As one of the nation's largest sporting goods retailers, Academy Sports & Outdoors operates over 50 stores in seven states. Sales growth annually has been about 20% for the past ten years.

So Academy is well aware of the importance of efficient logistics in supplying that growing demand. And the company decided to expand its Katy, Texas distribution center to 950,000 square feet. This DC operates 24/7 to supply all of Academy's locations with a wide variety of merchandise.

In midyear 2000, Academy decided to implement a highly efficient rack system in the addition to the Katy site. Installation had to be completed as soon as possible to meet customer demand.

The sporting goods retailer chose a manufacturer of storage rack systems that was capable of re-engineering the Katy DC and delivering a rack system in three-and-a-half weeks. With four more weeks for installation, Academy was able to use its brand-new, state-of-the-art DC in record time of eight weeks after placing the order.

The rack system has a bolted frame structure that allows easy front column replacement at minimal cost. The structure also offers great versatility for any future re-arrangement.

With portal cross-aisle ties and variable size row spacers, the dimensional accuracy of the rack system is less than 1 inch in nearly 500 feet. Five levels of pallets are stored in racking that is 336 inches high. In all, nearly 50 million pounds of product are stored in the system.

Mecalux
708-344-9999
www.mecalux.com