First Supply Distribution Center

We partnered with First Supply, a long-term, trusted client, to design and deliver the Joe Poehling Distribution Innovation Center. This advanced facility supports the company’s continued growth, operational excellence, and commitment to exceptional service across the Midwest. This new distribution center represents a significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and people, reinforcing First Supply’s forward-looking approach to supply chain performance and customer responsiveness.

Working closely with First Supply’s leadership and operations teams, we coordinated planning around automation integration, material flow, and storage strategy to align the facility with real-world warehouse operations. The distribution center integrates advanced material handling, data-driven inventory management, and resilient building systems to support efficient, high-volume throughput, including an Exotec automated storage and retrieval system capable of housing over 52,000 totes supported by 31 autonomous robots. Additional storage solutions include 12,700 selective pallet racking locations and a dedicated bulk storage area accommodating more than 3,000 pallets for high-velocity, large-format inventory. Cubiscan technology captures precise weights and dimensions for every incoming product, enabling data-driven business rules that guide accurate storage and transportation decisions. Sustainability and operational continuity were also prioritized through on-site solar panels generating approximately 50% of daily energy needs, generator backup capable of powering the facility for up to 12 hours without refueling, and autonomous after-hours floor cleaning via an automated sweeper scrubber, creating a highly efficient, resilient, and future-ready distribution environment.

Delivered through MSI General’s integrated DESIGNBUILD approach, the project benefited from early alignment between design, construction, and operational priorities. This collaborative process allowed logistics requirements, constructability, and budget considerations to be addressed in parallel, resulting in a durable, high-performance distribution facility positioned to support First Supply’s continued growth.