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Productivity and efficiency at the
forefront
With energy-conserving motors and regenerative power,
each robot uses about 100 watts of power, a tenth of an
average toaster, enhancing the overall energy efficiency
of the MDC.
“The robots work all day and night, saving on
traditional warehouse costs and allowing us to fulfill
orders quickly for faster same-day product
availability,” says SVP of Supply Chain Michael Jacobs.
“The system also decreases manual handling of
materials.”
In addition to the automation technology, the facilities
were built with efficiency at the forefront. Ferguson
uses a special machine to make custom boxes based on the
dimensions of each product to minimize packaging waste.
Each building features LED motion detector lighting
systems to conserve electricity.
But robots can't do everything humans
can.
Better than any robot, Ferguson
associates are highly skilled and perform the complex
tasks to meet our customers’ needs.
There is still a need for associates
in distribution centers to run the technology, focus on
complex tasks and deliver quality customer service.
Will robots replace humans?
Introducing robotics in the MDCs is part of Ferguson’s
overarching supply chain strategy – a combination of
leading technology, great sourcing relationships and
processes, and the best associates in the industry – to
deliver an exceptional customer experience. The
extensive network places Ferguson within 60 miles of 95%
of the population.
But robots can't do everything humans can. Better than
any robot, Ferguson associates are highly skilled and
perform the complex tasks to meet our customers’ needs.
In fact, the Chandler facility added 75 new jobs to the
area and employs approximately 200 associates. So, while
robots may perform some aspects of the job, there is
still a need for associates in distribution centers to
run the technology, focus on complex tasks and deliver
quality customer service.
Ferguson plans to build two or three new MDC facilities
annually over the next several years creating
opportunities for jobs and innovative, sustainable
practices.
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