Wal-Mart Distribution Center
The trip to Wal-Mart Distribution Center was very interesting. I learned many different aspects and functions of the distribution center and how merchandise gets to their stores. The tour guides for my group talked about the background and day to day operation of the distribution center. We were told that Wal-Mart distribution centers were one of the largest private distributions operations in the world and they have more than 40 Regional Distribution Centers. Each center is over one million square feet in size. They are open 24/7. Each distribution center has more than five miles of conveyor belt that move more than 9,000 different lines of merchandise. They also support between 75 and 100 stores which includes Greenwood, MS store. Wal-Mart logistics has 88,000 associates, 112 distribution centers, 51 transportation offices. They have a number of tractors, trailers and drivers. Wal-Mart has nine disaster distribution centers strategically located across the country stocked with relief supplies needed to assist communities recover in the event of a disaster. I also learned about different lines they have such as, their staple products, seasonal products which is in the distribution section of the warehouse. Two of the ladies that gave my group the tour started out as order fillers for the distribution center and worked their way up to manager positions. The order fillers are those workers that box the merchandise for the various Wal-Mart stores. Staples items are every day items. Each time a customer purchase an item in the store it is automatically reordered. Seasonal items are holiday items sold in the Wal-Mart stores. The trip was very e ...