Newell-Rubbermaid
A massive distribution center is delivered on an accelerated schedule to support continuous national fulfillment – consolidating inventory, improving throughput and enabling same-day shipment capability for two merged brands.
Project
Overview
When Newell Corp. acquired Rubbermaid, the combined companies had operations facilities throughout the Midwest, creating the opportunity for a consolidated distribution center to be built.
The facility was designed to consolidate inventory, accelerate order fulfillment and operate continuously in support of retail demand across the country.
Spanning 815,000 square feet, the warehouse represents the largest facility the area, with construction completed in just seven months.
As Rubbermaid spokeswoman Hannah Van Malssen noted, the scale of the facility reflects both the size of the operation and its importance to the company’s distribution strategy.
The structural and envelope systems were selected to support both speed of construction and long-term durability.
The building utilizes a Butler clearspan structural system for long bay sizes, providing expansive clear space and efficient material flow. Overhead, the MR-24® conventional roof system delivers weather performance suited to year-round operation. Exterior walls are finished with Shadowall™ metal wall panel systems, reinforcing durability and a consistent architectural presence.
Inside, products manufactured at a nearby facility are staged alongside items produced at other locations, including food storage containers, home organization totes, refuse products, beverage bottles and cleaning tools such as push brooms and mops.
The facility also supports newer product lines, including modular food storage solutions designed for speed and flexibility in fulfillment.
Operational performance drove every decision. Inventory is expected to turn four to five times per year on average, with the capability for same-day movement when demand requires. Officials noted that in some cases, a product manufactured in another location could be shipped out the same day, underscoring the importance of proximity, throughput and precision.
The distribution center operates as a 24-hour continuous facility, with workers picking and shipping orders around the clock.
What sets this facility apart is not a single feature, but the integration of scale, speed and certainty.
Delivered in months rather than years, the distribution center now serves as a critical node in a national supply chain. It was built to perform continuously, adapt quickly and support growth without disruption, reflecting a facility designed not just for today’s demand but for sustained operational excellence.
