First Supply adds Exotec robotics, United States. News story in Forkliftaction News

Plumbing supply company First Supply has chosen Exotec’s Skypod System for its new 308,000 sq.ft (28,614 sqm) distribution centre in Western Wisconsin.

The system will consist of 43,000 storage bins, 36 robots, three picking stations and three induction workstations. 

Anticipating future growth, First Supply has designed the distribution centre to easily scale its storage capacity by up to 30% by adding bins and robots. 

The system will use Exotec’s smart conveying technology, Skypath, to feed six packing stations and a sortation loop with 12 outbound destination lanes.

First Companies is a regional distributor with 650 staff and 52 locations, including 28 First Supply distribution branches, five First Waterworks branches, one Central Distribution Centre, 14 Gerhard’s Kitchen, Bath and Lighting stores, and four Kohler Signature Stores.

“As a 127-year-old, fifth generation company, First Supply is committed to innovating how our employees experience work daily,” says Katie Poehling Seymour, First Supply’s chief executive officer.

“We’re transforming our supply chain, focusing on optimising inventory management through enhanced technology and refined procedures, exemplified by our new distribution centre.” 

First Supply’s new distribution centre will support all of the company’s Upper Midwest branches as well as effectively supplying direct-to-customer deliveries. 

“First Supply is among the first US companies in their industry to adopt cutting-edge robotics solutions for their warehouse,” says 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.”