by Inside Logistics Online Staff, November 15, 2021
Metro Supply Chain is spending more than $100 million to install automated systems in several of its fulfillment facilities.
The first facility being outfitted is a 285,000-square-foot state-of-the-art building in Bolton, Ontario, dedicated to the apparel and footwear sector.
“As real estate and labour costs continue to rise, and consumer demand wildly fluctuates in today’s complex, e-commerce-driven environment, businesses require an innovative strategy that boosts their time to market, delivers cost certainty and predictability, and builds capacity for future growth,” explains Martin Graham, group president of Metro Supply Chain.
Following an extensive review, Metro Supply Chain selected AutoStore for its first facility. Its cube storage and order fulfillment system uses warehouse robots to quadruple storage capacity, offer fast access to inventory, and reduce energy consumption.
Integrator Bastian Solutions will install AutoStore in this facility and integrate it with automated conveyors, high-capacity packing stations, and high-density, very narrow aisle (VNA) racking to create an e-commerce and unit pick solution that helps meet seasonal and unexpected peaks.
“To deliver on their customer promise, companies need to become even more strategic in creating a transparent, demand-response model fueled by the right capabilities and technologies,” said Chiko Nanji, CEO and group chairman of Metro Supply Chain.
“We’re pleased to provide businesses with an automated, scalable e-commerce solution that gets them quicker to market and supports their long-term growth,”
The company says it also continues to invest in business intelligence capabilities that integrate fully into the automated solutions to offer decision making insights.
Read the full story on InsideLogistics.