Walmart is announcing the grand opening of its first-ever owned and operated case-ready beef facility in Olathe, Kansas. The plant opening marks a step in Walmart’s mission to create an end-to-end supply chain.

“The opening of our new facility in Olathe, Kansas, is centered on delivering more of what our customers want — affordable food and quality they can trust,” said John Laney, executive vice president, Food, Walmart US. “This is the first case-ready facility fully owned and operated by Walmart, and that milestone ensures we’re able to bring more consistency, more transparency and more value to our customers.”

In 2022, Walmart made an equity investment in Sustainable Beef LLC in North Platte, Neb., as part of its continued efforts in creating an end-to-end supply chain for Angus beef. Sustainable Beef’s majority ownership is local and producer-centric, with cattle sourced from no more than a 250-mile radius to the plant. Now, the newly opened more than 300,000-square-foot facility will package and distribute Angus cuts sourced directly from Sustainable Beef to stores across the Midwest.

“Kansas has long been at the forefront of the agriculture industry, and Walmart’s investment in Olathe is further driving our success,” said Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly. “Through food production and supply chain innovations, we are proud to partner with Walmart to transform how we feed communities across our state and the region.”

The new facility is creating over 600 Walmart jobs for Olathe and the surrounding community. The facility will process fresh beef into case-ready cuts, packaged and ready for retail, which are then shipped directly to Walmart distribution centers to serve stores in the Midwest. The facility is also expected to generate increased business for suppliers and service providers.

“Walmart’s decision to open its new case-ready facility in Olathe isn’t just a business investment — it's a vote of confidence in our community and our workforce,” said Olathe Mayor John Bacon. “With over 600 new jobs being created, this facility will fuel local economic growth and reinforce Olathe’s position as a regional agricultural leader. We’re proud to work with Walmart and build more economic opportunity for our residents.”

These efforts support Walmart’s pledge to invest $350 billion in US-made products by 2031. 

During the facility's grand opening celebration, Walmart awarded grants ranging from $5,000-35,000 to local organizations including the Kansas Special Olympics, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, Friends In Service of Heroes and Mayor Bacon's Book Club. 

Source: Walmart