeville Industrial Campus helped make this project a reality. SC Ports’ proven track record in addressing the high demand needs of the supply chain for the automotive industry gives us complete confidence in its ability to meet our retail distribution and e-commerce needs. We are excited about the impact that this new distribution facility will have on the regional economy and how it will help us better serve customers across the Southeast ”.
Walmart’s new distribution center in the Charleston region will grant access to the expanding Southeast market and a world-class port. When fully operational, the distribution center is expected to increase volumes at the Port of Charleston by 5%.
“We are excited to celebrate the opening of Walmart’s seventh import distribution center in Ridgeville, South Carolina,” said SC Ports President and CEO Jim Newsome. “We will support the investment by efficiently treating products imported from Walmart. Walmart is at the forefront of sophistication and supply chain performance, and its trust in us speaks for itself. This investment is a signal to large retailers that we are prepared to be a force in retail distribution and that we can meet your needs ”.