Anixter

Assisting a Customer to Achieve a Competitive and Sustainable Advantage

Anixter International wanted to maximize efficiencies by consolidating several of their operations in Alsip, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. As the world's largest distributor of wire, cable, communication and security products, Anixter already had a large logistics network in place. In fact, the company had a presence in 220 cities in 45 countries, but management knew that maintaining a competitive advantage required more than a network of strategically located distribution facilities. To stay ahead of the competition, the company would have to stay efficient and always work to improve its logistics operation.

Consequently, Anixter was interested in building a new state-of-the-art facility that would leverage their existing resources, incorporate new cost-saving strategies, and utilize the latest energy efficient building methods.

Creating Sustainable Solutions

In 2002, Anixter contacted ProLogis and requested a build-to-suit proposal. A few months later, ProLogis was selected to develop what would be Anixter's largest distribution center in the United States. Together, Anixter and ProLogis worked through a comprehensive design process. ProLogis then customized a facility proposal that addressed the functional requirements for the distribution facility and incorporated intelligent material selections. To make sure that Anixter got the best financial package, ProLogis also introduced Anixter to its state and local incentives consultant to help with the requisite tax negotiations.

Because energy efficiency was important to Anixter, ProLogis worked with them to incorporate sustainability, energy savings and environmentally responsible elements into the design of the facility. Those measures included: skylights and clearstory windows to increase natural daylight to the central interior areas, as well as reversible exhaust fans for better air quality. Additionally, high energy-efficient fluorescent lighting with an advanced energy-control system to reduce electrical consumption was incorporated into the design, and the roof insulation was doubled to an “R” value for a greater resistance to thermal heat transfer. To be environmentally responsible, recycled building materials were used throughout the building process and low-maintenance landscaping was utilized.

Listening Leads to Positive Returns

Completed in 2004, Anixter's new 458,000 square-foot facility is energy efficient and provides a cost-effective storage solution enabling Anixter to achieve the same inventory storage capacity as its previous facilities in less square footage.

“Given Anixter’s history of working with ProLogis, we knew the process would be an easy, hassle-free experience. ProLogis knows how to listen to its customers and works hard to meet their needs. Working with them on this facility in Alsip was no exception," said Bob DeBolt, vice president of operations for Anixter.

The Alsip project was one of several partnerships between Anixter and ProLogis. The companies first collaberated in 1996 when ProLogis completed a build-to-suit in Reno, Nevada for Anixter. Since then, ProLogis and Anixter have expanded their relationship then Anixter and its affiliated companies are leasing space from ProLogis in ten markets across the United States.