REI is a speciality outdoor retailer and one of the largest consumer co-ops in the US. Credit: M.O. Stevens/commons.wikimedia.org.

Speciality outdoor retailer REI Co-op has expanded its growth in the Midwest and southeast region of the US with the opening of a new distribution centre in Tennessee.

Located in Lebanon, the 400,000ft² facility will cater to more than 60 stores and 5.6 million REI members in the area.

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With sustainability in mind, the distribution centre runs on 100% renewable electric energy through an onsite solar array and a soon-to-be-built solar array in eastern Tennessee.

The facility also has electric forklifts to transport goods and electric charging stations for staff vehicles.

In addition, the distribution is designed to use 50% less water in its operations and landscaping compared to the industry baseline.

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During construction, the company was able to prevent more than 90% of operational waste from ending up in landfills.

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To improve employees’ wellbeing, the distribution centre features ergonomic workspaces, a gym floor-to-ceiling windows and others.

REI’s Lebanon distribution centre has more than 230 part-time and full-time employees, which may increase to 350 as the co-op’s business expands.

REI chief supply chain officer Sylvia Wilks said: “We believe the climate crisis is the greatest threat to our business and the future of our planet. REI is leveraging its values and cooperative model to minimise our environmental footprint while serving the outdoor community.

“Our new Lebanon distribution centre allows us to improve our delivery speed to customers and stores, increase our throughput capacity and agility and lower costs all while achieving new sustainable building standards.”

The Lebanon facility will join REI’s three existing distribution centres in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Washington.

These facilities serve 185 stores in 42 states as well as the retailer’s online operation across the country and globe.