Wal-Mart, Inc., which opened a one-million square foot import distribution center in James City County in October 2000, has announced it is beginning construction on an additional one million square feet at the same facility. The company also plans to add an additional 100-150 jobs here. The expansion and additional jobs will fulfill the plans the company announced in April 2000 to construct a two million square foot facility and employ up to 400 people within 30 months of opening.
Goods produced in other countries come in through the Ports of Hampton Roads and are stored at the import distribution center until time to ship them to the company's regional distribution centers. The regional distribution centers, in turn, supply items to the retail stores. The James City County import distribution center site is one of three such facilities Wal-Mart utilizes in the United States.
Tony Kral, General Manager of the facility, attributed the need for expansion to Wal-Mart's projection of adding an additional 130 retail stores nationwide during the first quarter of 2001. John McGlennon, Chairman of the James City County Board of Supervisors, noted that the action was a positive sign of Wal-Mart's confidence at a time when some aspects of the global economy are uncertain.
Bruce Goodson, Supervisor of the Roberts District in which the facility is located, added that it was also a favorable reflection of the company's satisfaction with its James City County location. Utilizing the County's expedited review process, the company had constructed its first million square feet in a record six months. Substantial support from Virginia's Workforce Service Division and the Virginia Employment Commission for its recruiting efforts had also resulted in the company's being able to choose from over 3,000 applications for its start-up.
Keith Taylor, Economic Development Director, welcomed the announcement and praised the company for its contribution to the local tax base and its provision of permanent, year round jobs with benefits. He stated, "Clearly, this is a major economic development program for us. This is a good expression of their commitment to James City County, and we are very pleased things are going so well for them."