Wal-Marts north China distribution facility up and running

US RETAIL giant Wal-Mart's north China distribution centre's phase two has been completed and has begun operations, Xinhua reported.

As Wal-Mart's second distribution centre in China and the only one in the northern region, the facility was first built in 2003, but last year Wal-Mart decided to build a larger facility on the same site to keep pace with its expanding business.

The new distribution centre covers 44,000 square metres with a daily handling capacity of 330,000 TEU, quadruple that of the old facility. It will be responsible for product distribution to Wal-Mart's 29 retail stores in northern China.

Wal-Mart has 91 stores in 49 cities across China and another distribution centre in Shenzhen.

The new facility is said to help reduce suppliers' distribution and warehousing costs, which will lead to lower prices and a higher competitive edge.