{"id":2800,"date":"2017-02-01T07:45:53","date_gmt":"2017-02-01T13:45:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2800"},"modified":"2017-02-01T12:19:30","modified_gmt":"2017-02-01T18:19:30","slug":"army-air-force-exchange-service-unveils-new-distribution-center-for-europe-southwest-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/publicaffairs-sme.com\/pressrelease\/?p=2800","title":{"rendered":"Army & Air Force Exchange Service Unveils New Distribution Center for Europe, Southwest Asia"},"content":{"rendered":"

GERMERSHEIM ARMY DEPOT \u2013 <\/strong>The Army & Air Force Exchange Service ushered in a new era of service for troops and military families throughout Europe and Southwest Asia as it opened its newest distribution center at the Germersheim Army Depot<\/a> on Feb. 1.<\/p>\n

\"image2\"\u201cThe Exchange\u2019s work at the Germersheim distribution center supports every member of the military community,\u201d said Army Col. Karen Fleming, the Exchange\u2019s deputy director for Logistics. \u201cFrom here, the Exchange touches the daily lives of warfighters and their families.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Germersheim Distribution Center<\/a> ships beverages, boxed food, appliances and more to Exchange main stores and Express locations throughout Europe, Southwest Asia and contingency locations. The Exchange private fleet also transports raw goods and materials from Germersheim to the Exchange\u2019s bakery and water plant in Gruenstadt.<\/p>\n

At Germersheim<\/a>, the Exchange joins the Defense Logistics and Defense Commissary Agencies, creating a Logistics Center of Excellence. The move lays the foundation for the Exchange to collaborate and work efficiently with these agencies.<\/p>\n

\"image3\"Since the 1960s, the Exchange\u2019s Europe logistics hub operated out of the Giessen Army Depot. The Exchange distribution center\u2019s relocation to Germersheim came at the request of U.S. Army Europe as part of the European Infrastructure Consolidation. The grand opening capped off a move more than a decade in the making.<\/p>\n

With the move, the Exchange\u2019s warehouse footprint decreased from 1.2 million square feet to 420,000 square feet. The smaller footprint is being offset by more frequent deliveries with smaller shipments to maintain service levels.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Exchange updated the infrastructure and equipment and installed new warehouse management software,\u201d Fleming said. \u201cInstallation Management Command-Europe renovated the buildings, and the Army Corps of Engineers built a new road, allowing trucks to easily reach all of the distribution center\u2019s buildings. This was a team effort to reduce expenses and improve efficiencies.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Exchange invested $12.2 million in infrastructure and equipment upgrades, while IMCOM-E contributed $9.5 million for warehouse renovations and the building of the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is now the hub for supplying AAFES\u2019 newest operations in areas we are sending our troops more frequently and for longer periods as part of our continued commitment to NATO\u2019s collective security in the region,\u201d said Col. Keith Igyarto, U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz commander.\u00a0 \u201cIf our Soldiers are there, then we know the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is standing there with us shoulder to shoulder to provide necessities.\u201d<\/p>\n

The relocation is expected to improve speed of service as Germersheim is closer to Exchange customers. From Giessen, Exchange drivers would haul merchandise 100 miles before reaching their first delivery destination. The first delivery point from Germersheim is 65 miles. This more central location reduces an estimated 234,000 miles a year.<\/p>\n

The center is closer to the Rhine River and the Port of Germersheim, which adds more flexibility to replenishment operations. In fact, the Exchange expects to avoid nearly $800,000 a year in transportation costs\u2014savings that will ultimately result in better support for military communities throughout the region. Also, the distribution center\u2019s maintenance facility performs light maintenance and inspections of tractors and trailers before they go on the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt the Exchange, we are family serving family,\u201d Fleming said. \u201cWe are honored to be part of the Germersheim community and to serve troops and their families with a taste of home.\u201d<\/p>\n

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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff.\u00a0 To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http:\/\/www.aafes.com\/about-exchange\/public-affairs\/press-releases.htm<\/a> or follow us on Twitter at https:\/\/twitter.com\/ExchangePAO<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Media Notes:<\/strong><\/p>\n

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or mitchelljul@aafes.com.<\/p>\n

Follow the Exchange:<\/p>\n

Facebook:\u00a0 www.facebook.com\/shopmyexchange<\/a><\/p>\n

Twitter:\u00a0 https:\/\/twitter.com\/shopmyexchange<\/a><\/p>\n

Instagram: @shopmyexchange<\/a><\/p>\n\t

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