The 255,000-sq.-ft. central distribution center Delta Faucet Co. built in Jackson, Tenn., is now operational. Company officials expect a majority of Delta's volume to be shipped out of this facility by mid-2004.

Delta's other plant warehouses in Greensburg, Ind., and Chickasha, Okla., will continue to support the new distribution center by shipping regionally. The Jackson facility will allow for transit to 75% of all major markets within 24 hours, according to Rob Skavroneck, director of logistics.

Forte Industries, a Distribution Operations Improvement™ firm in Cincinnati, served as Delta's strategic partner for the design and implementation of the automated material handling systems in the new CDC. Forte also helped select and implement a warehouse management system, PkMS Software Suite, developed by Manhattan Associates.