Quiet Logistics
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Quiet Logistics is a third-party logistics (3PL) company headquartered in Devens, Massachusetts. Quiet specializes in providing order fulfillment and returns management services to e-commerce retailers.[1] In November 2021, American Eagle Outfitters announced that it would acquire Quiet Logistics for $350 million in cash.[2]
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Third-party logistics |
| Founded | 2009, in Andover, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Founders | Bruce Welty Michael Johnson |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Brian Lemerise (president) Bruce Welty (CEO) |
| Services | E-commerce order fulfillment, Returns management |
Number of employees | 1250 |
| Parent | American Eagle Outfitters |
| Website | www |
Early years
Quiet Logistics was co-founded in 2009 by Bruce Welty and Michael Johnson.[3] Both have backgrounds in supply chain management, having co-founded, in 1987, warehouse management system (WMS) vendor Allpoints Systems, in Norwood, Massachusetts, and, in 2003, Scenic Technologies Corp.[4] Quiet was the first third-party logistics company to use Kiva Systems' warehouse robotics system.[5] Kiva's system-directed robots transport in-bound and out-bound products throughout a warehouse, reducing labor costs and increasing inventory and order-fulfillment accuracy.[4][6] In 2013, Quiet's use of this system was examined by Steve Kroft in a CBS 60 Minutes segment titled, March of the Machines.[7] And in 2015, Quiet's operating model, including its early adoption of Kiva's robots, was the subject of a Harvard Business Review case study.[4]
Creation of Locus Robotics
In 2014, Quiet Logistics lost access to Kiva's robotics system when Amazon, who had acquired Kiva Systems in 2012 for $775MM, informed Quiet that use of the system was being limited to Amazon's own operations and, therefore, its contract with Quiet would not be renewed.[8][9] Unable to find a replacement robotics system that met its requirements, Quiet designed, built, and integrated with its warehouse management system[5][9] its own robot that is both system-directed and able to interact with fulfillment center employees dispersed throughout the storage areas.[9][10][11] In 2015, Quiet spun off its robotics division as a separate company, located in Wilmington, Massachusetts.[10][6][11] Quiet continues to use the Locus robots, now marketed as LocusBots, in its facilities.[11]
"Fulfillment centers" and geographic expansion
Quiet Logistics operates two "fulfillment centers"[clarification needed] in Devens, Massachusetts, and one in Hazelwood, Missouri.[12][13] Quiet's newest facility, measuring 355,000 square feet, opened in 2018 in Devens.[14]
Customers
Quiet Logistics focuses primarily on e-commerce retailers of fashion, fashion accessories, and home goods.[11] Previous customers include Gilt and Zara. Current customers include Away, Bonobos and Love Your Melon.[11]
Acquisition by American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle Outfitters announced a $350 million acquisition of Quiet Logistics on November 2, 2021. The company's Chief operating officer stated the company would remain independent.[15] The acquisition was completed on December 29, 2021.[16]
References
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