Supply Chain Network Analysis: Walmart’s New E-Commerce Facility

Michael Glover

Supply Chain Network Analysis: Walmart’s New E-commerce Center Highlights Industry Shift

Earlier this week, Walmart announced plans for the company to locate an e-commerce fulfillment center in Plainfield, Indiana. As the world’s largest retailer and a steadily growing online retailer, Walmart’s announcement supports what we all know about supply chain— that shippers need to be increasingly creative to keep up with shortening product cycle times and faster inventory availability. This article by SupplyChain24/7 provides a supply chain network analysis of Walmart’s new facility location.

The new facility in Indiana gives Walmart flexibility, and helps mitigate supply chain risk. By utilizing the Indianapolis IRR-CN intermodal ramp, and not be fully reliant on LA/LB ports , the mega-retailer can cut transit time at a lower cost- and be able to adapt to uncontrollable situations like the current LA/LB port labor issue. All eyes are on intermodal transport to save time, money, and resources. With the addition of the new facility in Indiana, Walmart will do just that.

Our own supply chain experts at LEGACY Supply Chain Services think that Supply Chain 24/7’s analysis gives some good insight as to how the industry is adapting to meet greater needs. The addition of the Walmart facility in Indiana will be telling as to how the supply chain industry will continue to evolve, as alternative ports are further developed and utilized. Contact one of our supply chain experts to talk further about what this could mean for your supply chain.

Michael Glover

Michael Glover is VP of eCommerce Fulfillment for Legacy Supply Chain, having worked in leadership roles in the manufacturing, distribution and fulfillment industries for more than 25 years. He leads e-commerce business development and operational efforts for Legacy’s multi-client warehousing initiatives across the U.S. and Canada. “Strategic” and “nimble” are two words that best describe him — especially considering the diverse business perspectives he has gained from his involvement in 15 mergers and acquisitions over the course of his career. Follow him on LinkedIn to gain insight into his complex corner of the supply chain world.

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