Walmart Distribution Center

The food distribution facility planned on supplying all the Super Walmarts in the region including stores in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.

About 6,000 people applied for jobs at the distribution center, which offered a starting hourly wage 34 percent higher than the county average of $8.41, at $11.25. The center hired over 550 employees within the first year with hopes of more hires in the future.

Baker County expected $152 million return on their investment within five years. The $152 million included everything from employee wages to how much Walmart will spend on supplies and subcontractors. The Walmart deal was the first JAXUSA project for Baker County, which won out over a Georgia site.