Walmart has inaugurated a new high-tech consolidation center in Minooka, Illinois, spanning over 492,000 square feet and expected to create 700 jobs. This facility, the third of its kind in Walmart's supply chain, will utilize automated technology to triple the volume throughput and enhance supply chain efficiency. It aims to ensure product availability across all 4,700 Walmart stores by facilitating small to medium-sized regional suppliers. The technology will also streamline purchase order fulfillment for suppliers, reduce lead times, and enable faster delivery, with the savings potentially passed on to customers through lower prices.