Robots tackle large apparel DC
Exotec has partnered with Oxford Industries to automate a new large-scale distribution centre in Lyons, Georgia, with its Next Generation of Skypod System.
OXFORD INDUSTRIES is a leader in the apparel industry, owning several distinctive brands including Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, and Johnny Was.
The new facility will support Oxford Industries’ ongoing business growth and boost the productivity of the existing workforce. The new 560,000+ sq ft facility is designed to process more than 20 million units a year, making it Exotec’s largest and most intricate robotic deployment to date.
The Next Generation Skypod system, which will serve as the picking engine for the whole warehouse, will consist of over 450,000 storage locations and more than 450 robots.
Oxford Industries’ Senior Vice President-Operations Mark Kirby says: “We are excited to invest in an expanded facility in Georgia which, together with our great workforce, has been a great place for Oxford for many years.
“The new facility, with convenient access to Southeastern US ports, will be supported by Exotec’s next generation Skypod system and ensure best-in-class direct-to-consumer throughput capabilities for our brands.”
Romain Moulin, CEO and co-founder of Exotec adds: “As the largest Exotec deployment to date, the Oxford Industries project not only showcases the performance and scalability of our system, but also the sophistication of our integration capabilities.
“Having a client like Oxford Industries select Exotec as the integrator for a project of this complexity speaks volumes about the trust, they put in our ability to deliver end-to-end warehouse automation that goes beyond our standard Skypod system.”
Exotec will integrate its hardware and software with third-party machinery to offer end-to-end warehouse automation and support in receiving, decanting, sorting, and packing, as well as outbound shipment of products.
The system will also enable the company to effectively handle returns, significantly cutting the time and labour needed to inspect, sort, and store returned items, streamlining the process of making them available for resale.
The multi-brand, omnichannel distribution facility is expected to open in late 2025.
