FedEx Unveils New $308 Million Automated Sorting Facility in Memphis
Memphis is buzzing with excitement as FedEx has just unveiled its brand-new automated sorting facility, known as Secondary 25, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 30. This impressive facility marks the culmination of nearly a decade’s work and is a key component in bolstering the company’s operations within the city’s booming logistics hub.
A Marvel of Engineering
Spanning an incredible 1.3 million square feet, the four-story structure is truly a feat of engineering. It boasts 11 miles of conveyor belts to transport packages and even has dedicated space for bulky, non-conveyable shipments. The sheer scale of this facility allows it to process packages at jaw-dropping speeds — it has the capability to sort 56,000 packages per hour, and can even push that number up to 75,000 to 80,000 during peak times!
Efficiency Meets Sustainability
In addition to its impressive sorting capabilities, Secondary 25 is LEED-certified, which means it meets rigorous environmental standards. It’s clear that as FedEx expands its operations, they are also making a commitment to being responsible stewards of the environment. Lisa Lisson, President of FedEx Air Operations, emphasized the company’s goal to cater to businesses around the globe, saying, “One of the great things is all the businesses around the world get to be our customers.”
Investments in Memphis
The opening of this facility represents only a piece of a larger $1.5 billion investment that FedEx is making at its Memphis World Hub. After testing commenced back in July, Secondary 25 is now fully operational just in time for the holiday rush. This facility is set to handle over half of the volume coming from the primary sorting area and, as a result, is expected to significantly cut down on sorting times while increasing reliability for the millions of customers relying on FedEx for timely deliveries.
High-Tech Features for the Future
One of the standout aspects of Secondary 25 is its Hub Operations Command Center, which has tripled in size compared to the original facility. This advanced center provides employees with the ability to track every package that enters this hub. With cutting-edge technology at their fingertips, FedEx aims to effectively manage logistics even as demands grow.
FedEx has also integrated six-sided scanning technology, which allows packages to be scanned on all sides. This innovation helps in obtaining the correct size and barcode information for sorting. Couple that with 1,000 cameras monitoring package flow and enhanced weighing and dimensioning systems, it’s clear that they are committed to maximizing efficiency in every facet of the sorting process.
A Focus on Reliability
Understanding how vital their services are, especially in sectors like healthcare, FedEx has equipped the facility with a new substation and additional generators. Lisson noted, “We’ve got a lot of customers who are in the medical industry, and we’ve got to make sure that we can continue to move their packages, the cancer treatments, etc.” This ensures that even during severe weather, operations can continue seamlessly.
Plans for the Future
And there’s more good news for Memphis! Construction is already underway on a second facility, Secondary 26, which is also set to span 1.3 million square feet. This facility is expected to open its doors by peak season in 2027, further solidifying FedEx’s footprint in this key region.
In conclusion, Memphis isn’t just a shipping center; it’s a booming hub for innovation and logistics. With the opening of the Secondary 25 facility, FedEx is setting itself up to provide faster, more reliable service for customers far and wide. It’s exciting to witness how such advancements pave the way for the future of shipping and logistics right here in our own backyard!
