The new distribution center will serve all of
the company's branch locations in the Upper Midwest as well as
direct-to-customer deliveries.
ATLANTA, May 21, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Today, Exotec®︎, a global warehouse robotics
provider, announced that First Supply, the largest Wisconsin-based wholesaler of HVAC, Builder,
Plumbing, Lighting, Waterworks, Industrial PVF, Pump, Well and
Septic supplies, has partnered with Exotec to install cutting-edge
warehouse robotics at its new 308,000-square-foot distribution
center in Western Wisconsin.
Like many companies experiencing strong growth, First Supply was
challenged with changing its operating model to reimagine the
possibilities of its supply chain. This included finding a solution
to manage a growing variety of stock-keeping-units (SKUs),
effectively utilize available space, and reduce labor-intensive
manual picking practices. By automating its warehouse with Exotec's
Skypod System, First Supply aims to improve productivity, optimize
resource utilization, and ultimately better serve its
customers.
First Supply's Skypod system will consist of over 43,000
storage bins, 36 robots, three picking stations, and three
induction work stations. Anticipating continuous growth, First
Supply has designed the distribution center to easily scale
its storage capacity by up to 30% in the system by adding bins and
robots. The system will make use of Exotec's smart conveying
technology, Skypath, to feed six packing stations and a sortation
loop with 12 outbound destination lanes. The distribution center
will support all of the company's branch locations in the Upper
Midwest, as well as effectively supplying direct-to-customer
deliveries.
"As a 127-year-old, 5th generation company, First Supply is
committed to innovating how our employees experience work daily.
Our rich history has laid the groundwork for success in
distributing innovation and fostering partnerships in our
communities, with our customers, and among our partners," says
Katie Poehling Seymour, President
& CEO at First Supply. "We're transforming our supply chain,
focusing on optimizing inventory management through enhanced
technology and refined procedures, exemplified by our new
distribution center."
First Supply has chosen to deploy Exotec's Skypod system in its
distribution center, with the goal of innovating its current
operations to prioritize its workforce and enable further business
growth. First Supply is excited to enhance efficiency while also
being able to make the warehouse a more enjoyable workplace for its
employees.
"We believe in working smarter, not just harder. Robotics
provide us with an efficient means to store and retrieve items,
enhancing efficiency and enabling us to swiftly adapt to the
evolving demands of our business," Poehling Seymour highlights. "We
foresee a bright future for our company, driven by human
connections in our operations while collaborating with companies
like Exotec to accelerate our innovations."
"First Supply is among the first US companies in their industry
to adopt cutting-edge robotics solutions for their warehouse,"
states Stanislas Normand, Managing
Director of Exotec, North America.
"This not only demonstrates their capability for innovation but
also establishes the gold standard for the industry in building
customer-centric supply chain operations."
About First Companies
Established in La Crosse, WI,
First Companies is a regional distributor with 52 locations,
including: 28 First Supply distribution branches, 5 First
Waterworks branches, 1 Central Distribution Center, 14 Gerhard's
Kitchen, Bath and Lighting stores, and 4 Kohler Signature Stores by
First Supply in the upper Midwest. Founded in 1897, First Companies
employs over 650 people, is a family-owned, single source provider
of HVAC, Builder, Plumbing, Lighting, Waterworks, Industrial PVF,
Pump, Well and Septic supplies. For more information, visit:
FirstSupply.com
About Exotec
Exotec is a global warehouse robotics
company powering the world's largest brands. The company combines
the best of hardware and software to offer elegant warehouse
robotic systems that drive operational efficiency, add resiliency,
and improve working conditions for warehouse operators. 50+
industry-leading brands including Gap Inc, Carrefour, Decathlon,
and Uniqlo trust Exotec to improve their operations across 100+
sites worldwide. Learn more at Exotec.com
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SOURCE Exotec