Brownells
A legacy brand in Iowa outgrows its facility and builds for the future with a massive distribution center and retail store that requires the clearspan precision that only Butler® building systems can provide.
Project
Overview
After decades of growth and the acquisition of several complementary brands, Brownells faced the reality that its existing distribution operation could no longer support the scale or speed its customers expected.
Known globally as “the world’s leading source” for gun parts, accessories and ammunition, the company understood that its next facility had to do more than add square footage. It had to position the business for the future.
Brownells had already navigated a major shift from paper catalogs to e-commerce. At the same time, the company recognized an opportunity to open its first brick-and-mortar retail location.
The solution was a combined warehouse distribution center and retail facility designed to operate as a single, integrated system.
That transition online expanded reach and accelerated demand across its product catalog, which includes tens of thousands of parts, tools and supplies. Meanwhile, a physical location would give customers direct access to products while maintaining the efficiency of a centralized distribution operation.
Brownells partnered with Septagon, a Butler Builder®, to deliver a structure that could support both high-volume fulfillment and an elevated customer experience.
The completed project includes a 200,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center paired with a 7,000-square-foot retail showroom, all located just off Interstate 80 in Grinnell.
Clearspan precision drove the design.
The building was engineered to accommodate long bay sizes and uninterrupted floor space, supporting efficient material flow and vertical integration.
The facility was designed with adaptability in mind. The structure supports evolving fulfillment strategies, whether managing peak demand, specialized handling or reverse logistics.
What’s most unique about this store is that it’s located in the same walls as our distribution center. This equates to a fantastic customer experience and the best of both worlds; a beautiful retail store to transact and access to a huge selection of products unrivaled anywhere in the world.
Space and systems were planned to accommodate advancing technology without requiring disruption to core operations. The result is a building that performs today while remaining ready for tomorrow.
The retail component brings the brand closer to its customers. Brownells opened its first ever physical store at the site, giving visitors access to an extensive in store selection while connecting directly to the adjacent warehouse.
Customers who do not find what they need on the showroom floor can order from inventory stored on site and receive products within minutes, reinforcing the link between distribution efficiency and customer service.
A third-generation family business, Brownells has built its reputation on quality, consistency and service. This facility reflects those values at scale. It is not simply a warehouse or a store. It is an operational platform designed to support a growing business with confidence, control and long-term reliability.
Inside Brownells distribution center, a mezzanine and a three-story pick line organize inventory movement across multiple levels. Scanners, color coded tubs and conveyor belts work together to move orders accurately and quickly, ensuring consistency across daily operations and seasonal surges.
