DLA Distribution Susquehanna Eastern Distribution Center
It’s fair to say that most residents in the region don’t know how large the operation is at the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Center Susquehanna in Fairview Township, York County, or the important support services that go on there everyday that impact members of the military around the world.
DLA Distribution Susquehanna’s Eastern Distribution Center is home to the largest distribution processing facility in the Defense Department at 1.8 million square-feet of space.
But, that large space faces a major problem: the distribution center is operating with its original technology and equipment from the early 1990s.
But, there’s a solution in the works.
In September 2020, the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution acquisition directorate awarded several contracts to modernize the DLA Distribution Susquehanna Eastern Distribution Center.
The total cost for this modernization project is approximately $200 million. Funding for this project was provided by the Defense Department.
Officials said that after a study of business practices and workload, they concluded that a modernization of equipment and technology would lead to a 139% increase in systemic throughput, 239% increase in pick-rates, 20% increase in labor production improvement, 100% increase in material location accuracy and a 70% increase in order verification.
“The modernization effort includes a “goods-to-person” strategy that allows employees to remain at their workstation while material moves to them, improving accuracy, safety and speed,” Dawn Bonsell, DLA Distribution Public Affairs Officer, said in a statement. “All of this will incorporate the existing infrastructure with our organic workforce and is scheduled to be completed by 2025.”
At the DLA Distribution Susquehanna’s Eastern Distribution Center, the receiving area is being centralized and a multi-tiered buffer system is replacing the single pallet high parcel receiving dock floor. Officials said that the receiving operation will become more fluid and more reliable as material enters the warehouse.
The demolition and clearance of the mezzanine area has wrapped up and further construction is now beginning, which includes general construction and electrical work, as an additional conveyor and more equipment is installed. Other features include the addition of a breakroom and restroom, as well as a printer and computer room with additional offices.
An area where new conveyer systems are being installed in the Eastern Distribution Center. The Eastern Distribution Center at the Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Susquehanna in Fairview Township. September 20, 2022. Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com
The process of installing updated equipment is ongoing with equipment deliveries taking place on a recurring basis and installation of delivered equipment is underway.
“New conveyor and updated machinery will allow for a smooth material flow with standardized repair and maintenance process to improve operational uptime,” Bonsell said.
The parcel unloading dock for mission receipt and the consolidation and containerization point, the tote-to-fill workstations and a multi shuttle are all being installed. Receiving conveyor and bridges are now being laid out on the mezzanine.
“Beyond creating a more efficient receiving throughput process, these changes will also reduce the overall footprint of the process, which will allow for better space and storage utilization,” Bonsell said.
Changes are also being made on software systems infrastructure and network management. DLA Distribution Susquehanna is replacing its existing software system. Mock workstations are being set up for testing and employee training.
“This work will directly benefit all users, as the level of automation involved will improve safety and accuracy,” Bonsell said.
The first go-live phase for the entire receiving area is currently slated for the summer of 2023. The next phase will be the sortation system, which is expected to go live shortly after the first phase. The delivery of new cranes for the high-rise area is scheduled for November 2023 with testing and implementation shortly thereafter. The high-rise will be done in multiple phases over the next three years. Synchronization of subsequent phases are currently in development.
The DLA, is the nation’s combat logistics support agency. DLA Distribution is the Defense Department’s joint storage and distribution provider, and is located in more than 50 locations across 20 states, seven countries and all COCOMs (military commands). DLA Distribution has approximately 8,500 employees that provide distribution services to customers around the globe.
Locally, DLA Distribution Susquehanna coordinates material management and distribution of mission-critical items including military and commercial repair parts, industrial, medical supplies, tires and aerial delivery equipment. It serves as the eastern strategic distribution platform for the Defense Department and primary distribution point for all branches of the U.S. Armed Services, foreign military services and other federal agencies. DLA Distribution Susquehanna also serves as their consolidation and containerization point for transiting supplies to Central and South America, Europe, North Africa and Southwest Asia. This center handles 25% of DLA Distribution’s total receipt, storage and issue of material worldwide.
DLA Distribution Susquehanna has been instrumental in supporting many operations throughout its history to include: Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Most recently, DLA Distribution Susquehanna supported the U.S. Pandemic support efforts. DLA Distribution Susquehanna shipped more than 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to Defense Department employees and dependents outside the continental United States and the deployed Navy Fleet beginning in December 2020. DLA Distribution Susquehanna processes more than 15 million transactions every year.
Navy Rear Adm. Grafton D. Chase Jr. was recently named commander of DLA Distribution Susquehanna.
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