BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. yesterday announced that it is building its fourth ambient-temperature distribution center with the help of Swisslog Holding AG. The companies said they expect the new facility in Commercial Point, Ohio, to open in early 2027.
The new distribution center will serve as a hub to replenish grocery and general merchandise items in the BJ’s network. The building will sit on a 125-acre site, allowing for future expansion.
The more than 500,000-sq.-ft. (46,451.5-sq.-m) facility will feature technology from Swisslog. This will include automated pallet storage, robotics, case-handling equipment, and mixed-case pallet building for club-friendly replenishment.
“Swisslog is pleased to support BJ’s Wholesale Club’s supply chain with innovative automation solutions that will help it maintain optimal inventory levels to support its growing network of clubs,” stated Sean Wallingford, president and CEO of Swisslog Americas. “The project reinforces Swisslog’s commitment to empowering retailers with efficient, reliable, and sustainable logistics solutions tailored to their unique business requirements.”
Buchs, Switzerland-based Swisslog delivers data-driven and robotic systems for logistics automation. Part of KUKA Group, the company’s range of services includes consulting, concept studies, project implementation, and customer service. Swisslog has implemented more than 2,500 projects for its customers.
Swisslog to help with supply chain expansion
BJ’s Wholesale Club’s new distribution center will expand its supply chain capacity to support its growing footprint. Over the past five years, the retailer has opened more than 30 clubs – its 250th club will open on Jan. 31 in Louisville, Ky.
“Our business has grown meaningfully over the years, and we continue to invest in our supply chain to better serve members,” said Krystyna Kostka, senior vice president and chief supply chain officer at BJ’s. “With the opening of this new distribution center, we’ll have the agility to support our clubs more efficiently than ever – ensuring members have the products they need, when and where they expect them – all at unbeatable value.”
The Marlborough, Mass.-based company also said it has increased membership by more than 35% in the same period, reaching 7.5 million members. It currently operates 249 clubs and 186 BJ’s Gas locations in 21 states.
BJ’s said it provides a wide assortment of fresh foods, produce, a full-service deli, a fresh bakery, household essentials, various exclusive offerings, gas, and more.
BJ’s other robotic investments
BJ’s isn’t a stranger to using robotic technology. In 2024, the company announced that it would be scaling its deployment with Simbe across all of its clubs, an achievement that earned it a 2024 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award.
Unlike Swisslog’s warehousing systems, Simbe offers the Tally inventory management robot. The system uses computer vision, AI, and mobile robots to deliver real-time visibility into inventory and pricing.
The platform also includes artificial intelligence to help streamline inventory management and store operations while enhancing store team and shopper experiences, said the company.