(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
Berkshire Hathaway’s Mouser Electronics, Inc., the industry’s leading New Product Introduction (NPI) distributor, is highlighting its implementation of state-of-the-art Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs) at its global distribution center in Texas, USA, setting a national standard in technological advancement for distribution.
VLMs — essentially giant vertical filing cabinets, complete with shelves and an automated elevator — store tens of thousands of electronic components. When activated by the employee, the VLMs deliver the components directly to the workstation, vastly increasing efficiency and floor space. The automated machines can reduce an employee’s walking time by 45 percent or higher.
“The digital revolution is driving worldwide demand for electronic components,” said Glenn Smith, President and CEO of Mouser Electronics. “To meet this demand, we are making substantial capital investments in state-of-the-art automation systems to expand capacity and maximize efficiencies in our global distribution center.”
Mouser now has 55 Vertical Lift Modules — including 11 brand new modules. Now authorized for more than 800 manufacturers, the global distributor is expanding its footprint and growing its business position to meet increasing customer demand worldwide. The VLMs are expected to house up to 120,000 parts total once fully online, helping Mouser’s distribution teams greatly expedite orders for its 630,000 customers worldwide.
“We are excited to have the largest installation of Vertical Lift Modules in all of North America, a true testament to our belief in working smarter. With the 200,000 square foot addition to our warehouse more than halfway complete, our teams are laying the groundwork for several new automation systems,” Smith added.
Construction is also under way on a 50,000 square-foot office building addition on Mouser’s 78-acre campus at the Dallas-Fort Worth global headquarters. When complete, Mouser’s global headquarters and distribution center will consist of 1 million square feet to accommodate Mouser’s vast inventory of more than 1 million unique SKUs for products and technologies. Part of Berkshire Hathaway, Mouser now has 27 offices worldwide, including new offices in Poland, Vietnam and Brazil that opened this year.
With its broad product line and unsurpassed customer service, Mouser strives to empower innovation among design engineers and buyers by delivering advanced technologies. Mouser stocks the world’s widest selection of the latest semiconductors and electronic components for the newest design projects. Mouser Electronics’ website is continually updated and offers advanced search methods to help customers quickly locate inventory. Mouser.com also houses data sheets, supplier-specific reference designs, application notes, technical design information, and engineering tools.
© 2019 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.