Coodrive Modernizes Supply Chain with Dematic Autostore
▼ Summary
– Dematic will provide an automated intralogistics solution for CoolDrive Auto Parts’ new distribution centre, consolidating three Victorian sites into one advanced facility.
– CoolDrive’s investment in automation was driven by over a decade of rapid growth, rising inventory complexity, and inefficiencies from fragmented operations.
– The solution is built around Dematic’s AutoStore system, which streamlines split case picking and order sortation to reduce manual handling and optimize workflows.
– Key benefits include a reduced warehouse footprint, improved labour efficiency, greater resilience during peak demand, and modular scalability for future growth.
– The facility, scheduled for completion by August 2026, will support CoolDrive’s long-term success by meeting growing customer expectations with a sustainable, efficient supply chain.
In a significant move to revolutionize its supply chain operations, CoolDrive Auto Parts has chosen Dematic to implement a state-of-the-art intralogistics solution at its new distribution center. This greenfield project, developed alongside ThreeSixty Supply Chain Group, will merge three separate Victorian locations into one highly advanced facility. The centerpiece of this upgrade is Dematic’s Goods-to-Person automation and conveyor sortation technology, designed to streamline order fulfillment and boost overall efficiency.
Years of rapid expansion and increasing inventory complexity prompted CoolDrive to seek an automated system. The company manages thousands of distinct stock keeping units across various automotive parts categories. To accommodate rising stock volumes, CoolDrive had previously expanded into additional storage sites, which unfortunately led to fragmented operations and multiple handling stages. These inefficiencies highlighted the urgent need for a consolidated, scalable infrastructure that could support future growth in a sustainable manner.
Tim Blanchard, Chief Operating Officer at CoolDrive Auto Parts, explained the reasoning behind the investment. “Our substantial growth in recent years demanded a supply chain solution capable of matching our pace,” he said. “This new facility represents a major leap forward in our pledge to provide customers with fast, precise, and dependable service. Dematic’s operational expertise and their ability to integrate with diverse platforms made them the ideal partner for this initiative.”
At the heart of the new setup is the Dematic AutoStore system, a space-efficient and highly productive automated storage and retrieval solution. This technology will simplify split case picking and final order sortation, minimize manual labor, and enhance workflow organization. It also establishes a flexible framework that can grow alongside the business.
The Dematic automation brings several strategic benefits, including a smaller physical footprint, better labor productivity, and enhanced capacity to handle peak order periods. Another advantage is the system’s modular design, which allows CoolDrive to increase storage and throughput in stages. This modular approach provides the flexibility to adjust to future market demands without large-scale interruptions.
Integration with CoolDrive’s existing warehouse management system was a key consideration. Dematic’s prior experience deploying a similar automated Goods-to-Person solution for another Australian automotive parts distributor—using the same WMS host—helped streamline the implementation process and lower project risks.
Terry Jamieson, Business Development Manager at Dematic, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are excited to work with CoolDrive on this transformative project,” he stated. “AutoStore is an ideal solution for businesses managing large SKU counts, and our regional track record confirms it delivers tangible, measurable benefits. This system will equip CoolDrive with the operational flexibility required to maintain a competitive edge.”
The new automated distribution center is set to position CoolDrive for sustained success, equipping the company to meet escalating customer expectations while promoting a more efficient and sustainable supply chain. Completion of the facility is expected by August 2026.
(Source: ITWire Australia)
