Maker of Tommy Bahama To Optimize Distribution: Oxford Industries’ Largest Robotic Deployment Yet
Oxford Industries, which owns such brands as Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, and Johnny Was, is optimizing its supply chain warehouse operations by implementing more than 450 robots in an expanded distribution center with over 450,000 storage locations.
The company is working with Exotec to automate the 560,000-plus square-foot facility in Lyons, Georgia — its largest robotic deployment thus far. The machines will support receiving, decanting, sorting, packing, and outbound shipping, offering end-to-end automation through a Next Generation Skypod picking system.
Also read: Kimberly-Clark Accelerates Robotics As Part of Supply Chain Overhaul
Expected benefits include improved productivity for its existing workforce along with reduced time and labor in the returns process, streamlining processes for inspections, sorting, and storing returned items that are in acceptable condition for resale.
Mark Kirby, Oxford's SVP of operations, said the investment will help provide direct-to-consumer throughput capabilities for its brands as well as convenient access to Southeastern U.S. ports.
The multi-brand, omnichannel distribution facility is expected to open in late 2025.
