SOPHISTICATED FACILITIES

EMJ is driven to reduce internal costs and improve our productivity by utilizing advanced technology. Our Schaumburg facility is the most automated metals distribution center in North America.

Our advanced Kasto storage and retrieval systems in several of our operations use computerized robotics to automate the entire order fulfillment process from picking the raw material, packaging it to bar code labeling. This fast, efficient and accurate system increases our capacity, reduces our costs and improves order accuracy.

The full implementation of the Kasto system has allowed us to replace variable costs with fixed costs. This contributes mightily to our ongoing efforts to remain the "Total Low Cost" metals distributor in the world. Lower internal costs allow us to provide our customers with the most competitively priced products and services, and it assures that EMJ retains the financial strength needed to be a reliable partner for years to come.

EMJ continues to expand the range of our value-added processing services. We possess state-of-the-art equipment for plate burning, precision saw cutting, honing, skiving & roller burnishing and facing & centering.

Our Automated Storage and Retrieval System

EMJ started construction of the largest automated inventory storage/retrieval system under one roof in the world in 2002. The system occupies 4 bays, two of which represent a 140,000 sq ft expansion. They boast five totally automated stations which fill, band and tag material with no manual intervention. The Kasto systems are fully integrated into EMJ's own legacy system which allows for immediate inventory adjustments. Prior to the installation of these systems, the Chicago office warehoused 40,000 tons of material. The facility currently carries 70,000 tons of material and has experienced a 50% increase in input and output. In November of 2004, EMJ expanded the systems. They were outfitted with a second gantry crane, additional storage locations and order filling/receiving station(s). This will allow for a 30% increase in output/input capabilities.