SanMar opens Richmond distribution center

SanMar Corporation, a supplier of wholesale accessories and apparel, welcomed customers, industry leaders, and community partners on Oct. 10 to a special grand opening celebration of its most recently opened distribution center, located north of Richmond, Virginia, in Hanover County. The event offered a first look at the company’s new East Coast flagship, which spans more than 1.1 million square feet, making it the largest facility in the company’s network.

The celebration highlighted the key features of the new facility, including SanMar’s first automated product-picking system launched earlier this year, and the supplier’s largest showroom. According to SanMar, the distribution center increases regional capacity and is designed to expand the company’s East Coast presence and strengthen nationwide service. The company has been working to bring the facility online since 2022, and it is now fully operational.

“This facility represents a huge investment in our future, and in our customers. And it’s one of many, said Jeremy Lott, president and CEO at SanMar. “Across the board, we’re leveraging and developing new technology that enables us to better serve our partners. This warehouse is part of a nationwide optimization of our nine distribution centers, already known for providing reliably deep inventory. The upgrades we’re making enable us to do even better.”

Since launching in May, the technology is the most advanced of any SanMar warehouse and has quickly adapted to demand. The automated system includes a fleet of automated units that pick and convey product along a nearly 125,000-square-foot grid, delivering state-of-the-art efficiency in optimizing frequently ordered products and accuracy in fulfillment.

“SanMar’s Richmond facility marks a milestone for technological advancement for the promotional products industry,” said Matt Kuper, VP of global sales and applications at Bastian Solutions, the team that facilitated the automation integration. “By leveraging automation at this scale, SanMar is redefining what distribution can look like for the promotional industry — faster, smarter, and built for the future.”

The grand opening celebration brought together over 500 attendees, including local customers, community partners, and SanMar employees. The event featured guided tours of the new facility, a first look at the automation system, decoration demos, retail brand activations, giveaways, and live music.

Brian Thompson, vice president of distribution at SanMar, shared at the event, “I started my career with SanMar 30 years ago and have spent most of that time in our distribution centers. As we’ve added locations and buildings, we’ve continued to innovate and invest in technology that improves speed and accuracy. The goal is to always be improving so we get you the products you need, when you need them.”