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Tag: Mecalux

Logistics Business Magazine, September 2025

Posted on by Will Priestman

The September 2025 issue of Logistics Business magazine is packed with insights into the technologies, strategies and solutions reshaping global supply chains. A strong focus is placed on artificial intelligence and automation, with Samsara showcasing its latest driver safety and fleet optimisation tech from the Beyond event in San Diego. Further AI coverage includes interviews with Coupa’s international head and Transporeon, both exploring how data-driven platforms are transforming spend management and freight visibility.

Supply chain strategy takes centre stage in an exclusive interview with Siemens’ Alexander Tschentscher, who advocates a shift from reactive resilience to strategic robustness. Meanwhile, Ewals Cargo Care shares how its “warehouse on wheels” model and modal shift approach are reducing emissions while expanding operations across Europe. Port innovation is also in the spotlight as PEMA President Achim Dries outlines how ports and terminals are digitising, automating, and gradually weaning off diesel in favour of electrification and smart power management.

Inside the warehouse, automation continues to surge. Hyster discusses its big-truck innovations at TOC Europe, and a new automated distribution centre in Coventry demonstrates what’s possible in modern DC design. Case studies from CLAAS, Axfood, and others show how internal logistics and fulfilment strategies are evolving to meet increasingly complex demands.

Sustainability is another dominant theme throughout this edition. The magazine looks at how plastic pallets, automated packaging and green fuels—such as HVO used by DHL’s Formula 1 fleet—are cutting carbon without compromising performance. E-commerce brands like Bathroom Mountain and major supply chain software providers such as Soloplan and IFS also feature prominently, revealing how automation, AI and smart planning tools are supporting faster, leaner, and more resilient operations.

From warehouse doors to multimodal transport, and from predictive software to people-centric AI, this issue offers a comprehensive and engaging snapshot of the forces shaping logistics in 2025.

Optimised Storage for Frozen Food

Posted on by David Priestman

Bem Brasil is the leading producer of pre-fried frozen chips in Brazil. The company recently shored up its logistics capacity by building two automated clad-rack warehouses from Mecalux for its plant in Perdizes (Minas Gerais). Both facilities are equipped with the Automated Pallet Shuttle system with a stacker crane and supervised by Easy WMS warehouse management software. They efficiently store and distribute 500,000 tonnes of frozen foods annually.

In a country of 211 million people, Bem Brasil covers up to 55% of the national demand for products like smiley chips (carinhas) and onion rings, among other specialities. The company also exports to South America, Taiwan, Singapore, the US and Mexico, where it holds a commercial partnership with Walmart.

“Mecalux’s solutions give us complete control over our stored goods. That translates into faster, safer and more cost-effective logistics operations,” says Célio Zero, Operations Manager.

The two Mecalux clad-rack warehouses have provided 66,000 pallet positions. Automation has helped Bem Brasil increase production by 10% and revenue by 30% over the past year. Inside the facilities, kept at -25 °C, the Automated Pallet Shuttle system inserts and retrieves goods autonomously. Conveyors connect the storage and production areas to maintain a continuous flow of raw materials and finished products. This robotic infrastructure eliminates the need for lighting during operations, improving energy efficiency.

Bem Brasil ensures the quality and traceability of its frozen products with Easy WMS, which monitors inbound, putaway and outbound processes in real time. The Mecalux warehouse management system applies the FEFO (first-expired, first-out) method to prioritise the dispatch of products with the nearest expiry date. By optimising inventory turnover, this strategy minimises food waste.

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WMS Helps Distribution of Cooking Utensils

Posted on by David Priestman

BRA Isogona, a leading manufacturer and marketer of cookware and tableware, has shown consistent year-over-year growth while coordinating its logistics operations with Mecalux’sEasy WMS warehouse management system.

The manufacturer behind the BRA, Monix and Pinti brands exports millions of frying pans, pots, grill pans, saucepans and utensils such as cutlery to over 45 countries from its facility in Valls (Spain). Warehouse operations are efficiently powered by the software it has relied on for over a decade.

“We’re continuing to grow, and we need a software solution that helps us meet our clients’ high expectations,” says Josep Anton Requena, Logistics Manager at BRA Isogona. The company chose Easy WMS due to its reliability in inventory control and location management. The system batches orders — comprising one or more items from a catalogue of 5,000 SKUs — so warehouse operators can fill large volumes at a time. These orders are then shipped to major retailers or sent out to fulfil online purchases.

One of BRA Isogona’s top priorities is adapting to the specific requirements of the businesses that sell its kitchenware and utensils. With a dedicated Easy WMS sub-module, the software provides operators with information on each recipient’s specific packing and shipping requirements. Additionally, the software’s ‘Slotting for WMS’ module enables BRA Isogona to reorganise product locations based on turnover or characteristics. This optimisation helps the company make the most of its facility’s 25,000-pallet capacity.

Kitchens worldwide

At BRA Isogona, excellence is driven by innovation, design and advanced technology. As its product catalogue evolves to bring cutting-edge solutions into customers’ kitchens, the company sees Mecalux solutions as key to its ongoing success. “It’s essential to be equipped with a software system we can count on, and Easy WMS gives us the inventory control and agility we need,” says Requena.

BRA Isogona is a leading manufacturer and marketer of kitchenware and tableware made from 18/10 stainless steel and aluminium. Sharing its passion for cooking with customers has made it the top-selling cookware company in Spain. With over half a century of experience, the business continues to refine its products while driving innovation and sustainability.

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Maximum AMR Flexibility

Posted on by David Priestman

Autonomous mobile robots optimise the movement of goods in warehouses, logistics centres and manufacturing plants. The internal transport of goods is a core element of companies’ logistics operations. AMRs are intelligent vehicles designed to move loads independently, without the need for human guidance.

These high-tech machines plot their routes using virtual warehouse maps, performing their assigned tasks with the utmost efficiency. Moreover, they are equipped with innovative navigation software that enables them to identify and avoid obstacles. This technology ensures safe coexistence with other machines and people sharing the workspace.

Mecalux’s AMR line features models to manage a wide variety of loads, from boxes, totes, bins and trays to pallets and shelving. The integration of these systems significantly contributes to optimising intralogistics processes.

Meet the Models

Mecalux’s range of AMRs can handle goods weighing between 100 and 1,500 kg, making them a versatile solution adaptable to a multitude of logistics environments:
• AMR 100 Multi-Box: Incorporates a mast to transport bins, boxes, crates and trays. Maximum payload: 100 kg
• AMR 100 Box: Equipped with a conveyor to transfer boxes, trays and packages. Maximum payload: 100 kg
• AMR 600 Rack: Designed to move shelving units to pick stations. Maximum payload: 600 kg
• AMR 1500 Pallet Lifter: A lifting system transfers pallets to and from fixed platforms and conveyors. Maximum payload: 1,500 kg
• AMR 1500 Pallet Conveyor: Outfitted with a conveyor to transport pallets to the various warehouse areas. Maximum payload: 1,500 kg

AMRs can carry out a wide variety of tasks in all kinds of facilities and offer an excellent opportunity for boosting efficiency and productivity in picking. They can be integrated in three working methods:
• Goods-to-person: These devices supply pick stations with the goods required to fill orders.
• Rack-to-person: The mobile robots transport picking shelves to operator workstations.
• Person-to-goods. AMRs assist employees when locating products in the warehouse by freeing them from using picking carts.

Internal Material Transport

AMRs replace or complement handling equipment such as forklifts, conveyors and electric monorail systems. Mobile robots make product transfers more flexible: they automatically adapt to modifications made in logistics facilities. AMRs can reconfigure their routes in the event of changes in workspace layouts, racking/shelving arrangements or any other adjustments within the warehouse.

By quickly adapting to fluctuations in demand or workflow, mobile robots help companies stay competitive in an ever-evolving logistics environment. AMRs also optimise order shipping and other outbound processes. Once orders have been filled at the pick or consolidation stations, the AMRs move them to the shipping area.

By following streamlined routes and working autonomously, the robots ensure that orders are moved efficiently and promptly. AMRs – for both light and heavy loads – automate the delivery of parts, components and raw materials to work and assembly stations on the production lines in various industries.

The ability of mobile robots to adapt to dynamic environments makes them suitable for operational areas requiring flexibility and agility. Automation also reduces downtime and increases throughput in manufacturing processes.

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Footwear Retailer Makes Shipping Products Easy

Posted on by David Priestman

Sarkany, one of the retailers in Argentina’s footwear sector, has integrated Mecalux’s Easy WMS warehouse management system into its Buenos Aires distribution centre. Thanks to this software from the intralogistics group, the brand has gained full traceability and control over its 83,500 SKUs, which it ships to Uruguay, Chile, Miami, and clients worldwide.

“We were looking for a flexible and scalable solution that would enable us to efficiently oversee our three sales channels — retail, e-commerce, and wholesale — from a single platform,” says Matías Livoti, Operations Manager at Sarkany. The company, which designs, manufactures, and sells footwear, handbags, perfumes, and accessories, has improved its logistics operations significantly. It can now ship 3,500 daily orders — 34.6% more than before.

Digitalization through Easy WMS has enhanced several areas of Sarkany’s logistics processes, particularly inventory control, where recorded discrepancies have decreased by 50%. Additionally, the software’s Multi-Carrier Shipping Software module coordinates the packing and labeling of the brand’s luxury shoes to streamline distribution. It integrates with carriers such as SHIPNOW, providing them with the necessary documentation.

With over 60 stores in South America, Argentina’s top footwear retailer has digitalized its logistics operations to streamline the supply of its three sales channels. The company has reduced inventory discrepancies by 50% and gained complete control over the flow of orders for its shoes, handbags, perfumes, and accessories.

“Picking is faster and more organized, and we have full control over the order flow across all our sales channels. This has optimized our operations and improved customer service,” says Livoti. Easy WMS comprehensively manages Sarkany’s logistics processes, including goods receipt, cross-docking, picking tasks, order fulfillment, and packaging.

With the Mecalux software, Sarkany’s warehouse operations are efficient and organized. The company has reduced its error rate from 7% to 2%. Sarkany is ready to adapt easily to market demand shifts while continuing to provide quality service to customers who proudly walk in its shoes.

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Mecalux to Automate Manitou DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Manitou Group, supplier of handling, aerial work platform and earth moving equipment, has opened a new automated warehouse at its spare parts centre in Ancenis, France. The innovative solution consists of the Shuttle System from Mecalux.

Manitou Group, headquartered in Ancenis, has showcased its new automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). Mecalux has outfitted the French group’s logistics centre with the Shuttle System. This AS/RS — which houses more than 20,000 containers in just 560 m² — responds to the logistics centre’s space constraints. Two high-performance pick stations complete the solution installed. This innovative system increases productivity when it comes to picking the group’s small, high-turnover parts comprising nearly 16,000 SKUs.

The project began in 2021. It took shape in August 2021 with the installation of the structure, and the entire warehouse was put into service in April 2022. Today, with just two operators, this AS/RS can prepare 500 order lines an hour.

“Mecalux has implemented the latest storage and order picking technologies in Manitou Group’s logistics center. The Shuttle System automates the movement of goods to two high-performance pick stations, which boost operator throughput,” says Daniel Joly, General Manager of Mecalux France.

Maxime Deroch, President of Manitou Group’s Services & Solutions division, explains why the company chose Mecalux as a provider: “To better serve our customers, we reduce the preparation time of orders received and to be shipped at the end of the day. We were looking for a solution that would leverage the latest technological innovations to optimise deliveries of rush orders. The Mecalux project team understood that our storage capacity issues would be solved by deploying a high-density solution, and this clinched our decision. Thanks to the top quality of our service, we’re constantly improving our customer satisfaction.”

This two-aisle AS/RS is also scalable. That is, a third aisle can be added to handle a higher order picking volume in the medium and long term.

The Mecalux Group, with headquarters in Chicago and Barcelona, is one of the world’s leading companies in the warehousing technology and logistics software market. With over 50 years of experience, Mecalux develops automated storage, warehouse management system and metal racking solutions for all industries. The multinational has an extensive worldwide distribution network, 11 production plants, 7 R&D centres for technological development and a workforce of 5,000 employees.

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