The initiative includes an expansion of more than 65,000 m2, with an automated sector that will contain more than 1,400 autonomous robots and new technologies, focusing on logistics and in-store product availability.
Walmart Chile will increase the productivity of its Lo Aguirre Distribution Center by 40% through process automation. According to the company, this transformation will allow more than 310,000 boxes to be processed daily. It will translate into increased operational speed, reduced transportation costs and improved replenishment efficiency. The initiative is part of a US$1.3 billion investment plan presented in December 2024.
The announcement was made at the second edition of the Omni Supplier Summit, where it was revealed that the project will have a US$200 million investment. It will position Lo Aguirre as a state-of-the-art center, expanding the facility by more than 65,000 m2, of which 30,000 m2 will be “fully automated” through the implementation of over 1,400 autonomous robots. The facility’s total surface area will be brought to 120,000 m2.
The new system will incorporate goods to person (GTP) technology in a hybrid solution for pallets and boxes, enabling the automated management of more than 10,000 stock-keeping units (SKU). This innovation will facilitate order fulfillment based on each store’s aisle layout, optimizing replenishment, increasing shelf availability and improving the shopping experience by more than 80 basis points, ensuring that products are available where and when customers need them.
“We are driving a transformation that will allow us to supply our stores with greater precision, efficiency and speed,” said Cristian Barrientos, CEO of Walmart Chile.
In line with Walmart International’s global strategy, this initiative represents one of the innovative adaptations within its automation portfolio. The company stated that it has been a collaborative effort with teams in the United States and other markets in the chain. It is projected as a scalable model for countries with similar logistical and labor challenges.
Source: Forbes Chile.
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