Grainger recently hosted a grand opening to celebrate its new distribution center in Minooka, Ill.  This one-million-square-foot facility serves as the company’s new central stocking distribution center and runs a state-of-the-art automated system.  The distribution center helps enable Grainger to deliver products same-day or next-day to its customers nationwide.

Representatives from Grainger, state and local officials and members of the community participated in a ribbon cutting to commemorate the opening of Grainger’s new distribution center in Minooka, Ill. (PRNewsFoto/W.W. Grainger, Inc.)

“This is Grainger’s most technologically advanced distribution center, designed to enhance our ability to get customers what they need, when they need it,” said DG Macpherson, senior vice president and president of Global Supply Chain and Corporate Strategy with Grainger.  “Grainger is dedicated to helping our customers get the job done, and key aspects of this facility were developed with our customers in mind.”

LEED-certified

This distribution center is one of the world’s largest LEED certified platinum-rated facilities for Commercial Interiors, and includes:

• Approximately 2,200 square-foot solar wall, which uses innovative air and solar capabilities to help reduce energy consumption

• Energy-efficient lighting along with motion sensors

• Electric automobile charger stations

• A recycling program initiated to collect cardboard and shrink wrap from operations

Sustainability commitment

With the addition of the Minooka distribution center, Grainger now operates 15 LEED-certified facilities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.  In fact, Grainger was the first industrial distributor to have LEED-certified facilities, which, on average, reduce energy costs by 30 percent, water usage by 35 to 50 percent and overall waste by as much as 90 percent.  In 2012, Grainger U.S. distribution centers recycled 303 tons of cardboard and 22 tons of plastic wrap per facility for a total recycling rate of 72 percent. Grainger’s commitment to sustainability extends to its offerings, as the company brings innovative products and solutions to its customers, helping them with “green” facility management.

Commitment to the community

Grainger has more than 360 team members working in its Minooka facility, many of whom quickly became active members of the community.  Earlier this year, Grainger participated in Clean Up Day in Minooka, helping to beautify the town’s parks and other common areas. 

In addition, Grainger provided product donations and volunteers to support cleanup efforts as a result of this spring’s major flood in Minooka.  Grainger volunteers helped restore the more than 70 houses that were left uninhabitable by the flood.

“Grainger chose Minooka for its solid community and strong talent pool,” said Paige Robbins, vice president of North American Supply Chain with Grainger.  “We look forward to serving as a member of this community for generations to come.”

Grainger’s support of the community extends to Joliet Junior College and its students.  Each year, two Joliet Junior College students have the opportunity to earn financial assistance as part of the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program.  Upon graduation, students receive a customized Westward toolkit, which includes specialized professional tools for the student’s skilled trade area of expertise.

Since 2006, Grainger and the American Association of Community Colleges have worked together to provide students nationwide access to skilled trades jobs and technical education. In celebration of the Minooka Distribution Center grand opening, Grainger is awarding Joliet Junior College with a check for $10,000 to benefit scholarships for students pursuing degrees in the industrial trades.