(The Center Square) – Walmart is building a new fulfillment center in northeast Georgia’s Carnesville, a move Gov. Brian Kemp said will create 1,000 jobs.
The retail chain will begin construction later this year on the 1.5-million-square-foot automated facility, a $1.3 billion investment, according to information from Kemp.
“This massive investment from Walmart in a rural part of our state will not only create new, good-paying jobs for hardworking Georgians, it will also allow them to work close to home rather than commuting to a larger city for work,” Kemp said in a statement. “Every Georgian should have opportunity, no matter their zipcode, and Walmart is helping us deliver on that promise.”
The population of Franklin County, of which Carnesville is the county seat, is 23,424, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Georgia Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson is a native of Franklin County.
“Having grown up in Franklin County, I know what it means to see an investment of this scale come to a rural community. Walmart’s decision to build and grow here is a testament to the strength of this community and the opportunities that exist beyond Georgia’s major metropolitan areas,” Wilson said in a statement. “This is about more than 1,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in investment. It is about giving people the opportunity to build a future in the community they call home.”
Walmart has 209 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs in the state and 11 supply chain facilities, according to the governor’s office. More than 65,000 Georgians work for Walmart.
“As customer expectations continue to evolve, investments like our new fulfillment center in Carnesville help us deliver the speed, convenience, and reliability customers count on,” said Karisa Sprague, senior vice president, supply chain for Walmart U.S.
The Franklin County Industrial Building Authority, Georgia Electric Membership Corporation, and Georgia Quick Start partnered with the state on the project, according to the governor’s office. Georgia Quick Start was instrumental in bringing other fulfillment centers to Georgia, including a 1.2-million-square-foot facility in Fulton County, according to the program’s website. The incentive program, created by the state in 1967, offers companies free workforce training at no cost to the companies.
The Center Square asked the Department of Economic Development if other incentives were offered to Walmart. A spokeswoman said the project is still active.
