Walmart intends establishing a high technology distribution center (DC) near Spartanburg, SC. According to an article by Bridgette Goldschmidt in Progressive Grocer the facility will extend over 720,000 square feet and will handle grocery items, produce, eggs, dairy and frozen foods for delivery to Walmart stores. The distribution center will incorporate advanced technology including automation, robotics and machine learning and will represent competition to the Kroger-Ocado fulfillment centers and the Swisslog units to be used by Ahold-Delhaize distribution centers.
It is clear that supermarket chains recognize the need for mechanization to reduce dependence on labor, to expedite orders and achieve rapid turnover of inventory especially produce and perishables.
It is understood that the technology to be applied in the new South Carolina DC was developed in-house as part of a strategic plan to apply robotics, automation and artificial intelligence to all aspects of the company operation. Walmart has four distribution centers, 122 retail stores that employ close to 34,000 in South Carolina.