Quiet Logistics

Quiet Logistics is a third-party logistics (3PL) company headquartered in Devens, Massachusetts. Quiet specializes in providing order fulfillment and returns management services to e-commerce retailers.[1] In November 2021, American Eagle Outfitters announced that it would acquire Quiet Logistics for $350 million in cash.[2]

Early years

Quiet Logistics was co-founded in 2009 by Bruce Welty and Michael Johnson.[3] Both have backgrounds in supply chain management, having co-founded, in 1987, warehouse management system (WMS) vendor Allpoints Systems, in Norwood, Massachusetts, and, in 2003, Scenic Technologies Corp. Quiet was the first third-party logistics company to use Kiva Systems' warehouse robotics system.[4] Kiva's system-directed robots transport in-bound and out-bound products throughout a warehouse, reducing labor costs and increasing inventory and order-fulfillment accuracy.[5][6] In 2013, Quiet's use of this system was examined by Steve Kroft in a CBS 60 Minutes segment titled, March of the Machines.[7] And in 2015, Quiet's operating model, including its early adoption of Kiva's robots, was the subject of a Harvard Business Review case study.[5]

Creation of Locus Robotics

In 2014, Quiet Logistics lost access to Kiva's robotics system when Amazon, who had acquired Kiva Systems in 2012 for $775MM, informed Quiet that use of the system was being limited to Amazon's own operations and, therefore, its contract with Quiet would not be renewed.[8][9] Unable to find a replacement robotics system that met its requirements, Quiet designed, built, and integrated with its warehouse management system[4][9] its own robot that is both system-directed and able to interact with fulfillment center employees dispersed throughout the storage areas.[9] In 2015, Quiet spun off its robotics division as a separate company, located in Wilmington, Massachusetts.[10][6][11]

Fulfillment Centers

Quiet Logistics operates fulfillment centers in :

• Devens, Massachusetts[12]
• Atlanta, Georgia[13]
• Dallas, Texas[14]

Services

Quiet Logistics services offered include:

• Pick and Pack – Order fulfillment for e-commerce, drop shipping, retail stores, international and wholesale channels.
• Shipping and Delivery Management – Multi-carrier shipping optimization.
• Returns Processing – Reverse logistics and restocking services for apparel and lifestyle goods.
• Value-Added Services (VAS) – Custom packaging, kitting, embroidery, personalization, and other brand-specific fulfillment tasks.
• Warehousing and Inventory Management – Storage and SKU tracking across multiple distribution centers.

Acquisition by American Eagle Outfitters

American Eagle Outfitters announced a $350 million acquisition of Quiet Logistics on November 2, 2021. The company's Chief operating officer stated the company would remain independent.[15] The acquisition was completed on December 29, 2021.[16]