Warehouse Storage Solutions Case Study

Eckart Supply Opens 90,000-Square-Foot Distribution Center in Just Over Three Months

CUSTOMER: Eckart Supply

Introduction

When Eckart Supply needed to open a new 90,000-square-foot facility in Blue Ash, OH, the timeline was ambitious. The new location would serve as both a storefront and distribution hub for the Cincinnati market, making it critical to the company's continued growth.

Having successfully partnered on several smaller projects, Eckart Supply turned to Raymond Storage Concepts (RSC) to design and implement a warehouse storage solution that would help the facility open quickly and efficiently.

INDUSTRY
Wholesale Distribution

LOCATION
Blue Ash, OH

SOLUTIONS USED
Warehouse Storage Solutions
Racking Safety Products
Warehouse Layout Design
Project Management
System Installation

The before view of the Eckart Supply facility in Blue Ash, OH. Featuring old equipment, uneven floors and dim lighting.

The Challenge: A Tight Timeline & A Tough Space

Eckart Supply needed the new facility operational in just over three months. Any delays could impact customer service and revenue generation in a key growth market.

The building itself added complexity. Originally constructed in the 1950s, the facility featured low ceilings and uneven floors that limited vertical storage options and required careful planning to maximize available space.

"Our goal was to have the building fully up and running as fast as possible," said Cory Love, District Manager for Eckart Supply Southern Indiana and Central Kentucky.

The Journey: From First Walkthrough to Open Doors

RSC and Eckart Supply began planning in late April 2025. By early May, the design was approved and the project moved quickly into execution.

To keep the project on track, the teams maintained close communication through weekly check-ins, site visits and phased installation planning. As materials arrived, sections of the warehouse were completed and stocked while construction continued in other areas, helping accelerate the opening timeline.

The facility welcomed customers in early August and celebrated its grand opening shortly after.

Project Timeline

Drag the timeline to explore key milestones for the RSC-Eckart Supply project.

Inside the Blue Ash, OH Eckart Supply distribution center during racking installation. Showing multiple rows of pallet rack in empty warehouse.

Our Warehouse Storage Solutions: Designing for Speed Without Cutting Corners

To meet the aggressive timeline, RSC split the project into two phases—allowing Eckart Supply to begin stocking completed sections earlier while the rest was still under construction, significantly accelerating the opening process.

The final layout was tailored to Eckart Supply’s operational needs:

A Will Call and Delivery area with vertical pipe racks to keep product organized while conserving floor space
Back-to-back pallet racking and narrow aisles to maximize storage
Fire-compliant decking and capped punch shelving for small item picking
Guide rails for Big Joe equipment to eliminate ladder use and improve safety
Additional safety products

Each design decision balanced speed, safety and day-to-day usability for Eckart Supply’s team.

The Results: Operational & On Schedule

From start to finish, the project was defined by speed, efficiency and proactive communication.

Unmatched Speed

Thanks to strong vendor relationships and streamlined procurement, RSC delivered racking in just five weeks—three weeks faster than the industry norm.

Operational Efficiency

Close collaboration and RSC’s proven, iterative approach kept the project aligned with Eckart Supply’s business goals. Every warehouse storage solution was implemented with operational impact in mind.

Consistent Communication

Strong project management addressed challenges before they could become problems. Every detail was documented and communicated with RSC on-site at every key phase of the project.

Maximized Vertical Space

Despite 13′ ceiling clearances, the layout was engineered to make the most of the available vertical space. Rack heights, shelving configurations and product placement optimized storage capacity while remaining compliant and accessible.

“We achieved a soft opening during the first week of August, followed by our grand opening in September,” Cory said. “From initial discussions in late April to full operation in just over three months—it was a remarkable turnaround.”

“One of the key things that stands out is how easy it is to work with your team,” Cory added. “We always start with a clear plan and maintain close communication throughout. That alignment ensures tasks are completed efficiently and the project stays on track. At Eckart, we pride ourselves on delivering top-tier customer service—and I believe the RSC team shares that same commitment.”

Cory Love, District Manager, Eckart Supply Southern Indiana & Central Kentucky

How It’s Been Going

Today, the Blue Ash facility supports approximately 12,000 SKUs and serves both walk-in customers and delivery operations.

According to Eckart Supply Operations Manager Dale Thomas, the improvements continue to make a difference every day. "Running great! So much nicer than other facilities I've been in," Thomas said.

Features like punch decking, pipe divider racks, end-of-aisle guards and post protectors have improved organization, simplified picking and reduced equipment damage.

Following the success of the Blue Ash project, Eckart Supply and Raymond Storage Concepts have already begun collaborating on their next facility initiative.

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