Fisher Auto Parts announced the purchase and partial construction of a 420,000-square-foot automated distribution center in Walton, Kentucky.
Now fully operational, the DC ultimately could service up to 250 stores, according to Fisher Auto Parts.
The DC is on a 26-acre site that’s one mile from I-75 and 11 miles south of Cincinnati, one of Fisher’s top 10 regions.
Fisher added 78,000 square feet of space on adjacent land, as well as a 106,000-square-foot mezzanine level, to the existing 236,000-square-foot building footprint.
“We believe in the adage that no matter what our lot in life, we should build something on it,” said Herb Godschalk, president of Fisher Auto Parts. “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.”
Outfitted with assistance from Fortna, the facility now boasts 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.
Extensive site evaluations and “superb efforts” by Diane Woodson, vice president of real estate, led to acquiring the optimal location through an online competitive auction process, the company noted.
All nine of Fisher’s upgraded, paperless, privately owned distribution centers are linked daily, providing overnight delivery from a company-owned fleet, greater than 94% fill rates and extensive coverage, according to the company.
“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 said in news release. “Fisher is enhancing inventory availability while adding additional stores and supplementing service levels, including “Out the Door in 4” minutes or less.”
Founded in 1929 by Blair Coiner, Fisher Auto Parts now has approximately 500 company-owned locations plus more than 100 independent jobbers in 18 states. Fisher is a member of Federated Auto Parts and the Automotive Parts Services Group.
