Automation and Robotics Propel Latter-Day Saints' Mission Globally
Latter-day Saints around the world can now receive printed copies of the Book of Mormon, manuals, and other Church materials shipped to them more quickly. Bishop Gérald Caussé of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated a new, state-of-the-art Global Distribution Services Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
Introduction
In a world where information is readily accessible with a simple click, it's refreshing to see organizations striving to bridge the gap between the digital and physical realms. Recently, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints opened its new Global Distribution Services Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, ushering in an era of improved accessibility to printed materials for its members worldwide. This state-of-the-art facility promises to expedite the shipping process, enabling millions of Latter-day Saints to receive essential resources and strengthen their spiritual journeys. Let's take a closer look at this state-of-the-art center and its vital role in enhancing connections within the global community.
“This place is much more than a distribution center,” Bishop Caussé told the employees and invited guests. Thanks to you, its influence will spread throughout the entire world and will bless generations of members. It will help in the great and holy work of saving souls.”
A Hub of Blessings
The dedication ceremony was a momentous occasion, with Bishop Gérald Caussé of the Presiding Bishopric expressing his gratitude to the employees and guests gathered. He emphasized that the center was more than a distribution hub; it symbolized a profound opportunity to bless generations of Church members across the globe. Through the tireless efforts of those involved, the center would support the great and holy work of saving souls—a mission close to the hearts of Latter-day Saints worldwide.
The Magnificent Facility
Spanning an impressive 339,000 square feet, the new center stands as a beacon of efficiency and purpose. Strategically located near the Salt Lake City International Airport and the Bishops’ Central Storehouse, it is poised to serve the logistical needs of the Church and its members. This strategic distribution center boasts state-of-the-art equipment, which will facilitate the rapid distribution of Church materials and temple clothing to individuals in every corner of the globe.
Uniting Diverse Locations:
With 17 smaller warehouses dispersed worldwide, the Church's new distribution center serves as a vital hub for consolidating efforts. Regardless of whether Church members reside in large cities, small villages, or remote islands, this facility ensures that they receive the essential materials required to make and keep sacred covenants. The dedication of the center's employees and service missionaries exemplifies the Church's commitment to global outreach and inclusivity.
A Testament to Dedication
The global shipping team at the center works diligently to handle compliance requirements and streamline the shipping process. By meticulously ensuring correct paperwork, the team guarantees that Church materials reach their destinations promptly. Each day, around 6,000 boxes are shipped out, emphasizing the center's significance in meeting the spiritual needs of the Church's 17 million members worldwide.
Efficiency at Its Finest
At the heart of the center's operations are the picking areas, where dedicated employees meticulously fulfill orders. With advanced robotic and automation technology and innovation, the facility customizes boxes to match the items being shipped. The state-of-the-art advanced goods-to-person (GTP) automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) minimizes excess space and optimizes order processing and shipping efficiency, ultimately saving significant costs. The center's automated box-making machines produce an impressive 400 boxes per hour, further enhancing productivity and sustainability thus allowing more resources to reach Church members around the world.
Reaching Diverse Communities
While digital platforms offer a wealth of resources, accessibility remains a challenge in certain regions. In places like Africa and Latin America, where Church membership is flourishing, accessing the internet may not be as simple as it seems. The Global Distribution Services Center, with its expedited shipping times, offers a lifeline to those who prefer physical copies of sacred texts, instructional manuals, and other materials. This thoughtful approach ensures that Church members, regardless of their location, can continue their spiritual journeys with ease.
Conclusion
The dedication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Global Distribution Services Center marks a significant milestone in enhancing connections and strengthening the faith community. With improved shipping times, state-of-the-art technology, and a dedicated team, this center serves as a testament to the Church's unwavering commitment to its members worldwide. By embracing both the digital and physical realms, the Church ensures that all individuals, irrespective of their geographical location, have access to the resources they need to deepen their faith and find solace in the teachings of the Book of Mormon and other sacred materials.
“This place is much more than a distribution center,” Bishop Caussé told the employees and invited guests. “Thanks to you, its influence will spread throughout the entire world and will bless generations of members. It will help in the great and holy work of saving souls.” Latter-day Saints around the world can now have printed copies of the Book of Mormon, manuals and other Church materials shipped to them more quickly. Bishop Gérald Caussé of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicated a new, state-of-the-art Global Distribution Services Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
“Being here is a joyful experience for all of us,” said Bishop Caussé. “We are excited to dedicate a brand-new facility, one which will provide and distribute Church materials and temple clothing to Church members living around the world. It is such a magnificent structure with state-of-the-art equipment, for which we are most grateful.”
“This place is much more than a distribution center,” Bishop Caussé told the invited guests. “Thanks to you, its influence will spread throughout the entire world and will bless generations of members. It will help in the great and holy work of saving souls.”
“Everywhere we have a member we need to get them essential materials so they can make and keep sacred covenants. This facility ships about 75% of the Church's total volume to our members throughout the world,” said Nelson Gonzalez, director of Global Distribution Services for the Church’s Materials Management Department.
“Unlike the for-profit entities, where they go to a market because it makes economic sense — we don’t have that luxury,” Gonzalez said. “We have members throughout the world in large countries and large cities, on small islands in villages, and it’s our blessing to serve them all and ensure that they get what they need to make and keep covenants.”
“We have an international shipping team that is responsible for taking care of all the compliance requirements that we have, ensuring paperwork is correct when we ship,” he said.
“If you go online and you [place] an order, typically, you’ll receive that order within three to five days. In the previous facility, it may have taken seven to 10 days,” said Chad Johnson, global warehouse manager.
“Each machine that we have here will make 400 boxes an hour, and we have three machines,” said Johnson.
“We have this box maker that makes a box to the size of the product,” he explained. “So, for instance, if I have 10 items … the box will have dimensions to match those 10 items, to eliminate any air that’s in that box, because air or extra space costs money to ship. If we can eliminate the air and the dunnage that goes in the box, then we save money.”
