Postmaster General Megan J. Brennan led a dedication ceremony for the new Portland, OR, Processing and Distribution Center this month, surrounded by equipment that demonstrates the organization’s focus on innovation and efficiency.
Brennan praised employees’ efforts to make the plant operational and efficient during a short period of time.
“You are shaping the future of the Postal Service,” she said at the meeting, which also was attended by Western Area Vice President Gregory Graves, Portland District Manager Bill Schwartz and Sr. Plant Manager Felipe Flores.
The plant, which USPS completed building in the spring, has an approximately 700,000-square-foot workroom floor, one of the largest in the Postal Service.
The plant also has more than 1,100 employees who process and distribute mail for more than 500 Post Offices.
The facility brings together operations from three previous locations, helping USPS operate more efficiently in Portland District.
“It’s like moving to a new home. Everything is new and clean,” said Rodney Cardwell, a mail handler and 36-year employee. “The Postal Service has given us a great gift. The automation, robotics and just the cleanliness are great.”
Schwartz told employees that the facility is part of the Postal Service’s core strategy to invest in the future.
“We have a responsibility to ensure a return on the investment they have made in us and this facility,” he said.