Exotec’s Skypod system led to a 10x increase in picking speed, while leaving room to expand capacity 4x within the existing footprint as the company rapidly grows

ATLANTA, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Exotec®, a global warehouse robotics leader, announced its Skypod-powered warehouse automation solution enabled First Supply to offer next-morning delivery at scale for orders placed by 5:00 PM, marking a major milestone for the business and the industry.

As a wholesale supplier of HVAC, builder, plumbing, lighting, waterworks, and other industrial supplies, First Supply faces intense demand to support contractors as they keep projects moving. Exotec’s automation solution enabled First Supply to vertically concentrate products in its state-of-the-art distribution center and accelerate robotics-supported picking, allowing faster shipments while improving operating conditions for the employees. Key expected business impacts on warehouse operations include:

• Enabling 4x growth in storage capacity without expanding existing racking footprint, while maintaining 30% additional capacity for future hardware expansion
• 10x faster picking speeds compared to manual processes
• Handling over 14,000 SKUs within the Skypod system
• Decreasing travel time and distance, improving productivity for operators

After just over one year of operation, the results are felt by both First Supply’s customers and its branch network. With overnight replenishment capability supported by Exotec’s Skypod system, the company can meet next-day order demand which can be as much as 20% of the new distribution center’s daily volume.

“Having a significant percentage of each day’s order volume delivered via the ultra-fast and efficient Skypod system enables First Supply to meet peak season and peak daily demand,” said Steve Baer, Chief Logistics Officer of First Supply. “The system is productive, efficient, and will enable the facility to grow with minimal disruption over time.”.

In addition to meeting daily peak demand, Exotec’s warehouse automation technology helped First Supply with an exceptional situation. When massive flash flooding hit southeastern Wisconsin last summer, First Supply quickly delivered products that the community needed to hundreds of affected customers. By implementing modern warehouse automation into its omnichannel distribution center, they’re not only able to stay competitive, but also build on their 5th generation legacy in the region.

“First Supply’s results with Exotec show how the right automation strategy can deliver significant operational and business value, not only for today’s operations, but for what’s to come, too,” said Stanislas Normand, Managing Director of Exotec North America. “By improving efficiency, supporting growth, and strengthening day-to-day execution, they built a more resilient and scalable operation. We are proud to support their progress and excited to keep building on it together.”

Learn more about the benefits First Supply is experiencing from modern warehouse automation via an in-depth case study here.

About Exotec

Exotec is a global warehouse automation leader delivering flexible, reliable end-to-end robotic solutions for modern fulfillment operations. By designing and manufacturing its own technology and solutions, Exotec serves as a single automation provider, reducing complexity and risk while accelerating time to value compared to traditional systems. Over 75 industry-leading brands including Oxford Industries (Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer), Carrefour, Decathlon, and UNIQLO trust Exotec to improve operations across 200+ sites worldwide. Learn more at Exotec.com.

About First Supply

Founded in 1897 in La Crosse, WI, First Supply is a fifth-generation, family-owned leader in HVAC, plumbing, lighting, waterworks, industrial PVF, pump, well, and septic supplies. As the largest Wisconsin-based wholesaler, First Supply serves the Upper Midwest with 54 locations, including distribution branches, Waterworks branches, Able Distributors Powered by First Supply, Gerhard’s Kitchen, Bath & Lighting Stores, and Kohler Stores by First Supply. The company continues to invest in the future, including the operation of a state-of-the-art distribution center that expands capacity and supports efficient service across its network.

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SOURCE Exotec