- Associated Wholesale Grocers has opened an all-in-one distribution hub in Hernando, Mississippi, which uses advanced intelligence and automation technology and an evolved organizational infrastructure for sustainable growth. The cooperative food wholesaler partnered with WITRON for system integration, operator, and logistics service provider’s order picking and automation technology. The new facility will increase product throughput, efficiency, accuracy and reduce loss due to damaged goods, allowing the company to expand the range of products it stocks and ships to member stores and become more cost-effective and efficient in its operations.
- The ribbon-cutting event for the distribution hub was attended by Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Hernando Mayor Chip Johnson, and Lee Caldwell, a member of the Desoto County Board of Supervisors-District 4. The opening ceremony aimed to celebrate the new hub that is expected to help the company and the region attract, develop, and retain an engaged workforce.
- The partnership with WITRON allows Associated Wholesale Grocers to significantly expand what it stocks and ships to its member stores while becoming more efficient and cost-effective in its operations. The WITRON system is integrated into the handling of case and pallet goods, ambient temperature, refrigerated perishables, and frozen foods to increase the throughput of products, improve accuracy, and reduce loss due to damaged goods. The new facility showcases Associated Wholesale Grocers’ commitment to innovation and growth, evidenced by their investment in technology and infrastructure to equip their member retailers with the tools they need to compete in today’s market.
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), one of the largest grocery wholesale distributors in the U.S., has unveiled its latest venture – a tech-infused distribution hub that promises to revolutionize the grocery wholesale industry.
The fully automated hub, located in Oklahoma City, boasts an advanced warehouse management system that utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to maximize efficiency and reduce waste. The cutting-edge technology allows the hub to process and distribute an impressive variety of goods, ranging from fresh produce to meat and dairy products, at an unparalleled speed.
“The launch of this distribution hub marks a significant milestone for AWG and the grocery wholesale industry as a whole,” remarked Brian Wiley, president, and CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers. “The integration of technology into our operations allows us to streamline our processes, minimize losses, and ultimately offer our customers a more cost-effective and efficient service.”
The new distribution hub has the capacity to store up to 50 million pounds of product, with the ability to receive 200 truckloads of products daily. The facility was designed with sustainability in mind, with features such as solar panels and LED lighting resulting in a 35% reduction in energy usage.
The launch of the tech-infused hub has been met with excitement from both AWG’s customers and industry insiders, who recognize the enormous potential of this cutting-edge facility. The hub’s ability to quickly and efficiently distribute products will result in improved service levels, reduced transportation costs, and ultimately, increased sales for AWG’s customers.
As the grocery industry continues to evolve in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, AWG’s investment in advanced technology is expected to position the company as a leader in the industry for years to come.