Home Depot facility expands delivery power

The Home Depot opened a new distribution center to support faster replenishment to stores across the Southeast region. The 657,600 square-foot distribution center opened Dec. 14, and is designed to support everyday products and popular store-SKUs; and features innovative enhancements to save time, increase output and efficiency, and promote environmental sustainability, the company said.

“Our ability to adapt and scale to this high-demand environment is a testament to both the investments we’ve made in the business, as well as our associates’ focus on our customers,” said Paul Larkin, vice president of supply chain.

Among the features of the new facility:

• A zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell charging station, which is a sustainable and more efficient way to power material handling equipment;

• Carriers will be able to utilize an automated check in with a new camera and kiosk technology, creating expedited entry and exit to the yard and less time spent waiting in line for truck drivers.

• Over 7 miles of mechanized lines and other automation technologies which allow product to flow in and out of the facility in a matter of hours; and

The new facility is part of the company’s $1.2 billion investment to expand its distribution and delivery network with about 150 new supply chain facilities nationwide. Ultimately, the  company will reach 90 percent of the U.S. population with same-day and next-day delivery investment to expand its distribution and delivery options. The new facilities operate in a variety of formats to meet the unique needs of customers, from small parcel packages to big and bulky product, according to the company.