Kenco Expands Innovation Lab for Warehouse Automation Testing
Kenco has opened a new 30,000-square-foot innovation lab in Chattanooga, Tennessee to test warehouse automation systems. The facility triples the size of its original testing space from 2015 and is designed to simulate real-world conditions so results can be applied directly to live operations. Ainsley Williams, Kenco’s vice president of automation and innovation, emphasized that this expansion benefits both manufacturers and customers by allowing for more extensive product evaluation without upfront investment. The lab operates with vendor neutrality, enabling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to test their products in a real environment while providing potential buyers the opportunity to explore solutions before committing. Denis Reilly, Kenco’s CEO, highlighted that as automation ambitions grow across industries and within Kenco itself, this new space supports broader technology evaluation and development. The expansion reflects Kenco's long-term commitment to understanding how emerging technologies impact operations and customer needs. The company currently operates 140 locations in North America with over 7,500 employees.
Topics: Innovation Logistics Warehouse Automation