Alliant Energy Central Distribution Center PROJECT PROFILE Logistical improvements Three Alliant Energy distribution centers combined into one central distribution center owned and operated by Border States. Delivery accuracy rate 99% Facility expansion Nine acres of yard space added Daily deliveries Six trucks per day Storerooms serviced 42 Cedar Rapids, Iowa Alliant Energy serves more than 971,000 electric and 417,000 natural gas customers in the Midwest. Between deliveries from Border States and other suppliers, Alliant Energy realized its three Iowa distribution centers weren’t operating as efficiently as possible. Seeking to reduce costs and double handling of material, Alliant Energy asked Border States to consolidate their Iowa material logistics at a new central distribution center. THE SOLUTION The new center strategically plans and coordinates the receiving of products sold by Border States and transformers, voltage regulators, breakers and other equipment owned by Alliant Energy. To prepare for the increased inventory, our Cedar Rapids branch: Hired nine additional employee-owners. Trained new and existing employee-owners on handling the new material. Added nine acres of outdoor yard space. Purchased seven forklifts and five trucks and trailers. In a single weekend, 140 truckloads of material were moved from Alliant Energy’s largest distribution center to our Cedar Rapids branch. The branch transitioned another 240 truckloads from the other two distribution centers over two months. Our IT Specialists collaborated with Alliant Energy’s IT department to establish timely processes for order management and communication. RESULTS By outsourcing distribution logistics to Border States, Alliant Energy reduced costs and eliminated double handling of material. The central distribution center currently sends four trucks to Alliant Energy job sites and two trucks to replenish storerooms every day. The accuracy rate for material delivery is now at an impressive 99%.