with automated transport to quality con-
trol and packing stations on a mezzanine
level. A shipping sortation system cycles
packages for various freight carriers along
conveyors to a new loading area.
"A key component of the system is
new voice command technology that has
improved the order selection process,"
explained Fountain. "Our associates in
the shipping department utilize the voice-
directed device to quickly and efficiently
pick orders while data is maintained for
inventory replenishment with real-time
reporting and management tools."
Considered the world's largest sup-
plier of outdoor power equipment parts,
Rotary provides next-day delivery to more
than 80 percent of the continental U.S.
with same-day shipping for most orders
received by 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Rotary's primary distribution center
in Glennville encompasses 250,000 square
feet and is supported by an overflow stor-
age facility that contains 70,000 square
feet. Rotary also operates seven regional
distribution centers strategically located
in Texas, California, Florida, Ohio, Indi-
ana, New York and Virginia.
"Our goal is to quickly and efficiently
meet the demand of our customer base
with an ongoing commitment to shipping
American-made parts, which made up
three out of every four parts we shipped
in 2014," added Nelson. "Sales growth and
the demand for reliable next-day delivery
prompted us to further enhance our dis-
tribution system."
Nelson said the growing family-owned
company relies on more than 450 em-
ployees who work with pride to provide
the best service possible to customers in
all 50 states and more than 63 countries
throughout Europe, Asia, South America,
Canada, Australia and Africa.
With the culmination of a record-
setting summer sales season, Fountain
said, "Rotary has always taken exceptional
pride in delivering quality products at
very competitive prices. Now that our new
automated shipping system is fully opera-
tional, we can support future sales growth
by providing world-class service through-
out our distribution network.
"The successful implementation and
completion of this project would not have
been possible without Blue Horseshoe
Strategy and Supply Chain Divisions,"
said Fountain. "They led us through the
conception, definition, planning and
execution."
FEATURE STORY
www.outdoorpowerequipment.com OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT NOVEMBER 2015 23
OPE
Scan this QR
code to take a
video tour of
Rotary's newly
expanded
shipping
operations.
