Walmart Opens First Atlantic Canadian Distribution Centre in Moncton
MONCTON — Walmart Canada has officially opened its distribution centre in Moncton, the company’s first such facility in Atlantic Canada.
The company says the 223,000-square-foot facility, which will distribute grocery products to more than 40 stores, is part of a $3.5 billion investment that is expected to create more than 200 jobs in the region.
“We take great pride seeing our associates, customers and communities benefit from these investments in the form of jobs, better product availability and economic impact,” said Gonzalo Gebara, president and CEO of Walmart Canada, in a news release.
According to Walmart Canada, the retail chain works with nearly 2,000 suppliers, including more than 20 located in New Brunswick. The company also provides jobs to more than 2,500 New Brunswickers across its 13 locations.
The company marked the occasion by donating $12,000 to Harvest House Atlantic, a non-profit combating homelessness. Walmart donated more than $1 million to New Brunswick charities in 2022.
Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold said in a statement she’s delighted Walmart chose Moncton as the home base for its first Atlantic Canadian distribution centre, due to the city’s reputation as the hub of the Maritimes.
“This facility will further solidify that reputation while providing employment for a significant number of people in our community,” she said.
Walmart said the new distribution centre, which sits on nearly 19 acres of land, will also prioritize environmental sustainability as it reduces carbon emissions from long-haul truck deliveries.
Walmart invested more than $4.8 million in 2022 toward store upgrades in New Brunswick. As those investments continue, Kevon Celestine said it will lead to further economic opportunities and jobs.
“I began my career at Walmart in 2009 as an hourly associate and I’m proud to be an example of the career growth Walmart provides,” said Celestine, the general manager of the Walmart Distribution Centre in Moncton.