General Motors Co. has announced plans to invest a total of $20.5 million across three of its Customer Care and Aftersales parts distribution centers, located in Memphis, Tenn., Ypsilanti, Mich., and Burton, Mich. The investments will be used to implement a variety of automation technology to modernize warehouse operations as GM prepares for industry growth and electric vehicle readiness.

“As we continue to invest in our workforce by modernizing our warehouse operations, implementing technology allows our organization to prepare for industry growth, especially as we expand for the electric vehicle future,” said John Roth, GM global vice president, Customer Care and Aftersales. “Combining the talent of our workforce with new technology, we can help minimize ergonomic stressors and reduce the physically demanding work, which will help us prepare for increased demand as we support more vehicles on the road. It can also help increase order fulfillment speed and ensure our customers continue to receive the right part, at the right place, at the right time.” 

Details of the individual investments includes:

• Memphis Parts Distribution Center: The $14 million investment will be used to implement an automated parts storage and retrieval system. The system will allow Memphis to prepare for industry growth and the electric vehicle future as it is a distribution hub for Original Equipment ACDelco parts and EV chargers and supports GM’s newly launched eCommerce business. The system is scheduled to begin installation by June 2023 and expected to be operational by October 2023.
• Ypsilanti Processing Center: The $3 million investment will be used to implement robotic technology with powered conveyors to lift and palletize material. The system is scheduled to begin installation by October 2023 and expected to be operational by December 2023.
• Davison Road Processing Center: The $3.5 million investment will be used to implement automatic boxing machines which will create custom sized boxes to fit parts. The system is scheduled to begin installation by March 2023 and expected to be operational by April 2023.

“These investments will make the jobs of our members at Locals 2406 (Memphis, Tenn.), 174 (Ypsilanti, Mich.) and 651 (Burton, Mich.) safer and more secure,” said Mike Booth, UAW vice president and director of the General Motors Department. “This is happening because UAW members have a proven record of skill, experience and quality that has contributed to the success of GM and CCA.”

At the Memphis Parts Distribution Center, the technology is expected to increase storage capacity by 11%. The increased storage will allow for a greater number of parts to be processed. The technology will also reduce the amount of walking and lifting done by employees, as the parts and packages will now be brought to the employee located at a stationary work location.

“UAW celebrates today’s investment announcement and with it, the ongoing dedication of UAW Local 2406 members,” said Ronald Conley, shop chairman of UAW 2406. “Their contributions to the success of this facility plays a vital role in GM’s future growth, including an all-electric future.”

In addition to the investment in the Memphis warehouse operations, GM also announced a philanthropic investment into the community through its annual Community Impact Grant program. The University of Memphis Foundation was awarded a $10,000 grant to continue their STEM Ambassadors Program. With this grant, GM has now contributed a total of $60,000 to support the program since 2018 for the shared priority of increasing access to STEM education opportunities in the Memphis community.

The Memphis Parts Distribution Center was opened in 1999 and ships approximately 331,700 orders per month. It currently employs approximately 259 people, and most team members are represented by UAW Local 2406.