THOMASVILLE — Walmart’s first meat-processing operation is set to open in Thomasville in the fall.

Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, is creating a supply chain for Black Angus beef to meet customers’ demand for more transparency about the source of the retailer’s meat, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, a daily Little Rock, Arkansas, newspaper.

FPL Food, operating in Thomasville for about 15 years, packages meat for Walmart and other clients, said Shelley Zorn, Thomasville Payroll Development (PDA) executive director.

Current FPL employees will remain with the company, Zorn said, adding that the Thomasville Walmart plant will employ 200 during the first phase and additional people during second and third phases of the plant.

“Walmart’s ever-growing command presence in retail paints an optimistic future, one that proves beneficial for many involved,” said Francois Leger, president and CEO of FPL Food. “In addition to FPL employees, this will provide many opportunities for the agriculture community to include farmers, ranchers and cattlemen alike. The positive impact will be felt by many.”

The Walmart operation will be housed in the former Americold building on Roseway Drive. The 200,000-square-foot Walmart structure is next door to FPL Foods.

“It is a partnership and really strengthens the base we have in food-processing,” Zorn said

Walmart did not respond to a Times-Enterprise requests for a comment.

The Walmart facility is a $90 million investment in the community by a strong, national company, Zorn said.

“It’s exciting,” she added. “It’s really a big deal for the region.”

Zorn said Walmart will pay Thomas County property taxes and Thomas County and Thomasville City school taxes.

The Walmart facility is scheduled to open Oct. 1.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820