Walmart Launches Massive Distribution Hub in Benton County, Arkansas

BENTON COUNTY, Ark. -- Walmart opened a cutting-edge distribution hub in Benton County this spring, enhancing supply chain operations for the retail giant's vast network across the region. Initially reported by KATV, the facility builds on Walmart's deep roots in Northwest Arkansas, where the company serves as the economic engine. This new center, part of ongoing investments, positions Bentonville and surrounding areas as a logistics powerhouse.[1][3] The 1.25-million-square-foot Project Maple distribution center in Bentonville can accommodate an additional 300,000 square feet of expansion, streamlining apparel, footwear and general merchandise flows to up to 1,000 U.S. Walmart stores. It consolidates two older facilities into one modern operation designed by CEI Engineers, featuring advanced automation to cut delivery times and costs. Meanwhile, Walmart's parallel 350-acre headquarters campus expansion -- the largest corporate investment in Arkansas history -- adds 20 buildings, 40 miles of biking trails, a child care center, hotel and amphitheater, with phases rolling out through 2025.[1][2][4] Local impact is immediate: the distribution center creates hundreds of jobs in logistics, warehousing and management, drawing workers from Benton and Washington counties. Bentonville leaders note Walmart's footprint now dominates the area's growth, with 'all roads leading back to Walmart' in real estate and development. The hub strengthens Northwest Arkansas' role as Walmart's global nerve center, supporting 2.1 million associates nationwide.[1][3]