Cody Ritchson, general manager of Tractor Supply's Maumelle Distribution Center, addresses the audience during the grand opening event.
“Our distribution centers play a critical role in our commitment to being a dependable supplier for our customers as they live Life Out Here,” said Hal Lawton, president and CEO of Tractor Supply. “Each one of our more than 2,200 stores has to have what our customers need, when they need it. As more people embrace this lifestyle and we continue to open new stores across the U.S., our new distribution center in Maumelle will help ensure that we are there for our customers when they need us, providing the legendary service they have come to know and love.”
The Maumelle distribution center is registered with the certification goal of LEED Gold. The building’s roof features a solar array system consisting of more than 10,000 solar panels that will produce five million kilowatts of electricity per year, enough to support operations during daylight hours. The solar panels will reduce the building’s carbon footprint by approximately 4,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.
The facility is Tractor Supply’s first to utilize autonomous mobile robots at scale for small item fulfillment and will serve as a testing facility for other robotics designed to help reduce costs and increase productivity.
The building began receiving product in April and will begin shipping to stores and customers in June.
The Governor was on hand for the opening ceremony.
“I am proud to help welcome Tractor Supply to Maumelle and celebrate the jobs and investment they’re bringing to Central Arkansas,” said Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Today’s ribbon cutting shows that when we cut taxes, reduce regulations, and foster a business-friendly environment, great companies like Tractor Supply will choose Arkansas time and again.”