Why This Matters to Distributors: Medline’s latest AutoStore deployment reflects how large distributors are using warehouse automation to increase fulfillment capacity, improve picking efficiency, and support higher parcel volume without significantly expanding physical distribution space.
Medline has installed a new AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system at its Aurora, Colorado, distribution center as the company expands automation capacity across its supply chain network.
The Aurora installation is Medline’s 24th AutoStore deployment nationwide and adds to a fleet of more than 2,100 robots operating across the company’s global distribution network.
The system includes eight induction workstations, 10 picking workstations, 38,000 storage bins and 96 robots that assist with item retrieval, sorting, and transport inside the warehouse.
AutoStore is a high-density automated storage system that uses robots operating on top of a storage grid to retrieve inventory bins and deliver them to picking stations. The technology is designed to increase storage density and improve order throughput.
Sean Halligan, Medline’s executive vice president of operations, said the company continues to invest in automation as order volume and customer demand increase.
“Bringing a new AutoStore installation to Aurora is another step in modernizing our network, helping us get critical supplies to customers with the speed and accuracy they count on, while supporting a more streamlined fulfillment environment for our team members,” Halligan said.
Medline said the Aurora facility supports one of the larger service territories in its distribution network. The company said the new system will increase parcel handling capacity and provide additional scalability as regional demand grows.
Angelica Chavez, director of operations at the Aurora distribution center, said the installation will allow the facility to process more parcel volume while supporting future growth.
The system will operate using SynQ warehouse management software from Swisslog, which coordinates inventory movement, intake, and fulfillment operations.
Robert Humphry, Swisslog’s vice president of sales for new business, said the Aurora project extends a partnership between the two companies that has lasted more than 10 years.
The investment comes as distributors across healthcare, industrial and retail sectors continue increasing spending on warehouse automation technologies aimed at improving fulfillment speed, labor productivity, and inventory management.
Medline distributes medical-surgical products and supply chain services to hospitals, ambulatory care centers, and other healthcare providers. The company employs more than 45,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries.
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