News Summary
Walmart is set to invest $300 million in a fulfillment center in Kings Mountain, North Carolina, spanning 1.2 million square feet. The facility is expected to create over 300 jobs with an average salary of $69,360, significantly higher than current local wages. The project, powered by state and local incentives, aims to enhance Walmart’s logistics capabilities, focusing on shipping large items directly to customers. The center marks a major economic development for the area, projecting a substantial boost to North Carolina’s economy over the coming years.
KINGS MOUNTAIN, NORTH CAROLINA
A new Walmart fulfillment center is set to open in Kings Mountain, Gaston County, by 2027, with an estimated investment of $300 million. The facility will cover approximately 1.2 million square feet and will be located at 799 Sara Lee Access Road. Walmart anticipates creating more than 300 jobs over the next two years, specifically in 2027 and 2028. The average wage for these positions is expected to be $69,360, which is approximately 33% higher than the current average salaries in the surrounding area.
The total payroll impact from the new jobs is expected to exceed $20 million annually for the local community. Walmart aims to complete its investment by December 31, 2027, and the new fulfillment center will specialize in shipping large items directly to customers. These items will include televisions, furniture, and lawnmowers, with options for next-day shipping.
The project has been facilitated by a state incentive grant valued at around $3.7 million, awarded by the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee. This grant can increase to over $4.8 million when additional incentives from state utility and workforce training programs are considered. Furthermore, the city of Kings Mountain and Gaston County are offering combined incentives totaling over $9.8 million, which includes $4.7 million from Kings Mountain and $5.6 million from Gaston County.
Walmart’s decision to build in Kings Mountain was influenced by several factors, including the availability of skilled labor, operational costs, and the business climate in the area. The fulfillment center was chosen over potential sites in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Walmart currently employs over 62,300 people throughout North Carolina and operates more than 214 stores and Sam’s Clubs across the state. The company contributes over $9 billion annually to North Carolina suppliers and supports over 88,000 supplier jobs for the fiscal year 2025.
The Charlotte-based developer The Keith Corporation will manage the fulfillment center’s development, which has been available for lease since 2023. According to state economists, this project is projected to generate an estimated $791 million boost to North Carolina’s economy over the 12-year term of the Job Development Investment Grant. The state’s JDIG agreement with Walmart may reimburse the company up to $3,669,300 over 12 years, provided that job creation and investment targets are met.
The jobs offered at the fulfillment center will be characterized as higher-wage positions when compared to traditional warehouse jobs, reflecting a broader industry trend towards more sophisticated and skilled operations. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has highlighted the state’s business climate, workforce programs, and logistics capabilities as key factors that attract global companies like Walmart to the region.
As the new fulfillment center gears up for operations, the local community looks forward to the economic benefits and job opportunities it will bring, marking a significant investment in the future of Kings Mountain and surrounding areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- WCCB Charlotte
- Wikipedia: Walmart
- WBTV
- Google Search: Walmart fulfillment center Gaston County
- Business North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Walmart fulfillment center
- Charlotte Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Logistics
- Gastonia Gazette
- Google News: Walmart Gaston County
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
