Breakthru Beverage Illinois (previously known as Wirtz Beverage), a prominent multi-state distributor with a rich history dating back to 1945, sought to elevate its operational capabilities. With a legacy built on values and partnership, the company operates across Illinois, Nevada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, generating impressive annual revenues and supporting a large workforce. The strategic transformation of their operations was essential to maintaining their competitive edge in the dynamic beverage industry.
Faced with increasing demand and expansion challenges, Breakthru Beverage struggled with inefficiencies stemming from operating across three separate warehouses. These logistical constraints hindered the company’s ability to scale effectively and meet customer expectations. Recognizing the need for a streamlined solution, Breakthru Beverage embarked on a mission to develop a more efficient distribution infrastructure capable of supporting future growth and enhancing service quality.
To overcome these challenges, Breakthru Beverage Illinois strategically invested in a new, state-of-the-art distribution center in Cicero, IL. The redevelopment of the former Sportsman’s Park resulted in a 604,907 sq. ft. facility, featuring advanced AS/RS technology from Westfalia. This facility includes 555,449 sq. ft. of warehouse space, 106,409 sq. ft. of office space, and 25,000 sq. ft. of cooler space. The AS/RS system boasts 22,470 pallet positions, 3 tandem Storage and Retrieval Machines (S/RM), and a capacity of 200 pallet moves per hour.
AS/RS Footprint: 165,134 sq. ft.
30,027 pallet positions
3 aisles servicing: 4-deep, 6-deep, and 10-deep reserve storage lanes
5 storage levels high
3 tandem-pallet Satellite® S/RMs in 3 aisles, 5 levels high
Pallet conveyor systems
Automatic pallet replenishment to pallet flow pick lanes on 4 levels
Savanna.NET® Warehouse Execution System (WES)
The implementation of Westfalia’s AS/RS technology and Savanna.NET® WES yielded remarkable results for Breakthru Beverage. The new distribution center achieved unprecedented efficiency levels, significantly reducing receiving times and increasing storage capacity. This enhanced operational efficiency not only met current demands but also positioned Breakthru Beverage for sustained growth and future scalability in a rapidly evolving market.
