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Tag: pallet racking

Record Turnover for BITO Lagertechnik Subsidiary

Posted on by David Priestman

BITO UK, the UK subsidiary of the international BITO Lagertechnik GmbH of Germany, is looking ahead to the new year having experienced a record sales turnover in 2024.

The year saw BITO group establish a new pallet packing line in Poland to meet increased demand and the company was proud to achieve ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Certification in 2024. ISO 14001 is an internationally agreed and recognised standard for Environmental Management Systems (EMS). An EMS supports organisations in identifying, managing, monitoring and controlling environmental processes.

Product developments in 2024 included ECOMotion containers, which have been specifically designed for automated warehouses. They have a double base with a flat-surfaced, non-textured outer tread to minimise noise on conveyor lines and in automated warehouses. Also on the container front, all RK models are now manufactured in recycled plastic, further enhancing BITO’s renowned environmental credentials.

The spring of 2024 saw enhanced new versions of BITO’s cost effective Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). LEO flow and LEO carrier offer vital advantages over manual handling and conveyor alternatives for transporting bins and containers, with a payback period often in one year or less. Less complex than more expensive AGVs, the new LEO flow and LEO carrier offer productivity advantages over manual handling and conveyor alternatives for transporting bins and containers, with a payback period often in one year or less.

Ideal for ecommerce picking operations, LEO carrier is equipped with a shelf that has four levels to hold goods being transported. LEO flow is equipped with a belt conveyor top and an automatic lifting mechanism. It has a maximum load capacity of 35 kg and a battery runtime of 10-14 hours. A 600 x 400 mm load of either containers, cartons or small parts can be picked up and discharged sideways to the direction of travel. Three reflective light barriers detect the position of the goods on the vehicle and ensure that the goods are centred before transport.

All that’s required for the plug and play LEO to get going is to lay a route marked by a 19 mm wide track line with tape or floor painting for the transporters to follow using optical navigation. Instructions are entered on a tablet and markers with printed QR codes guide LEO on destination points and tasks. Users can implement simple systems themselves in just a few days, without the need of IT support. And they can be quickly and easily adapted, enabling rapid reaction to seasonal fluctuations and warehouse reorganisations.


BITO has also enhanced its website, which has a fresh new look ready for a busy 2025. Visitors to bito.com can find comprehensive insight on BITO solutions, products, customer projects, advice and service information, thought leadership, case studies and news. They can also access the BITO online shop and direct catalogue – the fast way to a comprehensive range of materials handling products and solutions.

Edward Hutchison, Managing Director of BITO Storage Systems, said: “Finding efficiencies in warehouse solutions will be critical in the coming year as companies face increasing labour and energy costs. Retail developments are also challenging companies to hold sufficient stock within a given area and providing accurate and efficient order picking. Fortunately, BITO’s innovative spirit in developing solutions to meet these challenges will continue to develop in 2025. This will be the first of a series of important events throughout 2025 where BITO will be exhibiting, with the International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) at the NEC, Birmingham on 9th – 11th September. We look forward to seeing you there.”

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“Simplest AGV on Market” Ready For Intralogistics Role

 

Implementation of Racking at Swedish Sports Warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

Rudells Lagerinredningar, official distributor of AR Racking in Sweden, is proud to announce the successful completion of a key racking installation project for the new MM Sports warehouse in Gothenburg. This project has been efficiently and professionally carried out, meeting the very highest quality and safety standards.

The warehouse, covering 7000 m², has been fully equipped with pallet racking, with a capacity for 7560 pallets. The installation was completed in 4 weeks, with a team of 4 people, led by Erik Rudell from Rudells Lagerinredningar. This implementation was crucial for MM Sports, one of the largest suppliers of dietary supplements in the Nordic region.

MM Sports, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, has stood out in the market since its beginnings in 2002, offering a wide range of products from sportswear through to high quality supplements. Its commitment to quality, service and fast delivery has been key to its success.

The project at the new warehouse of MM Sports presented specific challenges which were addressed with adapted solutions. The racking, with 10.5 metre-high structures, was designed to support loads of up to 650 kg on the first level and 400 kg on the remaining levels. Back stops were installed for pallets on all levels, as well as protections for the uprights and frames, ensuring the safety and integrity of the stored goods.

Implementation of Racking

“The close collaboration between AR Racking, our distributor Rudells Lagerinredningar and the end customer, MM Sports, was key to the successful completion of this project. We are committed to offering storage solutions that meet our customers’ specific needs and that guarantee maximum efficiency in their logistics operations”, said Alberto de la Puente, project leader from AR Racking.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

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Development of Modern Warehouse in Sweden

 

Largest Storage Project in Latin America

Posted on by David Priestman

AR Racking, a global leader in industrial storage systems, has successfully concluded its collaboration with Emergent Cold LatAm, one of the main players in cold chain logistics in Latin America, in an unprecedented project in the region.

The project, located in Talcahuano, Chile, is a significant landmark in the expansion and consolidation of Emergent Cold LatAm in the region. With a total of 37,000 double deep adjustable pallet racking positions and a height of approximately 14,000 mm, this installation sets a new standard in efficiency and storage capacity in the cold chain industry.

Leonardo Galvão, LatAm Project Manager at Emergent Cold LatAm, highlighted the importance of this strategic collaboration: “With the growth and acquisitions throughout Latin America, we have established ourselves as one of the leaders in the cold chain in the region. This project marks a significant milestone for us, not only as the largest storage installation in Chile and Latin America, but also as a testament to our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction”.

Emergent Cold LatAm chose AR Racking as its partner in this project for its proven experience, quality of materials and leadership in the storage industry in Chile and Latin America. “We chose AR Racking for its experience and quality of materials and installation, being one of the industry leaders in Chile and Latin America”, explained Galvão.

Galvão pointed to the added values that AR Racking brought to the project: “AR Racking has international experience, which is crucial for bringing the world’s best practices to the local markets we are expanding into. Its in-depth knowledge of the local market, design and calculation of projects with applied Chilean earthquake engineering, as well as its commitment to compliance with local regulations, were key factors in our decision”.

The experience of implementing the project with AR Racking surpassed our expectations in terms of time, quality and response. “AR Racking fulfilled the delivery times perfectly and surprised us with the assembly and installation speed. Its installation team demonstrated great experience and the materials used are of the very highest quality”, said Galvão.

Germán Flores Miranda, General Manager of AR Racking Chile, added that “it has been a very challenging project. A project of this scale, implemented more than 500 km from Santiago, was a huge logistical and operation challenge. Our team was up to it, completing the implementation in the fastest times in the industry”.

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Efficient Pallet Racking Project

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In a significant step towards logistics efficiency, AR Racking is proud to announce the completion of its most recent pallet racking project in Columbia. This project, designed for SUCROAL S.A., a leading chemicals manufacturer, marks a milestone in the strategic collaboration between both companies.

The 1,850 m2 warehouse now houses an adjustable pallet racking system, providing the company with a total of 2,742 positions to optimise its inventory management. Located in Palmira, Valle del Cauca, the project adapts to the specific needs of this important customer.

Juan Martín Uribe, Competitiveness Manager at SUCROAL S.A. said: “The collaboration with AR Racking was positive to optimise our Distribution Centre. We were able to implement double-deep racking and additional support bars at key levels that have significantly boosted the safety and quality of our operations”.

Under the direction of AR Racking project manager, Edwar Suescun, a double-deep adjustable pallet racking system with 6 beam levels was implemented. The inclusion of two support bars per pallet on levels 4, 5 and 6 was a strategic approach resulting from a detailed analysis with the customer, ensuring a distribution perfectly in line with the logistics operations of finished products.

Pallet Racking Project

Suescun pointed out: “This project is not only an achievement for AR Racking, but it also underlines our continued commitment to excellence in industrial storage systems. The close collaboration with SUCROAL S.A. allowed precise customisation to meet its specific logistics needs”.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

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New Pallet Racking Solution

 

Scalable, Safe and Reliable Racking

Posted on by David Priestman

At LogiMAT 2024, which takes place at the Stuttgart Trade Fair Centre in Germany on 19-21 March 2024, global leader in warehouse storage solutions stow will be showcasing how it delivers a diverse range of scalable, safe and reliable racking systems that improve warehouse efficiency.

Ranking among the leading racking manufacturers in the world, stow specialises in the development, manufacturing and installation of top-quality racking and storage solutions. On Booth 3B67 in hall 3 at LogiMAT 2024, the company will be spotlighting its diverse range of storage solutions, from smart shelving units over mezzanine structures to various pallet storage solutions. These high-quality systems have been meticulously designed to meet the requirements of global and regional customers from all industries and to ensure swift and easy installation.

The company’s offering is a guarantee for performance and quality, which has been finely crafted over 40 years to provide a precise, robust and enduring foundation for all warehouse racking needs, as well as setting the stage for seamless warehouse integration. A network of nine factories and 20 sales companies worldwide accelerates supply times and offers close contact and localised support to customers, whether they are local or international organisations expanding globally, giving access to the same one-stop shop and an unmatched storage experience.

For the first time ever at LogiMAT, a live showcase of end-to-end material flow will demonstrate how stow integrates storage systems alongside the autonomous sub-systems of fellow stow Group company Movu Robotics, which is sharing the stand. From bin storage via precise piece picking, to efficient pallet transport and strategic pallet storage, the showcase will present the easy and accessible opportunities for racking customers to step into automation.

Experts from stow will be on hand to discuss how the company’s own growing international scope and its strong portfolio of successfully realized projects have improved efficiency for customers across the world, in a broad variety of sectors. These include logistics, automotive, e-commerce, grocery and retail, which will all be strongly represented at LogiMAT.

Whether you are local operation or a company expanding internationally and requiring support from its comprehensive global network, stow Racking stands out through its ability to serve your requirements to improve your company’s warehouse efficiency and boost continued growth in your business.

Philip Mylle, CSO of stow Group commented: “At LogiMAT 2024, we want to share all our racking expertise with our customers in a fruitful dialogue. In the fast evolving logistics environment, customers need to be able to rely on reliable and efficient suppliers, both in terms of cost-
effectiveness and supply chain. stow, as one of the world’s leading racking and storage companies, can be a valuable partner for national and international customers in realizing innovative and efficient racking solutions. Customers can rely on a broad product portfolio and global reference projects that we have successfully realized in all sectors over the last 40 years. We are looking forward to presenting all our expertise at this year’s LogiMAT, and to greeting all our valued customers on the booth.”

stow Group is one of the world leading suppliers of racking and automated storage solutions. The core activity is the development, manufacturing and installation of top-quality systems and solutions for warehouse operations. The company employs more than 2,000 people worldwide. In 2023, the Group generated sales of almost €1 billion. It has an extensive pan-European manufacturing presence with nine production sites and a global distribution network. stow Group has two independent brands under its roof: stow and Movu Robotics, both headquartered in Belgium.

New Brand Layout, Innovative Storage

Posted on by David Priestman

META will be presenting several innovations at LogiMAT 2024. The new brand layout of the storage technology specialist headquartered at Arnsberg, Germany will be on display in Stuttgart. Visitors can also gain an overview of the company’s innovative shelving systems. The focus is on storage solutions in conjunction with conveyor technology and picking robots, as well as the tried-and-tested standard shelving systems.

New brand layout

META is presenting itself in a new way. With the start of LogiMAT 2024 the warehouse technology specialist will underline the brand’s core values such as quality and innovation with a new brand layout. The new design will be globally rolled out at the leading trade fair in Stuttgart to further strengthen the positioning of the proven quality brand. That’s something to look forward to.

Shelving solutions for picking robots

META has developed an own racking solution based on its META MULTIFLOOR system to meet the special requirements arising from the use of order picking robots. This system, adaptable to the requirements of the picking robot, will be on display at this year’s LogiMAT.

Conveyor technology – META-ILS solutions

Under the name META-ILS (ILS = Innovative Logistic Solutions), META has been offering individual customer solutions for complex tasks within the field of warehouse automation with conveyor technology for two years now. The combination of efficient conveyor technology and premium storage technology means lasting benefits fpr customers worldwide.

Innovative and proven

Visitors will be able to see for themselves the extensive world of META presented in a new design across more than 130 square metres in Hall 1, Stands H01 and H05. The team of warehouse technology experts will be happy to answer any questions about innovations as well as the company’s tried-and-tested solutions such as storage technology, steel construction, operating equipment, services and the META Calc online configurator.

Peru Operations Expand with Racking

Posted on by Keith McKinley

OXXO, the convenience store chain has taken a significant step forward in its growth in the Peruvian market. In collaboration with AR Racking, industrial storage solutions supplier, OXXO has successfully completed an ambitious expansion and optimisation project of its logistics operations in Villa el Salvador, Peru. This initiative involved the installation of 1000 PAL positions and 98 picking spaces, significantly improving its storage capacity and operating efficiency.

The warehouses involved in this project cover a total of 5000 square metres, divided into a 4000 square metre extension of an existing facility and the construction of a new 1000 square metre warehouse. In the extension, 250 adjustable pallet racking positions have been added with 59 picking levels, while in the new warehouse, 750 adjustable pallet racking positions with 39 picking levels have been installed.

One of the most notable characteristics of this project has been the implementation of 1000 adjustable pallet racking positions with 100 picking levels. Despite the challenges that this project presented, including the need for an urgent installation without any interruptions in OXXO’s logistics operations, AR Racking managed to complete the project using its stock two days before the agreed deadline, resulting in the customer’s full satisfaction.

Peru Operations

José Luis Vásquez Samamé, Regional Manager of OXXO LATAM Logistics Operations, expressed his satisfaction with the project: “We are very pleased to have collaborated with AR Racking in this important expansion project. The installation of 1000 adjustable pallet racking positions and 98 picking spaces has significantly improved our storage capacity and product management efficiency. We thank the entire AR Racking team for its commitment and professionalism in the execution of this project.”

This successful project represents a significant step forward in OXXO’s expansion in the Peruvian market and strengthens AR Racking’s position as leader in industrial storage solutions in the region. The collaboration between these two companies has proven to be a model of success in logistics management and optimisation of storage spaces. “This project has been an exciting challenge for us. The urgent installation and early delivery show our commitment to customer satisfaction and excellence in the execution of logistics projects. We are proud to have contributed to the continuous success of OXXO in the region.” confirmed Omar Durand, Project Manager in AR Racking.

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

Optimal Spare Parts Storage Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Swedish Agro Machinery AB, distributor and importer of farming machinery has decided to centralize its spare parts storage system and equip the new warehouse of 3,700 square meters with SSI Schaefer’s logistics solutions. Pallet and cantilever racks, shelves and SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Modules are parts of the solution. The result: a compact warehouse with up to 23,000 different parts and an overnight delivery.

In 2016, Swedish Agro Machinery took over the import of Claas products, a manufacturer of agricultural machinery, to Sweden and Norway. The new updated organizational structure needed a new facility to store spare parts efficiently. They chose to put it in Skåne Skurup, in the middle of one of Sweden’s most fertile agricultural areas, also near Denmark and the centre of the European continent. The challenge was, that they need to store parts in very different ways due to the various dimensions in the new warehouse. Swedish Agro already had realized some projects with SSI Schaefer in the past, so that is why they have been involved as a partner in the project since the very beginning.

“We were looking for one supplier for the overall system. We wanted to partner with the manufacturer to ensure the best quality of the equipment and total control over its production. That is why SSI Schaefer was selected as a general contractor for the project,” shares Martin Gerdtsson, Spare Parts Manager at Swedish Agro Machinery in Skurup.

Local presence is crucial for Swedish Agro. When an agricultural machine is on service, there should be no disruption, especially during the high season. That is why the company holds 25 workshops in the network with the extra focus on agricultural areas in Skåne, Västra Götaland, Östergötland and Uppland. Swedish Agro’s commitment is to deliver the ordered spare parts for the next day if they are not in place locally.

Material flow supported by the new solution

The goods are delivered by trucks, unpacked at the work stations manually, sorted according to type and size and brought to different storage systems. Spare parts for agricultural machinery vary greatly in size, share and weight. It’s everything from single bolts to input screws in the ten-meter class.

In fact, Swedish Agro needed ten different ways of storing. This includes long-span and cantilever racks for lying goods and compartments for storing standing mouldings. This is very effective as some of the spare parts can be quite large. To utilize also the vertical space optimally, a narrow aisle has been set up with shelves. Smaller spare parts are stored in two SSI LOGIMAT® Vertical Lift Modules, which accommodate around 16,000 items.

When goods are needed for an order, they are picked by a forklift or manually by an employee to be packed at the workstations for shipping. All orders received before 3.30 pm are delivered to the service workshops the following morning. This is possible thanks to dense logistics arrangements with overnight deliveries.

“Swedish Agro is loyal to its customers in maintaining quality and promised delivery terms. Our installation has been able to grow and develop with new opportunities, in line with the spare part’s expansion. We are very happy to lead this project and support Swedish Agro with a system to perfect their material flow,” concludes Anders Jonasson, Sales Manager at SSI Schaefer.

With the new warehouse, Swedish Agro has strengthened their position by securing spare parts availability in the region and optimizing their capacities. Martin Gerdtsson summarizes: “The main reasons why we chose SSI Schaefer were that we really felt from the beginning that they already knew our needs through past cooperation and, of course, they had a solution for storing spare parts with a wide range of dimensions.”

Clad-rack Warehouse for Hardware Company

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The hundred-year-old hardware products company EHLIS recently celebrated the launch of its new logistics centre in Illescas (Spain), where AR Racking has played a leading role with the installation of an automated clad-rack warehouse and an adjustable pallet racking warehouse. It is a logistics platform that required an investment of 30-35 million euros, and which will complement the one that the hardware leader has in Barcelona.

EHLIS, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary, has a facility in Illescas that covers a total area of 60,000 m2, of which 40,000 m2 and 22,000 m2 are urbanised and built and where a miniload warehouse is located, plus a 36 metre high clad-rack warehouse for 30,000 pallets and a warehouse with adjustable pallet racking with a capacity for 15,000 pallets, the latter two being equipped with AR Racking racking systems. The clad-rack warehouse and warehouse designed with an adjustable pallet racking system cover an area of 3,220 m2 and 8,200 m2, respectively.

Delays in material deliveries, COVID and other matters meant that the launch of the logistics platform did not happen until the first quarter of 2023. A launch which will now improve the service that the company offers to its customers “firstly, by reducing delivery times, and secondly, by increasing the product range”, explained EHLIS’s managers at the opening held at the end of March.

“We have provided our expertise to the EHLIS logistics centre with our technical-logistics advice, our reliability as racking manufacturers and our engineering knowledge through our strong commitment to R&D&I”, commented Manel Bustos, AR Racking sales representative.

The logistics centre in Illescas has a capacity to prepare 1,000 order lines per hour. As confirmed by EHLIS’s management at the opening, the forecast is to increase the number of references with the increase in the logistics capacity. It currently has 16,000 permanent stock references plus a further 3,000 additional ones that fluctuate throughout the year.

AR Racking has a long track record in automated warehouse projects. These are projects that are always developed in collaboration with leading integration engineering companies that provide the automated and robotic means and where AR Racking designs and manufactures all the racking that supports the unit loads and/or building structure itself, such as with clad-rack warehouses. Likewise, in the warehouses with pallet racking solutions AR Racking fully develops the turnkey project concept, taking care of all the phases that cover the implementation of its storage solutions.

AR Racking is part of the Arania Group, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

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