Walmart takes wraps off third of five new automated perishable US distribution centres

Walmart has opened a new 725,000 square foot perishable distribution centre (PDC) in Wellford, South Carolina.

The facility is designed to receive and process fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat and frozen goods for delivery to 180 stores.

“The opening of our new high tech perishable distribution centre, marks a major step forward in how we get fresher products to customers faster - whether that’s in-store, delivered to their home, or even restocking their refrigerator,” says Rob Montgomery, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain, Walmart U.S.

The Lyman area facility is the third of five new PDCs Walmart is opening nationwide, pitched as a significant milestone in the company’s supply chain transformation.

These facilities leverage automation to process more than double the volume of a traditional distribution centre. For example, robotics now handle the movement of cases on and off pallets, reducing the need for strenuous lifting.

Associates at the facility work alongside the systems that build store specific pallets, ensuring fragile items like eggs and yogurt are placed toward the top, to minimise product damage. AI tracks every pallet to ensure accuracy and freshness. This technology also makes unloading at stores faster and easier, allowing store associates to spend more time helping customers.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Automation will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.