Gaston County has been selected by Walmart for a significant investment that will bolster local job opportunities and economic growth. Governor Josh Stein made the announcement about the new fulfillment center expected to create over 300 jobs in Kings Mountain with an estimated $300 million poured into the project.
According to the press release from the Governor's Office, North Carolina was chosen for its "friendly business climate, strong workforce development programs, and a transportation network.” The 1.2 million-square-foot facility at 799 Sara Lee Access Road will specialize in shipping larger items and is set to open its doors in 2027.
Walmart's senior vice president of Supply Chain, U.S., Karisa Sprague, stressed the importance of the center in meeting growing customer demand. "As our eCommerce business continues to grow, this new fulfillment center will play a critical role in helping us serve customers faster," Sprague told in the Governor's Office press release. The center will handle items like patio furniture and lawnmowers, potentially offering next-day delivery.
The move is a continuation of Walmart's expansive presence in North Carolina, where it already operates more than 214 stores and employs over 62,300 associates. Walmart's involvement in the state includes heavy investment in local suppliers, totaling over $9 billion in the last fiscal year and supporting upwards of 88,000 jobs, according to the company.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley acknowledged the significance of the selection following a thorough site search, as noted in the statement. The state has been striving to attract such expansions, with CNBC naming it the top business-friendly locale. This Walmart project is set to enrich the state's economy by an estimated $791 million.
A Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) will partly facilitate the project, which foresees a return on investment of 174 percent for public dollars. Walmart Fulfillment Services, LLC could receive up to $3,669,300 spread over 12 years, conditional upon meeting specific job creation and investment criteria.
Local leaders have expressed gratitude and pride in securing the deal. N.C. Senator Brad Overcash highlighted the economic win for Gaston County, and N.C. Representative Kelly Hastings praised the collaborative efforts leading to Walmart's investment and the potential societal benefit from new jobs.
The collective spirit and strategies of numerous entities contributed to this development. Besides the North Carolina Department of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, contributors included the General Assembly, Community College System, Division of Workforce Solutions, City of Kings Mountain, Gaston County, and Gaston County Economic Development Commission.
