By Jean-Paul MacDonald, Farms.com
Walmart Inc. has officially announced plans to build a 330,000-square-foot commercial beef facility in Olathe, Kansas. The company previously applied for $257 million in industry bonds to construct the facility.
In line with its commitment to developing a full supply chain for Angus beef, Walmart kicked off its plans in 2019. As part of the move, the retail giant acquired a minority stake in Sustainable Beef Processing Plant LLC in North Platte, Nebraska, which operates its operations recorded in August 2022.The new Olathe facility will package and distribute beef from various Midwest locations, including the Sustainable Beef facility.
The laying of the foundation stone for the new facility is expected to take place at the end of 2023, and the opening is planned for 2025. After completion of the project, more than 600 jobs will be created.
Construction will be managed by Mc Gown Gordon, a Kansas City company, and will create an estimated 1,000 design, manufacturing and engineering jobs. Walmart plans to invest $257 million in the company.
David Baskin, Walmart's senior vice president of deli, meat and seafood, emphasized the company's focus on improving quality and offering high-quality meat at affordable prices through its end-to-end Angus beef supply chain.
Local and state authorities have been enthusiastic about this economic development in the region. Olathe Mayor John Bacon expressed his excitement by highlighting the positive impact of Walmart's innovative facility on job creation and the city at large. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly welcomed technological advances in the food supply chain, and Walmart's investment further solidified Kansas' position as a leading food and beverage state.
Notably, in 2020, Walmart opened a ready-to-eat beef facility operated by FPL Food LLC in Thomasville, Georgia.