Anixter Inc. (NYSE: AXE) is expanding the footprint of its North American flagship distribution center in Alsip, Illinois, with the addition of a 238,000-sq.-ft. facility, equipped with an intelligent conveyor system and voice picking technology, "making it Anixter’s largest—and smartest—distribution center," according to a company statement.
With 30 to 40 percent more storage capacity and new automation technology, the distributor's Alsip facility is expected to speed up shipments significantly to customers. “The new facility will significantly decrease our processing time,” says Orlando McGee, executive vice president of global operations at Anixter. “The technology and design of this facility will enable us to move orders into the shipping network faster. Ultimately, that nets out to better service overall to our customers.” McGee estimates that Anixter will see total productivity savings of 15-25 percent.
The expanded facility is LEED-certified, and features a new motion-activated LED lighting system that is estimated to be 40 percent more energy-efficient than a standard lighting system. Additionally, the facility's 5,500-ft. smart conveyor system, which runs only when objects are placed on it, is estimated to be 35 percent more efficient than a belt-driven system, and is designed for worker safety and ease of use.
“The conveyor will be positioned at the right height so that product can be pushed directly onto the conveyor without lifting, reducing injuries,” adds Anixter's McGee. With Bluetooth headsets and Android devices directing them to their next pick, employees will also have their hands and eyes free, and be able to confirm moves vocally in their preferred language. The new voice picking technology is expected to improve efficiency and accuracy as well as worker safety.
According to Anixter CEO, Bob Eck, the new Alsip facility embodies the smart building approach that Anixter champions in the marketplace. “We excel at assisting customers in laying the groundwork for smart buildings—from structured cabling to automation and lighting systems—to improve safety, productivity, space utilization and efficiency. We’ve applied our own smart building principles to Alsip, and this new facility demonstrates the quantifiable business value of the smart building approach.”
Anixter’s expanded distribution center in Alsip, Illinois, is expected to open in mid-April of this year.