Andrew Thornton
Andrew Thornton
Senior Managing Director of Design and Project Management
Andrew Thornton is a warehouse systems engineering and supply chain leader specializing in material handling system design, distribution center optimization, and large-scale project execution.
Bio
Andrew Thornton has more than 20 years of experience in supply chain development and material handling system design. His background spans a wide variety of industries which allows him to bring unique expertise to every project.
At REB Storage Systems International, Andrew leads design and project management initiatives for complex storage and material handling systems, including pallet racking, pick modules, and conveyor systems. He oversees projects from early concept and quoting through implementation and final walkthrough.
Prior to REB, Andrew held leadership roles at Fortna Inc. and Advance Auto Parts, Office Depot where he directed high impact supply chain initiatives across large distribution networks. His experience includes managing multimillion dollar capital programs, implementing warehouse execution systems (WES), and leading innovative distribution efforts across dozens of facilities.
Andrew is known for consistently delivering solutions that improve throughput, increase storage capacity, and reduce downtime. His approach emphasizes collaboration, standardization, and data-driven decision making to support scalable and sustainable warehouse operations.
Areas of Expertise
- Warehouse systems engineering and design
- Pallet racking and high-density storage solutions
- Pick modules and multi-level mezzanine systems
- Conveyor systems and material handling equipment (MHE)
- Warehouse execution systems (WES) implementation
- Distribution center optimization and network strategy
- Capital planning and large-scale project execution
- Throughput improvement and labor efficiency
- Supply chain process standardization
- Facility expansion, retrofit, and consolidation
Solutions Andrew Specializes In
- Pallet Racking Systems
- Pick Modules
- Conveyor Systems
- Warehouse Design
- Distribution Center Optimization
- Material Handling Equipment
- Warehouse Automation
Insights and Articles by Andrew
- Articles by author
Credentials and Recognition
Professional Experience
- Senior Managing Director of Design and Project Management, REB Storage Systems
- Senior Design Engineering Manager – Storage & Structures Group, Fortna Inc.
- Senior Manager, Supply Chain Development, Advance Auto Parts
- Senior Regional Lead Engineer, Office Depot
Certifications
- AutoCAD Certification – ImaginiT Technology AutoCAD LT- AutoCAD 2024
Education
Key Achievements
- Directed $21M material handling equipment refresh across 41 distribution centers with zero operational downtime
- Managed $43M in annual capital spend, across 200+ projects across multiple regions
- Reduced equipment downtime by 30% through implementation of a proactive maintenance program
- Delivered a major distribution center expansion generating $788K in annual savings
- Increased storage capacity by creating 4,000+ additional pallet positions through racking reconfiguration
- Led engineering efforts during large-scale distribution network integrations and facility consolidations
- Coordinated cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, IT, and supply chain
- Implemented standardized engineering and operational processes to improve scalability and execution consistency
Industry Leadership & Involvement
Projects and Experience
Andrew has contributed to a wide range of warehouse automation, storage, and material handling projects. Examples include:
- REB case study link
- REB case study link
- REB case study link
Connect with Andrew
Connect with Andrew Thornton to discuss warehouse design, storage systems, and material handling project execution.