The Friday Report Blog: March 24th, 2023

BJ’s to Use Inventory Robots Nationwide  

BJ’s Wholesale Club has announced plans to deploy autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in all of its retail locations this year. Built by Simbe Robotics, the “Tally” robots will be used nationwide to assess operating conditions so the company can become more efficient to better serve customers.  

The big-box retailer has stated that the robots will utilize computer-vision driven cameras to scan and collect images of items on store shelves. They will then use the data collected to track stock levels, ensure products are in the correct location, as well as monitor prices. This information will be used to guide employees in stocking shelves and locating products.  

In addition, BJ’s is currently upgrading its 237 stores to better serve its online customers. The retailer recently installed facilities in several of its stores to facilitate curbside pickup, which accounts for half of the company’s online sales.   

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Purolator to Invest $1 Billion to Electrify Its Canadian Network   

Canadian courier Purolator recently announced a $1 billion investment over the next seven years to electrify its Canadian network. The investment money will be used to purchase over 3,500 fully electric last-mile delivery vehicles and over 60 electric-charging terminals across Canada. This is the largest investment in the company’s 63-year history. 

The investment is driven by Purolator’s commitment to its environmental sustainability goals. The electrification of its fleet is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 80,000 tons by 2030.  

This is not the first time that Purolator has invested in sustainability efforts. In 2005 the company introduced 500 hybrid-electric vehicles to its fleet and in 2020 implemented e-bikes and low-speed vehicles in 2020.  

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APM Mobile Announces $60 Million Investment in Rail Infrastructure 

Logistics provider Application Performance Monitoring (APM) Terminals Mobile has announced plans to invest $60 million to expand rail infrastructure. This investment will enable faster connections from Alabama to the Midwest and other inland market.  

With the investment, APM Terminals Mobile will add rail storage space as well as expand the tracks to its facility near the Port of Mobile to 12,000 feet, doubling the ports shipping capacity. Additionally, the Alabama State Port Authority will build a bridge enabling APM to provide on-dock rail service. 

The rail infrastructure project is expected to take close to 24 months to complete. The new facility will link to a planned inland port in Montgomery, Alabama which will be completed in 2025.  

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