State-of-the-art distribution centre features largest vertical lift modules

Mouser has continued its investment in state-of-the-art automation in its global distribution centre to improve order processing, accuracy and speed, enabling customers to reduce time-to-market.

This spring 2022, the company will have installed 120 vertical lift modules (VLMs), the largest in the world. VLMs are effectively giant vertical filing cabinets, complete with shelves and an automated extractor to take the components to the employee’s workstation. This improves efficiency and floor space and can decrease an employee’s walking time by 45% or more.

As well as the massive VML installation, the distribution centre has multiple Ultipack and I-Pack machines – a sophisticated automated system for sealing and labelling shipments that processes up to 14 orders per minute – as well as an OPEX Perfect Pick system for consolidation and an AutoStore system.

“Incorporating the latest in distribution centre automation helps us meet our goal of providing exceptional customer service,” says Pete Shopp, Mouser Electronics’ senior vice president of Business Operations. “The tools and systems we’ve put in place offer another way we can help shorten our customers’ time to market.”

The company's massive global distribution centre handles a vast inventory of more than one million unique SKUs for products from over 1,200 manufacturer brands. Processing tens of thousands of orders weekly – most within 15 minutes – and maintaining a solid commitment to customer service, its employees are handling the technological advancements with great success.