Walmart warehouse coming to Republic near MM

The Walmart Pharmacy Central Fill Facility, a new Walmart distribution center for pharmaceuticals, is being built in Republic. Construction has already begun on the facility, which according to the Republic Builds Department Major Project Tracker, will be located on Lot Seven of the Hankins Farm industrial subdivision, near the Amazon Fulfillment Center, and will measure 128,671 square feet.
Republic City Council recently passed an ordinance that authorized David Cameron, Republic city administrator, to enter into a developer agreement with Walmart for the construction of public water main improvements at the lot. The ordinance had its first reading during the council’s meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27; the council gave it final passage during their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
During the meeting on Aug. 27, Karen Haynes, the city’s planning and development manager, told the council that more projects like the warehouse could be expected.
“(This) will be the first of several large-scale economic development projects and job centers in this area,” she said, before recommending the passage of the ordinance.
Derek Lee, of Lee Engineering and Associates, told the council that the construction of the warehouse was a highly unique opportunity for the city.
“This project is a warehouse that will be a distribution center for the pharmaceutical division of Walmart,” he said, “and will cover a significant portion of the United States. Right now, there’s only one other warehouse distribution center for those pharmacies.”
In response to a media inquiry, Mayor Eric Franklin stated that he was elated to see this new project coming to the city.
“I am excited to see this new addition to the Hankins Farm Planned Development District,” he said. “Republic continues to grow and attract significant investments within our community, thanks in large part to the dedicated efforts of our Republic staff and City Council. If the city council approves this developer’s agreement, it will mark an exciting step forward in enhancing our infrastructure and solidifying Republic’s reputation as a vibrant and attractive community. I am enthusiastic about Republic’s future as we continue to build on this momentum and embrace the opportunities ahead.”