Caterpillar Redesign Impacts Dealer Distribution
In order to improve parts availability to the customer base Caterpillar is redesigning their distribution center strategy. This has led to several openings of new distribution centers and the closings of some smaller parts depots. As a result of the redesign process MacAllister Machinery will be changing the way that we receive Caterpillar replacement parts.
In August of this year Caterpillar will be opening a new distribution center in Clayton, OH. Clayton is just west of Dayton, OH. The distribution center will cover 1.5 million square feet and will fulfill MacAllister Machinery’s needs for both stock and emergency parts. The opening of the Clayton facility will also lead to the closing of the existing Caterpillar depot in Indianapolis.
The changes that Caterpillar is making in the distribution system will impact how MacAllister Machinery services customers. We will continue to have a 5:00 pm cut-off time for emergency orders. We will also continue to deliver these parts to drop boxes across the state that night. These night shuttles will run approximately 2 hours later than the current schedule. Therefore, most customers will not see a significant change in the way that they receive replacement parts. However, there will be a change in how the Indianapolis branch handles emergency orders.
We currently receive multiple deliveries during the day for emergency parts sourced from the Indy depot. These deliveries will be consolidated to two beginning August 24th. This is because the Clayton distribution center requires 2.5 hours to process an emergency order and it is located 2 hours away. All emergency orders placed by noon and fulfilled via Clayton will be available for pick-up at the Indianapolis 30th street location at 5:00 pm. Emergency orders placed between noon and 5:00 pm will be available at 10:30 pm from the same location. This change will only impact those customers who place emergency orders for pick-up at the Indianapolis 30th street location or the Indy depot.
We apologize for any inconvenience that these changes may cause. It is our goal to continue to provide unmatched product support for your equipment needs and look forward to supporting you in the future.