BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
The Defense Logistics Agency’s property disposal site at Fort Meade, Maryland, recently added a 40,000 square foot warehouse as part of an expected three-part infrastructure improvement program.
“The additional space will allow our team to better support the warfighter by increasing our capacity to hold more property and streamline our internal warehouse property flow,” said Area Manager Steve Herb.
Herb said the $2.1 million warehouse addition includes new racking and cages that meet current security protocols, a dedicated bulk storage capability, truck lanes and a new “dock leveler that includes a locking mechanism to mitigate trucks from pulling away while the ramp might still be down.”
“The old warehouse was insufficient to meet the requirements of our operations,” Herb said, noting that the expansion will allow for a more linear warehouse flow. “Property was always getting backed up into the aisles, making movement very difficult and causing space issues.”
Site operations were unaffected by construction of the new warehouse space, but renovations to the old warehouse are expected to begin in July and last two months, producing a “slight impact” on site services.
The second of three area development plan projects recently began, Herb said. The second improvement phase includes a new material handling equipment storage facility and improvements to the site’s security fencing. The third project remains in the design phase.
“The end result of this warehouse expansion process is beyond my expectations,” said Ben Waller, the director of DLA Disposition Services’ property disposal operations throughout Northeast U.S. “This project was dreamed and developed by Area Manager Steve Herb and his team. Their vision and plan reached fruition through the stellar efforts of our friends from DLA Disposition Services Operations Directorate and DLA Installation Management. Fort Meade has taken it to the next level and set a high bar for other sites to achieve.”
As a hub site for area satellite properties, DLA Disposition Services at Meade fills a critical geographical need for the agency. Its property disposal specialists and environmental protection experts serve dozens of military installations and tenant units at sites throughout the National Capital Region and its personnel regularly assist with the equipment divestiture efforts of strategically important commands in and around Washington, D.C.