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Saving Space and Time through Warehouse Optimization
Technology Category
- Functional Applications - Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
- Automation & Control - Automation & Process Control Systems
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Retail
Applicable Functions
- Warehouse & Inventory Management
- Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases
- Warehouse Automation
- Fleet Management
- Inventory Management
Services
- System Integration
- Hardware Design & Engineering Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
The Challenge
In 2002, The Container Store conducted a 10-year sales growth projection, which concluded that a larger facility would be necessary to contain its distribution center and corporate offices. Two years later, the company combined two smaller facilities into a 1.1 million-square-foot facility in Coppell, Texas. During those two years of planning, Mike Coronado, director of distribution, and the rest of the Distribution and Logistics management team had the challenging task of designing the DC, filling it with new equipment, and getting all systems integrated and running. One of The Container Store’s major initiatives was to ensure productivity and efficiency would be maintained in the new facility, even though it is 80 percent larger than the old distribution center. The Container Store wanted to mitigate increases to travel time by equipment and staff moving throughout the larger facility.
About The Customer
The Container Store is a leading retailer specializing in storage and organization solutions. Founded in 1978, the company has grown to become a prominent name in the retail industry, known for its wide range of products designed to help customers organize their homes and offices. The Container Store operates numerous retail locations across the United States and has a significant online presence. The company is committed to providing innovative and high-quality storage solutions to its customers. In 2002, The Container Store conducted a 10-year sales growth projection, which concluded that a larger facility would be necessary to contain its distribution center and corporate offices. Two years later, the company combined two smaller facilities into a 1.1 million-square-foot facility in Coppell, Texas.
The Solution
To accomplish the goal of designing and optimizing the new distribution center, The Container Store turned to Malin Integrated Handling Solutions, an authorized Raymond Sales and Service Center headquartered in Addison, Texas. Malin’s expertise and ability to provide a full range of material handling solutions were crucial in meeting The Container Store’s goals. Malin helped to design a double-deep racking system in which operators use Raymond Deep-Reach® trucks to maximize pallet positions. The Container Store’s previous distribution centers had very narrow aisles, using turret trucks to move pallets. In the new facility, wider 11-foot aisles allow multiple trucks for higher efficiency. The Container Store conducted focus groups of its DC associates to test, analyze, and choose the best equipment to do their jobs. Despite having years of experience with competitor-brand turret trucks, the focus groups objectively chose Raymond® lift trucks for the new facility. The Container Store’s lift truck fleet today is composed of 51 Raymond trucks, including pallet trucks, Deep-Reach trucks, sit-down and stand-up counterbalanced trucks, Model 5500 orderpickers, and Model 8600 tow tractors. The comprehensive Raymond Asset Protection™ maintenance agreement means a service technician from Malin is on site daily to perform both preventive and as-needed maintenance.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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