New Braunfels, Texas, December 6, 2025
Walmart is set to expand its distribution center in New Braunfels after the City Council approved a rezoning ordinance for a 72-acre property. The move aims to increase logistics capacity and integrate advanced technologies to meet the growing demand in Texas. Since its opening in 1988, the center has serviced over 100 stores and employs more than 1,100 staff. Walmart’s recent $20 million investment in modernization highlights its commitment to efficient operations and community engagement.
New Braunfels, Texas – Walmart is gearing up for a significant expansion of its distribution center in New Braunfels, following the New Braunfels City Council’s approval of the first reading of an ordinance to rezone a 72.097-acre property adjacent to the current facility. This strategic move aims to enhance the regional hub’s capacity and integrate advanced logistics technology, positioning it to better serve the growing demands of consumers across Texas.
The proposed rezoning request, submitted by Walmart Stores East, a subsidiary of Walmart Inc., seeks to change the property’s designation from Agricultural to Light Industrial. This adjustment will enable the expansion of truck and trailer operations, increase distribution capacity, and the incorporation of new logistics technologies. Since opening in 1988, the existing distribution center has grown to over 1 million square feet and supports more than 1,100 employees, who earn an average hourly wage of $27. This facility supplies over 100 Walmart stores throughout Central, South, and Southwest Texas, reaching areas as far as Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, and Midland-Odessa.
Recent Investments and Modernization
To maintain its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving retail landscape, Walmart recently invested $20 million to modernize the New Braunfels facility. This upgrade includes the integration of robotics and equipment enhancements to streamline operations, thereby ensuring that customer expectations for rapid deliveries are met. The distribution center also serves an essential role during emergencies, acting as a staging ground for crucial goods in the aftermath of regional disasters. Furthermore, Walmart has made notable community contributions, including regular deliveries to Meals on Wheels and partnerships with the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.
Next Steps and City Council Consideration
The ordinance allowing the expansion is set to be reviewed again by the City Council during a regularly scheduled meeting on December 8. While detailed plans regarding the timeline, cost, and scope of the expansion remain to be finalized, the rezoning represents the initial step in a comprehensive process that will involve traffic studies, compliance with airport overlay regulations, and adherence to standard city permitting protocols.
The Importance of Logistics in Economic Growth
Walmart’s New Braunfels distribution center has long been a cornerstone of the company’s supply chain strategy, demonstrating how private investment can create jobs and support local economies. The planned expansion underscores Walmart’s commitment to enhancing its logistics capabilities, thereby meeting the surging demand for efficient distribution across its extensive network of stores. The growth of such facilities is a reflection of broader economic trends favoring innovation and entrepreneurship.
Community Engagement and Support
As Walmart moves forward with its plans, the potential for job creation and economic stimulation within the New Braunfels community remains significant. The distribution center not only supports a robust workforce but also engages with local organizations and initiatives, which further strengthens the ties between large corporations and the communities they serve. This collaboration promotes resilience among small businesses and reflects the positive impacts of private sector investment in local economies.
Conclusion
The planned expansion of Walmart’s distribution center in New Braunfels represents a proactive step towards meeting the evolving requirements of both consumers and businesses alike. As local leaders continue to support such initiatives, residents are encouraged to remain engaged and support local enterprises that contribute to the region’s economic prosperity. By prioritizing innovation and collaboration, San Antonio and its surrounding areas can maintain a thriving business environment.
FAQ
- What is Walmart planning in New Braunfels, Texas?
- Walmart is planning a significant expansion of its distribution center in New Braunfels, Texas, following the New Braunfels City Council’s approval of the first reading of an ordinance to rezone a 72.097-acre property adjacent to the existing facility. This move aims to enhance the regional hub’s capacity and incorporate advanced logistics technology.
- What is the current size and employment at the New Braunfels distribution center?
- The existing distribution center, operational since 1988, currently spans over 1 million square feet and employs more than 1,100 workers, with an average hourly wage of $27. It supplies over 100 Walmart stores across Central, South, and Southwest Texas, including areas as far as Houston, the Rio Grande Valley, and Midland-Odessa.
- What recent investments has Walmart made in the New Braunfels facility?
- Recently, Walmart invested $20 million to modernize the existing facility, incorporating robotics and equipment upgrades to ensure the distribution center remains globally competitive as customer expectations for rapid delivery continue to grow. The center also plays a key role during emergencies, serving as a staging point for essential goods when regional disasters occur. Representatives highlighted Walmart’s local contributions, including weekly deliveries to Meals on Wheels and engagement with the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce.
- When is the City Council expected to consider the expansion ordinance again?
- The ordinance is expected to return to the council for a second and final consideration at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting on December 8. While specific details regarding the timeline, cost, and scope of the expansion were not provided during the presentation, the rezoning is the first step in a longer process that will include traffic studies, airport-overlay compliance, and standard city permitting.
- What role does the New Braunfels distribution center play in Walmart’s supply chain?
- Walmart’s New Braunfels distribution center is one of the company’s earliest hubs, playing a crucial role in the supply chain for the region. The proposed expansion reflects Walmart’s commitment to enhancing its logistics capabilities to meet the growing demand for efficient and timely deliveries across its extensive network of stores.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | New Braunfels, Texas |
| Existing Facility Size | Over 1 million square feet |
| Employment | More than 1,100 workers |
| Average Hourly Wage | $27 |
| Number of Supplied Stores | Over 100 Walmart stores across Central, South, and Southwest Texas |
| Recent Investment | $20 million for modernization, including robotics and equipment upgrades |
| Role in Emergencies | Serves as a staging point for essential goods during regional disasters |
| Community Engagement | Weekly deliveries to Meals on Wheels and engagement with the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce |
| Next Council Meeting | December 8, for second and final consideration of the expansion ordinance |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
McLane Company Opens New Tech Hub in Austin
Community Unites for Flood Relief Efforts in Kerrville, Texas
Fort Worth Warehouse Sees Surge in Returned Goods
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
