The US-based supermarket chain Walmart has opened its first in-store case-ready beef facility in Kansas.
The facility aims to provide customers with an end to end supply chain for Angus beef.
The move will see over 600 new jobs being created, directly impacting the community of Olathe, the fourth most-populous city in Kansas.
Sustainable beef
It comes after Walmart’s investment in the Nebraska-based Sustainable Beef company in 2022.
The investment was part of Walmart’s strategy to supply consumers with local Angus beef, promoting transparency, efficiency and resilience.
Walmart have stated that Sustainable Beef LLC sources their cattle from within a 250-mile radius
Walmart’s food division executive vice president, John Laney said: “The opening of our new facility in Olathe, Kansas, is centered on delivering more of what our customers want — affordable food and quality they can trust.
“This is the first case-ready facility fully owned and operated by Walmart, and that milestone ensures we’re able to bring more consistency, more transparency and more value to our customers.”
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly said: “Kansas has long been at the forefront of the agriculture industry, and Walmart’s investment in Olathe is further driving our success.
“Through food production and supply chain innovations, we are proud to partner with Walmart to transform how we feed communities across our state and the region.”
The facility
Walmart have said that the new facility will fulfill demand for quality beef in the region and is delivering a positive and long-lasting impact.
The facility has the capacity to process fresh beef into case-ready cuts, which will be packaged and prepared for retail before being shipped directly to Walmart distribution centres to serve stores in the US midwest.
The company noted that the facility is also expected to increase business for suppliers and service providers, further boosting the facility’s impact on the community.
Olathe Mayor John Bacon said: “Walmart’s decision to open its new case-ready facility in Olathe isn’t just a business investment — it’s a vote of confidence in our community and our workforce.
“With over 600 new jobs being created, this facility will fuel local economic growth and reinforce Olathe’s position as a regional agricultural leader.
“We’re proud to work with Walmart and build more economic opportunity for our residents.”
Walmart highlighted that this facility supports the company’s commitment to US manufacturing, with plans to invest $350 billion in US-made products by 2031.
