ROBINSON, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that Robinson, Texas is getting a new $350-million Walmart milk processing facility and it's expected to bring in nearly 400 new jobs to the area.
”Walmart’s new processing facility in Robinson is exciting news for Texas, creating millions in investment for the local economy and hundreds of new, good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans in Central Texas,” Abbott said in a news release.
In the news release, Walmart Manufacturing Vice President Bruce Heckman said the milk will be high quality and sourced primarily from Texas dairy farmers. It'll process and bottle a variety of milk options, including whole, 1%, 2%, skim and chocolate milk, Walmart said in its own news release.
The milk produced at the facility will help supply more than 750 Walmart stores and Sam's Clubs throughout Texas, as well as Oklahoma, Louisiana and parts of Arkansas and Mississippi, Walmart adds.
Robinson Mayor Bert Echterling sent 6 News the following statement about his excitement and the impact this will have on the community:
The city council is very excited about this milestone for our city. It was a coordinated effort featuring the Waco Industrial Foundation, the Greater Waco Chamber, the county, and of course the City of Robinson. I am overjoyed for what this project will bring to our local economy, school system, and mostly our future. We have limitless potential here and with Walmart selecting our site, shows our determination and dedication towards securing Robinson’s foothold in the competitive industrial market. I look forward to a bright and shining future for Robinson. It’s a great place to be!
The facility is located at the Robinson Business Park owned by the Waco Industrial Foundation right at the intersection of I-35 and Loop 340.
While there have been questions and concerns about the location, the Robinson City Manager Craig Lemin says this will all help with infrastructure as well as generate revenue over time.
For the city, it's a great step in the right direction.
"As Robinson grows, they want to keep that small town feel," Lemin said. "We think the real plus here is that property is out on the interstate. It's away from our central part of the city where most of most of our residents are and most of our other businesses and retail presence is. The city will benefit from it. It's not going to impact traffic on Highway 77. It's not going to do some of the things that people are usually concerned about, but what it is going to do is it's going to help bring those jobs and be a foundation. This is the largest development project, I believe in the history of Robinson."
The new milk processing facility will be Walmart's third owned and operated one. The first one was opened in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2018 and another one in Valdosta, Georgia, which is expected to open in 2025.
The Robinson facility is expected to open in 2026.