SKF announced it will automate the company’s aftermarket products warehouse in Crossville, Tennessee, scheduled for 2025. The warehouse will be retrofitted with a AutoStore robotic storage and picking system. Encompassing a 22,000-square-foot space, the system will include approximately 24,000 storage locations. The fully automated AutoStore picking solution represents a significant leap forward in SKF’s logistics capabilities, allowing for increased efficiency and precision in order fulfillment, the company said.

Innovative Technology and Strategic Consolidation
The Crossville facility was chosen for this new technology due to its existing role as SKF’s main distribution center in the US. The location offers substantial logistical benefits as a Free Trade Zone (FTZ), according to SKF. Additionally, Crossville already accommodates the SKF Vehicle Aftermarket North America component warehouse and Kitting Center, making it an ideal location to centralize warehousing, kitting, and logistics operations under one roof, the company added.

Anticipating Enhanced Customer Experience
The consolidation of storage and the introduction of advanced automation technology at the Crossville warehouse will significantly improve SKF’s operational efficiency. The facility’s 24,000 storage locations will ensure that a wide variety of products are readily available, enabling faster response times and better service for SKF’s customers.

SKF Vehicle Aftermarket Global President Philipp Herlein said: “This strategic investment highlights SKF’s commitment to excellence in logistics, ensuring that the company continues to meet the evolving needs of its customers. By improving delivery lead times and optimizing order fulfillment processes, SKF is poised to enhance customer satisfaction and maintain its position as a trusted partner in the industry.”