Governor Tom Corbett Announces New Walmart E-Commerce Center to Open in PA

More Than 350 New Full-Time Jobs Coming to Lehigh Valley

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett today announced Walmart's plans to open a new fulfillment center in Bethlehem, supporting the company's growing e-commerce business. A rapidly expanding area for the company, Walmart's e-commerce business is expected to yield sales this year in excess of $10 billion globally.

"Walmart's announcement today represents more than 350 well-paying jobs for people of the Lehigh Valley and an opportunity to be a part of Walmart's growing e-commerce business," Corbett said.  

"These new jobs will be long-term, dependable jobs for the hard-working Pennsylvanians of this region and are yet another sign of the continuing economic recovery across the state."

The facility will be more than one million sq. ft. and open in the first quarter of next year. The facility is expected to employ more than 350 full-time associates and more than twice as many workers during the holidays and other peak seasons.

"With the pro-growth policies developed in my administration, Pennsylvania employers have created more than 130,000 private sector jobs and the number of people working is at its highest since the recession. Pennsylvania has recovered more than 50 percent of jobs lost during the recession.

"We are moving in the right direction. Pennsylvania proudly welcomes Walmart on their choice of location for this critical expansion.

"As Walmart moves forward with additional expansion of their e-commerce business, I will ensure we are a partner in ensuring Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley remains a continued part of that growth."

Walmart executive Joel Anderson, President & CEO Walmart.com U.S., also released the following statement today.

"We're excited about this investment in Bethlehem as we continue our growth in Pennsylvania, which has been a tremendous business partner," said Anderson. "Governor Corbett has succeeded in making Pennsylvania a place where businesses like ours can grow and succeed.  That, coupled with the state's dedicated workforce, helped to make this decision good for all of us."

Media Contact:  Kelli Roberts, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor