Project Overview
a state-of-the-art material handling system for their new facility in The Colony, Texas. This facility, encompassing a 560,000-square-foot showroom and a 1.3 million-square-foot distribution center, stands as the largest home furnishings store in North America.
Client Background
Founded in 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska, Nebraska Furniture Mart is a leading retailer of furniture, electronics, appliances, and flooring. Owned by Berkshire Hathaway, NFM has expanded its footprint across the Midwest and Texas, maintaining a reputation for vast selection and customer service excellence.
Project Goals
The primary objectives for the Texas facility included:
- Designing a scalable warehouse layout to support high-volume operations
- Implementing efficient material handling systems to expedite order fulfillment
- Ensuring rapid customer pickup processes, targeting an eight-minute turnaround
- Implementing an automated replenishment system to expedite the replacement of showroom inventory
- Integrating advanced technology for inventory management and distribution
Solutions Implemented
PWD delivered a comprehensive material handling solution featuring:
- Two-Level Pick Module: A 62,000-square-foot, rack-supported structure built above the customer pickup area to maximize storage and streamline order processing.
- Steel King SK2000® Pallet Racking: Utilized for its strength and durability, supporting heavy loads and ensuring structural integrity.
- Conveyor Systems: Integrated TGW and Alba conveyors facilitated efficient movement of goods throughout the facility.
- Vertical Lifts and Spiral Conveyors: PFLOW vertical lifts and Ambaflex spiral conveyors enabled rapid transport of products between levels and to customer pickup points.
- Datalogic Scan Tunnels: Implemented for accurate and efficient order scanning and routing.
Results and Impact
The implementation of these systems resulted in:
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Streamlined processes led to faster order fulfillment and reduced handling times.
- Improved Customer Experience: Achieved the goal of an eight-minute turnaround for customer pickups, enhancing satisfaction.
- Scalable Infrastructure: The modular design allows for future expansions and adaptations to evolving business needs.
Conclusion
Precision Warehouse Design’s collaboration with Nebraska Furniture Mart exemplifies the successful integration of advanced warehouse design and material handling systems to support large-scale retail operations. The project showcases PWD’s expertise in delivering customized solutions that enhance efficiency, scalability, and customer satisfaction.
For more information on our warehouse design services, visit our Warehouse Design Services page.
