General Motors plans to invest $23 million in its Customer Care and Aftersales (CCA) Charlotte Parts Distribution Center, located in North Carolina.

The money will be used to continue increasing workplace safety and modernizing operations to maximize storage space, reduce physically demanding work, and improve order fulfillment time to prepare for industry growth, GM said.

“We are investing in our warehouse operations to proactively address the growing number of vehicles on the road and better support our customers and dealers,” said David Marsh, GM Customer Care and Aftersales global vice president, in a press release. “Our goal is to create an environment which minimizes ergonomic stressors on our employees while they continue to deliver the right part, to the right place, at the right time to our customers.”

The 352,000-square-foot facility has a smaller physical footprint compared to other GM distribution centers, but it’s among the highest in parts volume with more than 40,000 stocked.

The technology scheduled to be implemented includes:

• • Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) includes a grid-like storage and retrieval system using machines to pull specific parts from shelving. It’s expected to increase storage capacity by 11% and reduce the need for manual lifting.
  • Robotics and conveyance systems will bring sorted materials to an employee to reduce walking and repetitive movements for employees.
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) will bring orders to employees to complete final shipping processes for dealer orders.

The new investment builds on a commitment of more than $120.5 million into three CCA facilities announced last year. The facilities are located in Memphis, Tennessee; Ypsilanti, Michigan; and Burton, Michigan. The investments were also to implement technology to enhance workplace safety by easing physically demanding work, GM said.

“We’re genuinely excited about GM’s investment in our facility, a significant step towards easing the ergonomic stress on our workers,” said Darrell Turlington, UAW 2404 shop chairman, in the release. “This investment highlights our dedication to improving workplace conditions and bolsters our ability to continue growing and serving our customers with unwavering commitment. Together, we’re moving towards a more efficient and supportive future.”

Installation of the system is slated to begin in June and is expected to be operational by August 2025.

The Charlotte Parts Distribution Center opened in 1999 and ships 420,000 customer orders per month. It currently employs 132 people and most team members are represented by UAW Local 2404.

Images

Featured image: A GM Customer Care and Aftersales employee drives a hi-lo to move and deliver parts throughout one of its parts distribution centers. (Photo by Houston Colfield for General Motors)