Kroger modernizes Ohio area DC

Kroger is upgrading a distribution center in Ohio with a modern, automated system to improve the efficiency of its supply chain network in the area.

The Great Lakes Distribution Center in Delaware, Ohio, services 115 stores in central and northwest Ohio, as well as southeast Michigan and the Ohio River Valley region. It opened in 2003 and Kroger is underway renovating the facility, expanding it by 130,000 square feet.

Additionally, the DC will leverage intelligent automation technology and specialized software from Knapp.

The site will use a unique combination of Knapp OSR (order, storage and retrieval) shuttles that deliver grocery cases in an exact sequence to the Runpick robotic palletizers. The automation is said to improve how it gets fresh food out to stores.

"Kroger's investment in Knapp's latest technology allows the Great Lakes Distribution Center to improve efficiency in replenishing our stores, enabling us to quickly deliver fresh food to our customers. The expansion of the facility is part of the ongoing transformation of our supply chain network, and this project will more than double our capacity while delivering innovation and scalability that can grow with demand,” said Tony Lucchino, VP, supply chain and network strategy, Kroger. "This collaborative project will allow us to better serve customers in the region."

The renovation is expected to be completed over the summer.

"The technology investment in the Great Lakes Distribution Center has been designed to add a new level of flexibility to the Kroger supply chain network and deliver a resilient approach to investments in automation," said Knapp CEO Josef Mentzer.