UPS Closes Indiana Customer Center Amid Automation Shift
Approximately 200 UPS facilities are shutting down nationwide, including a customer center in southern Indiana.
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UPS, like many companies these days, is looking to the future in terms of daily operations, utilizing new technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). While the primary reason behind UPS's most recent closure in southern Indiana remains unclear, overall, it looks like the company is heading toward a massive operational overhaul.
UPS Plans to Close Approximately 200 U.S. Facilities
According to Supply Chain Dive, UPS is in the process of consolidating locations as part of its "Network of the Future" initiative. The move aims to reduce its labor needs, saving the company an estimated $3 billion by 2028. As part of that plan, UPS has announced it will close around 200 U.S. facilities as it shifts more volume into a growing number of automated package hubs.
Supply Chain Dive previously reported that the majority of automation projects will be completed in existing buildings, while 10 will come from newly built locations. The new automation hubs will include robotic systems to help unload trailers, along with technologies to automate package movement. As UPS begins overhauling its logistics network, it also looks like they’re making efforts to streamline customer service operations.
UPS Closes Washington, Indiana, Customer Center
The UPS customer center, located at 19 N Commercial Park Dr in Washington, Indiana, has announced it will be permanently closing as of November 17, 2024. The news went viral after a local business owner snapped the above picture for social media. Alyssa Wagler, who owns and operates Top Notch Boutique, said she saw the sign posted after dropping off some packages.
"Most of our sales are online, so we are at USPS and UPS daily dropping off," she said. "UPS did let me know that there are some drop-off locations, such as CVS in Washington, but they do not accept large boxes, which we have a lot of since we started wholesaling."
Wagler added that UPS reached out following the post to provide further assistance. Meanwhile, customers utilizing UPS services after November 17 can drop off smaller packages at CVS, located at 307 E National Hwy in Washington, or schedule a pickup. You can learn more about UPS pickup offerings by clicking HERE.
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