Burlington opens Georgia distribution center with high-tech automation

Burlington Stores has taken a big step in its logistics transformation with the opening of a 2 million-square-foot automated distribution center in Ellabell, Georgia, a major expansion of its U.S.supply chain footprint.According to a press release issued on June 17, the new facility is fully climate-controlled and equipped with more than 25 miles of conveyor systems and automation infrastructure. It integrates smarter sortation technology, advanced workstations, and proprietary software designed to improve speed, accuracy and overall throughput.Greg Shultz, EVP and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Burlington Stores, emphasized that while the company already operates an automated distribution network, this site has been specifically engineered for its off-price retail model. “Burlington’s distribution network is automated and designed for flexibility, speed, and efficiency; however, this center is unique,” he said.The Georgia facility is part of a broader network modernization strategy aimed at increasing productivity and ensuring merchandise reaches stores more quickly. Automation and software systems are deployed across the entire logistics chain, from the moment trucks enter the yard to scanning processes at in-store receiving points.Shultz noted that the integration of technology is central to the company’s operational model.“Our new distribution centers are built for higher productivity and faster turnaround times,” he said, noting the role of automation in boosting efficiency at scale.The Ellabell site is Burlington’s first distribution center in Georgia and is expected to generate around 1,500 jobs, reinforcing its role as both a logistics and employment hub in the region.The retailer is also preparing for further expansion, including a second 2 million-square-foot distribution center in Buckeye, Arizona. That facility is scheduled to become operational by fiscal year 2028 and will similarly include advanced sorting systems and custom-built software solutions.Burlington CFO Kristin Wolfe previously outlined plans for a Southeast distribution hub in 2026, noting that it would be twice the size of the company’s next-largest facility at the time.Currently, Burlington operates seven distribution centers and has continued to expand its logistics footprint, including the 2025 move to acquire an automated distribution facility in California.As the retailer continues to scale its store network—planning approximately 115 new store openings by the end of the current fiscal year—its supply chain infrastructure is being reinforced to match demand. “As Burlington continues to grow, so does its supply chain demands,” Shultz said. “Automation is an integral piece to our growth story.”