Logo

IET, Inc.
3539 Glendale Ave
Toledo, Ohio 43614
1.419.385.1233
www.ieteng.com

Case Study 1-99683

Designing for distribution.


IET worked with Mueller Industries to develop a new facility layout for physical distribution operations that consolidated multiple sites into one location.


The Customer

A commercial and residential building products manufacturer

"IET has been a dependable source of engineering support for us in the past and we know we can call on them to help us with projects of all sizes."

- Company President


The Challenge

IET was selected to ensure overall efficiency of put-away / pick / pack / ship operations while minimizing capital costs associated with facility expansion, storage, and material handling equipment.

The Solution

First, IET identified all active SKU’s and planned inventory levels. Storage assignment rules were developed based on SKU shipping activity and specific client requirements. Four design alternatives were evaluated for carton-packing operations using carton and pallet flow equipment to measure worker productivity. IET evaluated 3 design alternatives for surplus pallet storage utilizing high-density racking and NA/VNA lift truck technologies. Layouts were proposed to maximize utilization of the current facility with and without expansion. Staffing requirements were then estimated based on labor standards developed using pre-determined time study techniques. IET prepared budgetary cost estimates for material handling and storage equipment and facility modifications. IET worked closely with the client’s management team to obtain buy-in on all critical assumptions.

IET demonstrated that all outside facilities could be consolidated into one existing distribution center only by reducing overall planned inventory levels. IET assisted the client in developing rules for storing products in the proposed facility and provided the information needed to perform a detailed cost / benefit analysis on the recommended design. In addition, total pallet storage capability in the current facility was increased by 25%.



© 2024 IET, Inc.   Measure · Simplify · Standardize · Realize