Grainger opens distribution center in Minooka

W.W. Grainger hosted a grand opening to celebrate its new distribution center in Minooka.

The 1 million square foot facility serves as the company's new central stocking distribution center and runs a state-of-the-art automated system. The distribution center helps enable Grainger to deliver products same-day or next-day to its customers nationwide.

“This is Grainger's most technologically advanced distribution center, designed to enhance our ability to get customers what they need, when they need it,” said DG Macpherson, senior vice president and president of global supply chain and corporate strategy with Grainger. “Grainger is dedicated to helping our customers get the job done, and key aspects of this facility were developed with our customers in mind.”

This distribution center is one of the world's largest LEED certified platinum-rated facilities for Commercial Interiors, and includes approximately 2,200 square-foot solar wall, which uses innovative air and solar capabilities to help reduce energy consumption, energy efficient lighting along with motion sensors, electric automobile charger stations, and a recycling program initiated to collect cardboard and shrink wrap from operations

With the addition of the Minooka distribution center, Grainger now operates 15 LEED certified facilities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.  In fact, Grainger was the first industrial distributor to have LEED certified facilities, which, on average, reduce energy costs by 30 percent, water usage by 35 to 50 percent and overall waste by as much as 90 percent.  In 2012, Grainger U.S. distribution centers recycled 303 tons of cardboard and 22 tons of plastic wrap per facility for a total recycling rate of 72 percent.

Grainger's commitment to sustainability extends to its offerings, as the company brings innovative products and solutions to its customers, helping them with “green” facility management.