ODW doubles down on automation with nearly 1 million square feet of new space in Lockbourne, Ohio.
ODW’s new Lockbourne facility adds nearly 1 million square feet and ramps up automated ecommerce fulfillment.
ODW adds nearly 1 million square feet to its Central Ohio footprint
ODW Logistics isn’t slowing down. The Columbus-based 3PL is stacking square footage and betting big on automation with its latest expansion in Lockbourne, Ohio.
This month, ODW kicks off construction on an 864,000-square-foot distribution center at its Lockbourne campus—a key logistics hub near Rickenbacker International Airport. The new facility, designed by Archall Architects and built by Exxcel Project Management, will bring ODW’s Central Ohio footprint to nearly 6 million square feet by mid-2026.
Here’s the kicker: Roughly a third of the new building will run fully automated ecommerce operations using autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), automated conveyors, robotic forklifts, and high-tech inventory control towers.
“The vision is to take advantage of all the industry-leading automation that’s out there—all the way from the start of the process through the back end,” said COO Gary Meador. “It allows us to work more efficiently and keep labor costs down.”
Even with automation, the facility will employ 200 to 300 people once operational next June, handling both ecommerce and food-grade retail distribution—a major play for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands.
Why ODW keeps scaling
ODW’s growth is no fluke. The company’s strategic approach to logistics—spanning warehousing, transportation management, ecommerce fulfillment, and retail consolidation—has fueled aggressive expansion.
In just the last few years, ODW added a 930,000-square-foot facility (opened June 2024) and a 540,000-square-foot operation (opened fall 2023) at the same campus. Long-term plans include yet another 500,000-square-foot building.
The automation push isn’t isolated either. ODW’s international shipping partnership with Passport shows its commitment to scalable, tech-driven logistics for global ecommerce brands. The partnership simplifies customs, tax compliance, tracking, and delivery to over 180 countries—critical for DTC operators navigating international growth.
Leadership shakeup signals next growth chapter
ODW also brought in new leadership to fuel its next phase. Industry veteran Troy Tibbetts took the reins as Group President last month, following stints at Maersk, XPO, and STG Logistics.
Tibbetts’s mandate? Scale national operations, sharpen supply chain solutions, and push technological innovation.
“ODW’s commitment to ‘Delivering the Difference’ through respect, trust, and teamwork resonates deeply with me,” Tibbetts said. “Their focus on continuous improvement and building strategic partnerships aligns with my leadership philosophy.”
Expect more automation, more square footage, and more aggressive moves from ODW as ecommerce brands demand faster, cheaper, tech-powered logistics.
Operator POV
Let’s be real—automated warehouses aren’t just a shiny toy for execs. With persistent labor shortages and rising wage pressures, smart operators know AMRs, automated picking, and inventory tech are the new table stakes.
ODW’s expansion is a reminder: if your 3PL isn’t investing in automation and global capabilities, you’re playing defense in a market that’s moving fast.
ODW’s aggressive growth, tech focus, and leadership shakeup show they’re not just keeping up—they’re coming for market share.
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