Facility’s impact seen in 500 new jobs and environmental initiatives
BENTONVILLE, Ark., December 15, 2005 – Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., announced today that it plans to develop a food distribution center in Barstow, Calif.
The new facility will be located in the City of Barstow, three miles north of I-15 on Lenwood Drive. Construction is planned to begin in late 2006, with service to stores to start in 2008.
Some 500 full-time jobs – providing competitive wages – initially will be created. That number could grow to 700 within the first three years of operation. Wal-Mart associates are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that features health insurance, profit sharing, 401K, paid vacations, stock purchase plan, scholarships and store discounts.
The new distribution center represents “good, clean industry,” said Rollin Ford, Executive Vice President of Logistics for Wal-Mart.
“The facility we are planning for Barstow will feature state-of-the-art technology and bring added capacity, which will allow us to better serve our expanding California Supercenter presence,” Ford said. “That we chose Barstow is a vote of confidence in its people and leadership. We believe they embody the kind of spirit and can-do attitude that will ensure effective and efficient service to our California customers.”
Ford noted that it took a coordinated effort to help secure the site, and special thanks should be extended to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his economic development team; Ron Rector, Barstow’s manager of economic development; Barstow Mayor Lawrence E. Dale and the Barstow City Council.
The new facility will be served by various third-party carriers, as well as by Wal-Mart’s own truck fleet, which recently enrolled in the environmentally-conscious program, The SmartWay Transport Partnership. “SmartWay” is a voluntary initiative that increases the U.S.’s energy efficiency and energy security, while reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Wal-Mart is currently working with the trucking industry in exploring a “greener fleet.” Ford said with the implementation of new “idle reduction technology,” Wal-Mart in California is expected to dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Wal-Mart in California
EDITOR’S NOTE: See www.walmartfacts.com for more information about Wal-Mart in California.
As of December 2005, Wal-Mart employed 70,256 California associates. It owns and operates the following facilities in the state of California:
• Supercenters: 7
• Discount Stores: 150
• SAMS CLUBS: 34
In 2004, Wal-Mart collected on behalf of the state of California more than $719.9 million in sales taxes and paid more than $99.7 million in state and local taxes.
In 2004, Wal-Mart Stores and SAM’S CLUB gave $8.6 million to local causes and organizations in the communities they serve in the state of California. In addition, many charities and organizations received in-kind donations and additional funds raised through stores, CLUBS and distribution centers in the amount of more than $3.2 million, for a grand total of some $11.8 million.
Wal-Mart benefits
Wal-Mart benefits – available to full- and part-time associates – include healthcare insurance with no lifetime maximum. Wal-Mart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, performance-based bonuses, discounted stock purchase program and life insurance.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAMS CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The companys securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com for more information about Wal-Mart in California.
As of December 2005, Wal-Mart employed 70,256 California associates. It owns and operates the following facilities in the state of California:
• Supercenters: 7
• Discount Stores: 150
• SAMS CLUBS: 34
In 2004, Wal-Mart collected on behalf of the state of California more than $719.9 million in sales taxes and paid more than $99.7 million in state and local taxes.
In 2004, Wal-Mart Stores and SAM’S CLUB gave $8.6 million to local causes and organizations in the communities they serve in the state of California. In addition, many charities and organizations received in-kind donations and additional funds raised through stores, CLUBS and distribution centers in the amount of more than $3.2 million, for a grand total of some $11.8 million.
Wal-Mart benefits
Wal-Mart benefits – available to full- and part-time associates – include healthcare insurance with no lifetime maximum. Wal-Mart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an associate contributes or not, store discount cards, performance-based bonuses, discounted stock purchase program and life insurance.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAMS CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The companys securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.
EDITOR’S NOTES
Wal-Mart employees are called associates.
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