Anixter’s Largest and Most Advanced Distribution Center Demonstrates Smart Building Technology
February 08 2018 - 3:00PM
Business Wire
Anixter International Inc. (NYSE: AXE) is expanding the
footprint of its North American flagship distribution Center in
Alsip, IL 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. With
30 to 40 percent more storage capacity and new automation
technology, Alsip is expected to speed up shipments significantly
to customers.
“The new facility will significantly decrease our processing
time,” said Orlando McGee, Executive Vice President of Global
Operations. “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 facility is LEED-certified, and the new motion-activated LED
lighting system is estimated to be 40 percent more energy-efficient
than a standard lighting system. Additionally, the 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,” commented 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 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, IL is expected
to open in mid-April of this year.
About Anixter
Anixter International is a leading global distributor of Network
& Security Solutions, Electrical & Electronic Solutions and
Utility Power Solutions. We help build, connect, power and protect
valuable assets and critical infrastructures. From enterprise
networks to industrial MRO supply to video surveillance
applications to electric power distribution, we offer full-line
solutions, and intelligence, that create reliable, resilient
systems that sustain businesses and communities. Through our
unmatched global distribution network along with our supply chain
and technical expertise, we help lower the cost, risk and
complexity of our customers’ supply chains.
Anixter adds value to the distribution process by providing our
customers access to 1) innovative supply chain solutions, 2) nearly
600,000 products and over $1.0 billion in inventory, 3) over 300
warehouses/branch locations with approximately 9.0 million square
feet of space and 4) locations in over 300 cities in approximately
50 countries. Founded in 1957 and headquartered near Chicago,
Anixter trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AXE.
For more information, visit www.anixter.com.
View source
version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180208006254/en/
Anixter International Inc.Dawn MarksVice President of Global
Communications at Anixter+1-847-224-8665dawn.marks@anixter.com
Anixter (NYSE:AXE)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2024 to Oct 2024
Anixter (NYSE:AXE)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2023 to Oct 2024