Walmart, America’s biggest retailer, has revealed plans to construct its third milk processing plant in Robinson, Texas, costing $350 million and slated to open in 2026. The facility will largely receive milk from Texas dairy farmers, after the company’s decision in October of last year to construct a second processing plant in Valdosta, Georgia. Walmart formerly bought its great-value branded milk from other dairy cooperatives, but it has subsequently created a network of milk processing factories to control the supply of price-sensitive food staples.
The new facility will deliver high-quality milk largely from Texas dairy farmers, demonstrating Walmart’s commitment to creating a more robust and transparent supply chain. Bruce Heckman, Walmart’s vice president of manufacturing, stated his delight about bringing high-quality milk to Texas and the neighboring states.
Leaders throughout Texas have weighed in on the retailer’s announcement, with Governor Greg Abbott expressing enthusiasm for the investment and job growth in McLennan County. Bert Echterling, Mayor of Robinson, lauded the city’s industrial sector and Walmart’s intention to establish itself in the region. Judge Scott M. Felton, Judge of McLennan County, praised the Robinson City Council, its city manager, Craig Lemin, and McLennan County Commissioner Jim Smith for collaborating with Walmart to guarantee required requirements were satisfied.
The factory will process and bottle a wide range of milk varieties, including gallon, half gallon, whole, 2%, 1%, skim, and 1% chocolate milk for Walmart’s Great Value and Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark brands. The items will be sent to over 750 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations throughout the South, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, sections of Arkansas, and Mississippi.
