Governor Gilmore Announces WAL-MART Distribution Center In Louisa County

RICHMOND - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. will locate a food distribution center in the Zion Crossroads area of Louisa County, creating 600 new jobs for the region. The 880,000 square-foot facility, to be located on the northeast corner of US 15 and I-64, will begin construction in spring 2002, with planned service to stores expected in spring 2003. Virginia successfully competed with Maryland for this investment of at least $40 million.

“With the majority of working age residents commuting out of Louisa County for employment, I am pleased that Wal-Mart will provide greater opportunities for the residents in their own community,” said Governor Gilmore. “My administration is committed to promoting economic development across the entire Commonwealth while leaving no region behind.”

Governor Gilmore approved a $500,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Louisa County with site preparation. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Thomas Jefferson Regional Partnership and Louisa County assisted Wal-Mart with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.

Initial hiring of approximately 400 area residents is expected to begin in fall of 2002. The total workforce is expected to grow to 600 within three years. More than 90 percent of the jobs created will be full-time positions. Full-time Wal-Mart associates are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health insurance, profit sharing, 401K, paid vacations, stock purchase, scholarships and store discounts.

“The Louisa County food distribution center will provide Wal-Mart the opportunity to better serve the growing number of Wal-Mart customers who shop for groceries at our stores in the eastern United States,” said Rollin Ford, senior vice president of logistics for Wal-Mart. “It is a significant project that represents our continued commitment to Virginia as a partner in both economic development and community.”

“It is great to see Wal-Mart continuing to invest in the Commonwealth’s pro-business climate,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. “Once again, Virginia’s strategic location proves beneficial to companies in need of distribution facilities.”

"Louisa County is excited that Wal-Mart will build a major distribution center here," said C. Edward Kube Jr., chairman of the Louisa County Board of Supervisors. "This validates the Board's number one priority of economic development. Wal-Mart's investment at Zion Crossroads will provide jobs for Louisa residents and additional tax revenues."

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. presently operates 68 Wal-Mart stores and Wal-Mart Supercenters, 10 SAM’S Club and two distribution centers in Virginia, employing 26,747 associates.