The Home Depot acquires automation firm

US home improvement retailer The Home Depot has acquired SIMPL Automation which uses advanced engineering and AI technology to help distribution facilities operate faster and more efficiently

The acquisition follows a successful pilot at The Home Depot’s Locust Grove, Ga. distribution centre, where it drove faster pick speed, faster cycle times and less product touches. It also has a patented storage and retrieval solution that helps maximise storage density, allowing The Home Depot to house a broader assortment of high-demand products closer to the customer, which allows faster, more seamless delivery and expanded product availability.

“We’re focused on providing the best interconnected experience in home improvement by having products in stock and ready to deliver to our customers whether it's to the home or jobsite,” said Amit Kalra, senior vice president of supply chain at The Home Depot. “By bringing SIMPL’s industry-leading automation into our operations, we’re accelerating the flow of products through our distribution network to deliver with unprecedented speed and precision.”