Dignitaries officially cut the ribbon on Walmart’s new 223,000 square foot distribution centre in the Caledonia Industrial Park on Monday.

The national retailer said the $50 million investment has created more than 200 jobs with 130 of them in the facility itself.

Occupying nearly 19 acres of land on Frenette Avenue, Walmart said its first distribution centre in Atlantic Canada will strengthen its supply chain network and reduce long-haul truck deliveries.

Fresh and frozen groceries will be distributed to more than 40 stores in the region.

The retailer said the facility will offer more opportunities for area suppliers and greater choices for local customers with improved product availability in-store and online.

“We’re strengthening our best-in-class supply chain network with distribution centres from coast-to-coast to ensure product gets into the hands of our customers even faster,” said Gonzalo Gebara, President and CEO of Walmart Canada.

“We take great pride seeing our associates, customers and communities benefit from these investments in the form of jobs, better product availability and economic impact.”

As part of the official opening, Walmart presented $12,000 to the local non-profit Harvest House Atlantic, an organization whose mission is to end homelessness.

“New Brunswick’s economy is continuing to build momentum with large brands taking advantage of our exceptional resources, talent, export-friendly location, and thriving business community,” said Premier Blaine Higgs.

“Walmart’s decision to expand operations and invest in our province has created jobs, improved our supply chain and put us closer to the products that we need access to in a more affordable and efficient way.”

“We are so pleased to celebrate the grand opening of this impressive facility and delighted that Walmart chose Moncton as the base for its very first distribution centre in Atlantic Canada,” said Mayor Dawn Arnold.

“Moncton has a well-deserved reputation as the hub of the Maritimes and a dynamic and vibrant leader in business and development. This facility will further solidify that reputation, while providing employment for a significant number of people in our community.”