Distribution Center Location and Expansion Plan, Platt Electric Supply

Abstract

The project provided Platt Electric, the largest private wholesale electric supply distributor in the western United States, with different options for the expansion of their business and the addition of 110 branches. Using demand forecasting and robust optimization modeling, the team recommended implementation plans including when and where to locate new distribution centers (DCs), the branch opening schedule, and the branch allocation to the DCs over time. The team's recommendations could save Platt approximately $3.2 million per year over the intended implementation period.