Georgia Lands First of Five New Sam’s Club Distribution Centers
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Georgia’s governor announced a $142 million deal for a Sam’s Club distribution and fulfillment center in the first of five new sites in the company’s bold plans to modernize its supply chain.
Gov. Brian Kemp said Feb. 27 the new Sam’s Club fulfillment center in Douglas County will create 600 jobs.
“Georgia’s reliable infrastructure enables companies and consumers alike to reach markets across our state, nation and world, bringing opportunities to hardworking Georgians in every corner of the state,” Kemp said.
The other four locations have not been announced yet.
Joseph Godsey, Sam’s Club corporate chief supply chain officer, expressed excitement about enhanced supply chain capabilities in Georgia and the surrounding Southeastern U.S.
Today’s announcement that @SamsClub will create 600 jobs in Douglas County is another reminder that Georgia’s reliable infrastructure network is bringing both goods and opportunity to every corner of our state. https://t.co/BgKQnfdfje — Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) February 27, 2023
“We are on a journey to transform the entire Sam’s Club supply chain through strategic expansion and cutting-edge automation,” Godsey said. “This location is a great step in that direction. This investment is critical to deliver to our members with speed and provide an overall great experience.”
Georgia officials say that 80% of the U.S. market is within a two-hour flight or two-day drive.
Logistics/distribution is a priority industry for Georgia since the state provides access to a network of major roadways, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Port of Savannah’s growing container terminal.
“Sam’s Club is a familiar name for many families, and we are excited the company has chosen Douglas County to expand its supply chain capabilities,” said Pat Wilson, state economic development commissioner. “Georgia’s highway system and rail lines connect companies to logistics assets like the ports, which spreads the economic benefits of these assets far and wide.”
In January, Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart Inc. and a leading membership warehouse club, unveiled an ambitious plan to open over 30 new clubs across the country over the next several years in addition to its 600 locations. The first is expected to open next year in Florida. New clubs will be larger (each 160,000 square feet) than most today and have new features (full-service floral areas, walk-in dairies and fresh coolers). Many will offer fuel stations.
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At the same time, Sam’s Club will unleash multiyear investments to modernize its supply chain (including advanced automation) through new distribution and fulfillment centers across the nation.
These upgrades will bring both customers significantly closer on average to a supply chain facility, the company states.
“As part of these new footprints, Sam’s Club is launching highly automated facilities with state-of-the-art automation and robotics,” it added. “By combining the shorter distances and the efficiencies added via process, automation and digitization, replenishment of clubs and item fulfillment for members will be best in class.”
