Robots at 20 mph Revolutionize Operations at Bossier's Imperial Trading Co.
At the dead end of Viking Drive in Bossier City, a massive 140,000 square foot distribution center ensures that 1,000 convenience stores across six states are constantly stocked with your favorite snacks. This sprawling facility, owned by Imperial Trading Company, features towering shelves filled with nearly 10,000 items, from hot dogs and M&M’s to peanuts and pickles.
The advanced technology at this facility, once owned by Harrison Company, plays a crucial role in keeping the supply chain running smoothly. The 10,000 square foot AutoStore, a high-tech storage and retrieval system, is at the heart of this operation. Robots linked to the AutoStore race at speeds up to 20 mph to retrieve products from its 22,213 bins and deliver them to human "pickers," who can fill up to 1,000 totes (containers) per hour. It is like watching a sci-fi movie come to life.
Embracing Technological Innovation
The Imperial Trading Company is a family-owned business based in Louisiana, and its owner, John Georges, is proud of how technology has transformed their operations. Reflecting on the past, Georges recalls how workers used to manually pick products by shouting their orders across the room. Over the years, this evolved to using wrist computers for order fulfillment. Now, robots bring the products directly to the employees, making their jobs much easier.
VP of Operations, Richie Duhon, noted the benefit of this technological shift for their 200 employees in Bossier City. Previously, workers might have to walk two miles a night down aisles; now, they stay in one place while robots bring the products to them, increasing efficiency and comfort.
Improved Work Environment and Productivity
Nike Georges, who oversaw the technology installation, pointed out how the new setup optimizes space by condensing storage into grids, reducing the need for extensive warehouse space. CEO Wayne Baquet emphasized that the technology not only boosts productivity but also enhances the work environment, offering greater accountability and a more favorable workplace.
The Bossier warehouse serves as Imperial Trading Company's technology prototype, with plans to fully automate another warehouse in Indiana next. This move towards automation is expected to help the company expand further, aiming to climb higher in the ranks of the 500 distributors in the U.S. Currently, Imperial Trading stands at number five.
Strategic Location and Challenges
John Georges highlighted the strategic importance of the Bossier City location, which allows the company to efficiently distribute products to six states. Despite the advantages, Georges expressed concerns about the lack of support from local and state government. He pointed out challenges like having to build their own water tank due to insufficient city water pressure for the fire sprinkler system.
By the Numbers: Imperial Trading Company
- Bossier City Distribution Center: 140,000 square feet on 25 acres.
- Operational Hours: Trucks load and depart from Bossier City 24 hours a day.
- Space Efficiency: AutoStore reduced the need from 60,000 square feet to 10,000 square feet.
- Staffing: Two employees feed products into the AutoStore, while six pick and pack them for shipment, all part of the 200 employees in Bossier City and 2,000 nationwide.
John Georges began working in his father's factory at the age of 11, illustrating the deep-rooted family involvement in the business and commitment to innovation and quality.
