Next-generation automated facility in Carnesville will expand same-day and next-day shipping capacity
CARNESVILLE, Ga. (September 2, 2026) — Walmart plans to invest $1.3 billion in a new next-generation fulfillment center in Carnesville, creating 1,000 jobs and bringing one of the largest recent economic development projects to rural northeast Georgia.
The new 1.5 million-square-foot automated facility will be located at the Franklin 85 Logistics Center in Franklin County. Construction is expected to begin in late 2026.
The project is designed to expand Walmart’s same-day and next-day shipping capabilities while strengthening the company’s distribution network across the Southeast.
“This massive investment from Walmart in a rural part of our state will not only create new, good-paying jobs for hardworking Georgians, it will also allow them to work close to home rather than commuting to a larger city for work,” said Gov. Brian Kemp.
Walmart to Build Next-Generation Fulfillment Center in Carnesville
Walmart’s next-generation fulfillment centers are highly automated facilities designed to increase the speed and efficiency of online order fulfillment.
The Carnesville operation will become part of the retailer’s growing national network of strategically located fulfillment centers serving e-commerce customers.
“As customer expectations continue to evolve, investments like our new fulfillment center in Carnesville help us deliver the speed, convenience, and reliability customers count on,” said Karisa Sprague, senior vice president of supply chain for Walmart U.S.
“We’re excited to join the Carnesville community and create meaningful career opportunities where associates can grow and build their future with Walmart.”
Project Brings 1,000 Jobs to Franklin County
The new facility is expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs, delivering a major employment boost to Franklin County and surrounding communities in northeast Georgia.
Local leaders said the project will provide new career opportunities while reinforcing the region’s competitiveness for large-scale logistics and advanced distribution investments.
“This investment represents a significant milestone for our community and reflects the confidence that businesses have in our workforce, infrastructure, and quality of life,” said Lee Moore, Franklin Springs mayor and chairman of the Franklin County Industrial Authority.
“The jobs and economic opportunities created through this project will benefit local families and strengthen our economy for years to come.”
Franklin County Wins Major Logistics Investment
Walmart selected the Franklin 85 Logistics Center after a competitive site-selection process.
The project was supported by the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority, Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia EMC and Georgia Quick Start.
“Walmart’s decision to locate and grow in Franklin County demonstrates the competitive advantages we offer and reinforces our commitment to creating an environment where businesses can succeed,” said Tonya Powers, president of the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority.
Georgia economic development officials said the scale of the project will have an impact beyond Franklin County.
“An investment and job-creating project of this magnitude will deliver generational opportunity for Franklin County and communities across northeast Georgia,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson.
“This is about more than 1,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in investment. It is about giving people the opportunity to build a future in the community they call home.”
Walmart Expands Major Georgia Footprint
Walmart already maintains a significant presence across Georgia.
The retailer operates 209 Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs and 11 supply chain facilities in the state, employing more than 65,300 associates.
Walmart also reported spending more than $26.2 billion with Georgia suppliers in fiscal year 2025, supporting more than 167,600 supplier jobs.
The Carnesville investment further expands that footprint while adding advanced automation and fulfillment capabilities to the company’s Georgia logistics network.
Rural Georgia Gains $1.3 Billion Economic Development Project
The project represents a significant win for Georgia’s broader strategy of attracting large capital investments outside major metropolitan areas.
By locating in Franklin County, Walmart will add new employment and investment to a rural community while strengthening northeast Georgia’s role within the state’s logistics and distribution sector.
The combination of $1.3 billion in investment, 1,000 new jobs and a 1.5 million-square-foot automated facilitypositions the Carnesville project as a major addition to Georgia’s economic development pipeline.
