Maisel explains that as automation has played a bigger role in warehouse operations, Gulf Distributing has turned to systems like Cirrus Tech’s ASRS at several of its facilities to improve efficiency, accuracy and safety.

“It is a high-density storage and inventory management system that uses an automated crane powered by advanced software,” she says. “Products are scanned when received and loaded into the system, and the crane stores them in designated locations using first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory management. This improves inventory control, product rotation and management of sell-by and expiration dates.

“The system also automatically replenishes picking locations from reserve 

inventory, reducing manual handling, improving order accuracy and increasing overall warehouse productivity,” Maisel continues. “There are important safety benefits as well. Along with the additional space created through our facility investments, the system reduces forklift traffic and unnecessary product movement and creates a more organized warehouse environment. The result is a safer, more efficient operation that helps us serve customers better and improve our employees’ quality of life.”

Gulf Distributing also has several major investments throughout its business that will strengthen its operations and position, Maisel notes.

“Energy Beverage Management’s Gulfport operation recently moved into its new facility in D’Iberville, Miss.,” she says. “That is an important milestone that will improve our ability to serve customers and support future expansion in the region.”

Additionally, Gulf Distributing is nearing completion of a 60,000-square-foot warehouse expansion at its Huntsville, Ala.-based facility.

“The additional space and improved infrastructure will increase capacity and efficiency and allow us to expand in one of the fastest-growing markets in our footprint,” Maisel says.

The company also is preparing to break ground for a new facility in Florida.

“In Milton, Fla., Goldring Gulf Distributing will break ground on a 75,000-square-foot warehouse expansion and will include the installation of a Cirrus Tech AS/RS crane automation at this location,” Maisel says. “This project will give us the capacity to meet the region’s growing demand and pursue future opportunities. There is a lot of momentum across our footprint, and I am excited to see these investments come to life.”

However, facility expansions, transformations and new builds are not the only way that Gulf Distributing is investing back into its operations.

Earlier this year, the wholesaler announced it will implement Ohanafy, an AI-enabled, Salesforce-powered ecosystem.

Maisel explains that after a months-long evaluation by its 25-member cross-functional steering committee, Ohanafy was selected as its connected and scalable platform will allow Gulf Distributing to keep pace with its business and changing marketplace.

“When live, Ohanafy will bring key functions together in one system,” Maisel says. “We expect it to improve visibility across the organization, streamline workflows, strengthen decision-making through better data and insights and ultimately help our teams operate more efficiently.

“Most importantly, it will position Gulf at the forefront of beverage distribution technology,” she continues. “We see this as much more than a technology upgrade. It is an investment in a smarter, more connected organization to support the next generation of Gulf.”

Ohanafy will not go live within Gulf Distributing until December, but Maisel explains that the implementation has prompted the company to evaluate and refine various existing workflows.

“The process has helped us standardize procedures, improve data accessibility and identify ways to streamline the flow of information between departments,” Maisel says. “By bringing more functions into a single platform, we expect to reduce manual steps, improve collaboration and give our teams better tools for serving customers and suppliers and making day-to-day decisions. 

“Above all, this is an investment in our people,” she continues. “It will make their jobs easier, their workflows more efficient, and give them better line of sight to our data to enable real-time analysis.”

The investments that Gulf Distributing is making in physical infrastructure as well as systems have set up the company to meet its operational needs and support its long-term growth strategy.