America's largest retail store, Walmart, announced plans to build a $350 million milk processing plant in Valdosta, Georgia. According to a press release from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, the dairy facility will create almost 400 new jobs and expand Walmart's efforts to own more of its fresh foods supply chain.
“We're excited that Walmart will soon tap into Georgia’s No. 1 industry and open new opportunities for farmers in the Lowndes County area,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Congratulations to all those on the local and state level whose hard work made this announcement possible. We look forward to many years of success as this project further strengthens our thriving agriculture industry.”
The new facility will process and bottle whole, 2%, 1%, skim, and 1% chocolate milk in sizes such as gallon and half gallon for Walmart’s Great Value and Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark brands. These products from the facility will be sold at more than 750 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs in Georgia and surrounding states.
This marks the second milk processing plant Walmart has opened. In 2018, the retailer opened its first milk processing facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
“We’re thrilled to open this new dairy facility in Valdosta, Georgia, as we continue to make strides to increase surety of supply for our customers grocery essentials,” said Bruce Heckman, Vice President of Manufacturing at Walmart. “We’re looking forward to breaking ground on this exciting venture and we’ll continue to work alongside local dairy farmers and associates as we move ahead. Their collaboration is critical to ensure we’re operating a facility that will process high-quality milk for our customers that we can offer at the everyday low prices they rely on.”
Operations are expected to begin in late 2025, and the retail chain will be hiring for positions in production, engineering, quality, food safety, warehouse operations, maintenance, drivers, and more.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer helping people save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 240 million customers and members visit more than 10,500 stores and numerous eCommerce websites in 19 countries. With fiscal year 2023 revenue of $611 billion, Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy, and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart, on X (formerly known as Twitter) at twitter.com/walmart, and on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/walmart.
