Healthy Air Hub Expands Distribution Center
Poynette, WI has always been a hub of healthy air for AprilAire. In order to keep up with increased demand for IAQ products, On July 6, 2020, we made sure that Poynette continues as a hub of healthy air for the future. On that date, AprilAire opened its newly expanded distribution center, providing “faster and more accurate shipments,” according to Warehouse Manager Bruce Benson.
New Digital Warehouse System
Increasing product flow was a major component of the distribution center expansion.
A new warehouse management system digitally tracks products to help pickers find the right product quickly. Distribution and Transportation Manager Matt Speier said the accuracy of pickers with the digital inventory manager is “greatly improved.” The system even prevents pickers from choosing the wrong product.
Not only does the system improve order accuracy, but it also allows the distribution center staff to react dynamically. Managers can increase production to reduce backorders.
Dehumidifier Facility Expansion
To respond to increased demand, the dehumidifier facility has doubled in size.
Director of Manufacturing Dave Young said with the increased production we ‘d be able to keep up with the demand for the next decade, with the ability to add a 4th and 5th production line. Newly installed automatic conveyor belts will now push the units down the line instead of workers having to carry them manually. Young said the increase in automation would increase worker safety and efficiency. With the expansion, engineers also increased on-site testing capacity.
The new distribution center and production facility will be 100 percent operational by January 2021. This will allow us to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and innovation to continue to provide AprilAire partners with world-class products and services to help deliver healthy air nationwide.