GO Topeka announced that Walmart has chosen Topeka, Kansas as the site of its newest distribution facility in the United States. Final approval for the project came from the JEDO board during its December 11, 2019 meeting. The arrival of this new distribution center will bring with it an estimated 300 new full-time positions over the next five years with competitive salaries plus benefits, which are among the best in the retail industry, creating in the next 10 years a total economic impact of $635M.
This will be the fourth Walmart distribution center in the state of Kansas, with the others located in Ottawa, Edgerton and Kansas City. Walmart currently employs more than 20,000 associates in Kansas at three distribution centers and more than 80 retail locations.
“Walmart’s announcement of their intent to build a distribution center in Topeka, their fourth in the state, is welcome news and just the latest example of a global company choosing to invest in Kansas,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “This move reaffirms our state’s strategic advantage as a distribution and logistics hub.”
Topeka, and Kansas in general, has the logistical advantage of being centrally located. To quote the Kansas Department of Commerce, “Kansas' strategic location at the convergence of I-35 and I-70 places it at the crossroads of America.” As a “hub of accessibility,” it takes less than three days to reach anywhere in the continental U.S. from Topeka.
“With distribution facilities and more than 4,500 stores located within five miles of two-thirds of the U.S. population, Walmart is in a unique position to serve customers quickly and cost-effectively,” said Greg Smith, executive vice president, Walmart U.S. Supply Chain. “Nestled in America's heartland, this Topeka site is perfectly located and boasts a skilled workforce that will help Walmart better serve its customers in the region. We’re proud to add this site to our strong supply chain network and bring jobs to hard-working Kansans.”
Topeka’s Walmart distribution center will be its largest in the state, with more than 1.8 million square feet at approximately 35’ clear stacking height. This contributes to the company’s more than 1.8 million square feet of existing space spread across its three other distribution center locations in Kansas. The new facility will occupy part of the remaining 236 acres in the Kanza Fire Commerce Park near the south side of the city.
“I am pleased to be a part of the exciting announcement and approval of this project. The jobs and financial investment into our community as a result of this new investment will affect generations of Topeka & Shawnee County residents,” Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook said. “I would like to congratulate the Greater Topeka Partnership for their work in attracting and securing this new project.”
“The City of Topeka could not be more pleased to be a part of Walmart’s expansion,” said Mayor Michelle De La Isla. “The new distribution center will not only provide employment opportunities and a financial investment for our community but will creat a continued economic impact that will be felt for years to come.”
“For Topeka to succeed in landing an opportunity like this is extraordinary; yet at the same time what we are all building to expect going forward. It showcases GO Topeka’s and the overall community’s resolve and preparedness to pursue the very best prospects to grow Topeka & Shawnee County. Success, not luck, favors the prepared.” Said Kurt Kuta, GO Topeka board chair and president/CEO of CoreFirst Bank & Trust. “On behalf of the GO Topeka board I would like to express how excited we are to have Walmart choose Topeka as the home for its next distribution center and welcome them to the community.”
Molly Howey, SVP of Economic Development for the Greater Topeka Partnership/GO Topeka said, “We at the Partnership and GO Topeka are proud to have had the opportunity to work with Walmart’s exceptional team to have made this project a reality. We are excited about the many prospects this affords the Topeka & Shawnee County community.”
Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, said, “It is thrilling to know that Topeka has captured the attention of the world’s largest retailer. It’s major wins like this that really accelerate the Capital City’s already powerful momentum.”