Productivity Solution: Moen Boosts Throughput with Automated Storage

Why It Matters

The transformation demonstrates how advanced automation can offset labor shortages and scale capacity without expanding footprint, setting a benchmark for consumer‑goods distributors.

Key Takeaways

• Moen's Las Vegas DC throughput up 435%.
• Labor reliance cut 60% via automation.
• AutoStore grid enables high‑density vertical storage.
• Centralized hub replaces older California facility.
• Faster, more accurate order fulfillment improves retailer service.

Pulse Analysis

The pressure on North American consumer‑goods supply chains has intensified as demand climbs and qualified warehouse labor dwindles. Companies are turning to dense, robot‑driven storage solutions to reclaim space and speed. Moen’s partnership with FORTNA reflects this shift, leveraging AutoStore’s stacked bin architecture to transform a traditional floor‑based layout into a vertical, goods‑to‑person system that minimizes travel time and maximizes cubic footage.

At the heart of Moen’s new North Las Vegas distribution center is a tightly integrated software suite that orchestrates every step from inbound receipt to outbound shipment. By unifying control of autonomous robots, conveyor sorting and packing stations, the platform reduces touch points and synchronizes order flow, delivering a 435% increase in throughput. The automation also slashes labor dependence by 60%, a critical advantage in a market where hiring and retaining skilled workers has become increasingly costly.

Beyond operational efficiency, the redesign yields sustainability dividends. Right‑sized packaging cuts material waste, while higher pick accuracy and faster processing lower freight miles per unit shipped. For retailers and end‑customers, the result is more reliable delivery windows and consistent product availability. Moen’s model illustrates how strategic investment in high‑density robotics and intelligent workflow software can future‑proof distribution networks, offering a scalable blueprint for other brands facing similar labor and space constraints.