Fortna (formerly DMW&H)
Systems integration and DC automation for retail and e-commerce
DMW&H (now part of Fortna) is a systems integrator specializing in conveyor, sortation, and automation for retail distribution and e-commerce fulfillment. Known for complex multi-vendor integrations in brownfield environments.
Complex DC automation projects needing an independent systems integrator with multi-vendor orchestration capability
Operations that prefer single-vendor turnkey solutions from equipment OEMs
Strengths
- Vendor-agnostic — selects best-fit equipment for each project rather than pushing proprietary systems
- Strong project management and controls integration capability across multiple automation vendors
- Deep brownfield experience in active DC environments
- Long track record with major retail and food distribution customers
Weaknesses
- As an integrator, accountability for equipment performance depends on OEM cooperation
- Project timelines can be complex to manage with multi-vendor scope
- Not a software platform or product vendor — harder to evaluate pre-engagement
Practitioner analysis
DMW&H (now part of Fortna following the 2023 merger) has historically been one of the strongest mid-market systems integrators in North America, particularly for brownfield DC retrofits where the operation must stay running during construction. Project sizes typically $3M-$25M. The integration with Fortna is still playing out — the DMW&H brand and team continue to operate but the long-term organizational structure is evolving.
Post-merger, sales engagements may involve both DMW&H and Fortna brands — clarify which entity is contracting and which project team will execute. The DMW&H controls engineering team has been historically strong but post-merger talent retention is worth verifying. Project timelines and budgets are largely consistent with industry norms — 10–15% contingency is appropriate.
Mid-market brownfield DC automation retrofits ($3M-$25M) where active-operation construction expertise is critical. Strong in food & beverage and retail DC.
Verify post-merger organizational stability and team assignment. For very large projects ($25M+), evaluate whether Fortna's full-service model is a better fit.
Questions to ask in your RFP / demo
- Post-Fortna merger, will my project be branded DMW&H or Fortna, and what is the project team continuity?
- Show me brownfield retrofit references where the DC stayed operational throughout — what went wrong and how did you handle it?
- What is your in-house controls engineering team size and retention post-merger?
Products
Vendor-agnostic systems integration for warehouse and DC automation