Herb Godschalk, president of Fisher Auto Parts, announced the purchase and partial construction of a 420,000-square-foot automated distribution center in Walton, Ky.
The new facility is now fully operational. Up to 250 stores could ultimately be serviced by this distribution center.
It is located on 26 acres, one mile off I75 and 11 miles south of Cincinnati. It has a 236,000-square-foot existing building footprint, a 106,000-square-foot mezzanine, and room for a 78,000-square foot expansion on adjacent land.
It was outfitted with assistance from Fortna, a leading global automation, engineering services and software company, including: state-of-the art logistical and material handling technologies, paperless warehouse management software, DC modeler inventory optimization software, picking modules, new lift equipment, 34 loading docks, conveyor systems and expedited will call local delivery.
While Fisher is in nearly 500 markets in 18 states, Cincinnati is one of the company’s top 10 regions.
All nine of the upgraded, paperless, privately owned distribution centers are linked daily, providing overnight delivery from a company-owned fleet, greater than 94 percent fill rates and extensive coverage.
Additionally, Fisher is strategically upgrading stores in the KOI region into hub stores as part of increasing the overall number of company-owned hub stores.
Fisher is enhancing inventory availability while adding additional stores and supplementing service levels, including “Out the Door in 4” minutes or less.
Godschalk added, “We believe in the adage that no matter what our lot in life, we should build something on it. While there are much larger competitors, due to the highly capable team that we are honored to work with, we can be proud of our past results. We are especially grateful during these challenging times to all of our channel partners including customers, suppliers, APSG associates, and in particular team members for their unwavering dedication to outstanding customer service.”
Fisher Auto Parts was founded in 1929 by Blair Coiner, now has approximately 500 company-owned locations plus over 100 independent jobbers in 18 states and is a member of Federated and the Automotive Parts Services Group (APSG).
To learn more, visit www.FisherAutoParts.com.