Construction on the $16 million project began last March andfinished at the end of last year. Wal-Mart gained occupancy lastmonth and International Contractors recently finished "punch list"items, says Scott Leadbetter, assistant project manager.

International Contractors installed a high-efficiency system inthe store, which is the second Wal-Mart in the nation to have it,Leadbetter says. The first high-efficiency Wal-Mart opened inDecember 2006 in Kansas City, MO. "It recycles waste heat from therefrigeration systems and uses it toward the heating systems," hesays. Other energy saving measures include the use of LED lightingwith sensors for the refrigerated sections, that turn lights onwhen a customer approaches, and having glass doors on refrigeratedsections. "Everything is enclosed. There are no exposed coolerareas," he says.

In Illinois, there are a total of 79 Wal-Mart Discount Storesand 51 Wal-Mart Supercenters. The Rockton Wal-Mart is expected togenerate between 350 and 400 new jobs. The new store has anexpanded lawn and garden center, pharmacy, Tire & Lube Express,vision center, photo center, hair and nail salon, bank branch and aSubway. The Wal-Mart also has a grocery area with a bakery,delicatessen, fresh produce and frozen food, meat and dairydepartments.