Roadmap to support growth
Client:
Weinbrenner Shoe Co.
Industry:
Retail & Apparel
Solution:
Supply Chain Solutions
Weinbrenner Shoe Co., makers of popular brand Thoroughgood boots since 1892, ranks as one of the largest “Made in the USA” footwear companies.
Challenge
- Future growth unable to be supported with existing storage and fulfillment facilities
- Capitalizing on growing brand recognition and marketing investments, Weinbrenner had made major investments in their manufacturing capacity to keep up with demand.
- However, their warehousing and fulfillment capabilities were not ready for the storage and throughput to use the new capacity.
- Weinbrenner lacked the internal expertise to maximize the benefit of budget allocated for warehousing enhancements.
Solution
- DLN started with an operational assessment to identify and prioritize ways to invest in short-term capacity enhancements.
- The study showed that, by modernizing their storage media and picking process, they could consolidate picking from 2 DCs to 1.
- A modular, automated pack, manifest and ship system enhanced productivity and reduced packing floor space, extending the capacity and lifespan of the consolidated DC.
Results
- Consolidated DC simplified processes and management
- Building capacity extended ~4 years
- Labor decreased 28%
- Improved inventory accuracy
- Modular system is reconfigurable to new building when current one reaches capacity
