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Tag: Vanderlande

Kmart Automates new Omni-channel Facility

Posted on by David Priestman

Vanderlande has been selected by Kmart to automate its new logistics facility at the Moorebank Intermodal Precinct in Sydney. To meet the complex needs and demands of one of Australia’s most iconic retail brands, the state-of-the-art warehouse will feature Vanderlande’s FASTPICK goods-to-person
order fulfilment system.

The Kmart Group serves millions of customers per week in over 450 Kmart and Target stores across Australia and New Zealand, as well as through its online platforms and mobile apps. Kmart’s long-term growth ambitions will focus on this omni-channel approach, and address the current challenges of labour availability, rising order volumes, and increasing customer expectations.

The partnership reflects Kmart’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and future-proofing its supply chain as it continues to expand across the region. The new 100,000m² omni-channel facility will be equipped with Vanderlande’s advanced FASTPICK solution, combining the intelligent ADAPTO automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) with ten ergonomic goods-to-person (GtP) workstations.

The system has been designed to maximise picking speed, flexibility and efficiency, so that the full complexity of both business-to-business (store deliveries) and business-toconsumer (online orders) operations can be seamlessly integrated within a single omnichannel fulfilment centre. For retail distribution, a high-speed crossbelt sorter will handle both cartons and polybags with a high level of precision.

In addition, the Moorebank site will deploy a large fleet of Toyota AGVs and VNA (very narrow aisle) trucks to support internal pallet transport and high-density storage. The entire operation will be controlled by Vanderlande’s VISION warehouse control system, ensuring the intelligent coordination and
management of all processes. Together, these integrated technologies will form a scalable, future-ready platform that is tailored to meet Kmart’s operational requirements.

“The investment in the new Moorebank omni-channel fulfilment centre will be an important part of our long-term strategy to modernise our supply chain and simplify store operations,” explains Phillip Irvine, Kmart’s General Manager – Next Generation Supply Chain. “Ultimately, this approach is about delivering even more value to our customers, which is central to who we are.”

“We are excited to join Kmart on this journey to optimise its supply chain and ensure that this is ready for the future,” says Jordan Thrupp, Vanderlande’s Managing Director Australia. “The strong partnership we’ve built with their team has been instrumental in delivering the best possible solution, and we remain committed to supporting Kmart’s ongoing success.”

Stephan Heessels, Vanderlande’s Executive Vice President for Warehouse Solutions adds: “This project reflects our dedication to delivering scalable systems with fast and efficient order fulfilment. FASTPICK is the optimal solution for leading retailers, such as Kmart, facing unpredictable long-term growth across their store and e-commerce operations.”

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Omnichannel Warehouses in Focus for Vanderlande at LogiMAT

 

Vanderlande Acquires Siemens Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Vanderlande, a supplier of logistic process automation for the warehousing, airports and parcel sectors, has signed an agreement to acquire Siemens Logistics – a provider of value-added baggage and cargo handling as well as transformational digital solutions for the airport operation of the future – from the company’s current owner Siemens.

The acquisition has received full approval and support from the Supervisory and Management Boards of both Vanderlande and its parent company Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) as well as the Management Board of Siemens. The proposed transaction will significantly enhance customer value by providing accelerated access to advanced technologies, improving global presence for better local service, and creating further customer value through synergies in technology development. With this acquisition, Vanderlande is building a firm foundation for sustainable growth within the wider automated logistics market based on the strong and reliable contribution of its airport business.

The global logistics landscape is undergoing significant change, with increasing demand for efficient, automated systems. Vanderlande, known for its strong presence in airport logistics, recognises the evolving trends in the sector and sees tremendous potential for sustained growth. With passenger travel on the rise and airports investing heavily in modernisation, the long-term market outlook for airport automation is highly positive. Vanderlande recognises Siemens Logistics as a mature, resilient organisation with exceptional, knowledgeable people which has resulted in a robust reputation and decades of trusted relationships with customers.

Andrew Manship, Vanderlande’s President & CEO, says, “Siemens Logistics’ innovative approach and robust business model align perfectly with Vanderlande’s vision for the future. Its forward-thinking and innovative mindset also proves its ability to adapt to changing market dynamics. Our customers will benefit from a broader range of solutions and services, enabling them to address their challenges more effectively.”

Cultural synergy

Siemens Logistics, a well-established player in the logistics industry, is widely respected for its deep expertise, resilience and ability to anticipate future market dynamics. With a culture rooted in innovation, Siemens Logistics has built a solid reputation by continuously adapting to emerging trends and delivering exceptional service to its customers. The decades of industry experience, strong customer relationships and a future-focused approach perfectly complement Vanderlande’s mission to innovate and excel.

“As a distinguished provider of solutions for airport logistics, Siemens Logistics enjoys a first-class reputation in the baggage and air-cargo handling areas. Together with Vanderlande and our committed global teams, we look forward to bringing fresh impetus to the airport industry and to supporting our customers’ business with future-oriented technologies,” said Michael Schneider, CEO of Siemens Logistics. “Our innovative portfolio of high-performance hardware and software along with extensive offerings for smart services will perfectly complement Vanderlande’s portfolio and continue to drive automation and digitalization within the industry. A future joint set-up will offer our customers as well as our teams significant development and value-add potential.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, and closing is expected during the calendar year 2025.

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Körber acquires Siemens Logistics’ parcel business

 

Toyota Automated Logistics Group Launched for Acquisitions

Posted on by David Priestman

Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has launched Toyota Automated Logistics Group (TALG) to house its existing subsidiary, Toyota L&F, alongside the companies it acquired in 2017 (Bastian Solutions and Vanderlande) and 2022 (viastore). As a result, it has increased its presence in all integrated and automated projects worldwide, and capitalised on the synergies between the respective organisations and the added value they offer to the market.

TALG’s company name has been created to reinforce the added value of the reliability, stability, commitment and security of TICO as the group’s parent company. In addition, customers will benefit from the wide portfolio which ranges from the integration of automated solution projects to end-to-end automated solutions offered by the four group companies to the global logistics market.

As a global partner for integrated logistic process automation, TALG is committed to helping customers meet the challenges specific to their industries by incorporating its integrated portfolio of scalable systems, intelligent software and life-cycle services. With a full range of automated logistic solutions – from receiving to shipping – TALG supports all aspects of its customers’ manufacturing facilities, distribution centres and airports. It also complements the worldwide logistic solutions and high-quality products, such as forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, offered by the Toyota Material Handling Group.

While Toyota L&F focuses on the development of reliable and efficient systems to improve customers’ logistic processes, Bastian Solutions provides added value to companies of all sizes through leading technology resources and strong system integration capabilities. Furthermore, Vanderlande meets the complex challenges faced by businesses with the provision of sustainable and future-proof logistic process automation, while viastore provides customers with guaranteed success through customised warehouse and material flow logistic solutions.

“As a group, TALG is not only trusted to improve the competitive position of our customers, but also confirm our status as a leading global player in integrated logistic process automation,” says Norio Wakabayashi, Senior Executive Officer of TICO. “Wherever we operate in the world – and whatever the industry – through a combination of innovation, integration and automation, the Toyota Automated Logistics Group stays true to its guiding principle: for every challenge, a reliable solution.”

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Toyota acquires viastore

 

Fastpick Live in State-of-the-art DC

Posted on by David Priestman

Vanderlande has delivered its highly-automated FASTPICK solution to VF Corporation (VF), one of the world’s largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies. The goods-to-person (GtP) system, which incorporates innovative ADAPTO shuttle technology, has been installed in VF’s new state-of-the-art distribution centre (DC) in Ontario, California, and went operational this month.

VF selected Vanderlande to supply FASTPICK for the new DC because of the solution’s flexible and scalable design. It’s capable of delivering high-performance sequencing on a relatively small footprint, making it both an efficient and sustainable solution. The collaboration builds on a solid foundation, as the two companies have already successfully executed three warehousing projects in Europe.

The new facility is the largest and most efficient in VF’s global network of 46 DCs. With the capacity to ship 485,000 units per day, the DC provides more efficient services for the company’s own retail stores and wholesale customers, while fulfilling next day e-commerce orders for consumers in California, Nevada, Arizona and southern Utah. Initially the centre will service the Vans® and The North Face® brands, but will be capable of adding more brands from the VF portfolio in the future.

Vanderlande’s end-to-end solution covers all operations from receiving and storage, through to picking, packing and shipping. ADAPTO, Vanderlande’s shuttle-based automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS), is central to the operation. The AS/RS supplies orders to the 28 ergonomically designed, height-adjustable GtP workstations, which are capable of handling 10,500 order lines per hour.

“We are proud to introduce VF’s largest and most efficient distribution centre to date,” says Cameron Bailey, VF’s Executive Vice President Global Supply Chain. “Servicing our consumers and customers is our number one focus. This facility allows us to get our products to our consumers faster using technologically advanced equipment, which results in reduced lead times and increased efficiency in meeting consumer demand.”

“We’re delighted to partner with VF to implement our market-leading, future-proof automated warehouse solutions,” says Francisco Moreno Velo, Vanderlande’s President of Warehouse Solutions North America. “FASTPICK’s flexibility will help the company meet customer demand across all sectors – wholesale, retail and e-commerce – while providing an ergonomic working environment for its operators.”

Vanderlande delivers innovative AIRTRAX Pocket to de Bijenkorf

Posted on by David Priestman

Vanderlande has installed its advanced AIRTRAX Pocket for de Bijenkorf at its Tilburg warehouse, the first large-scale system of its kind in The Netherlands.

The omni-channel solution is now fully operational. The Pocket sorter supports three areas on site: B2C orders; B2B store orders storing ‘fast movers’ and ecommerce returns in the storage area. It will be operated on de Bijenkorf’s behalf by Ingram Micro Commerce & Lifecycle Services, a leading provider of supply chain solutions. De Bijenkorf – meaning “the beehive” – is the most renowned chain of high-end premium department stores of the Netherlands.

Through its retail and e-commerce stores, the company sells luxury clothing, fashion accessories, cosmetics and perfume, as well as furniture and home accessories. One of the drivers behind de Bijenkorf’s decision to move to a central warehouse in Tilburg was that its older facilities were no longer fit for purpose.

The new 32,159m2 warehouse will supply seven national stores, as well as e-commerce orders from Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium, The Netherlands, France and Austria. To support its activities, de Bijenkorf required a cutting-edge automated solution that offered a sortation capacity of up to 8,000 items per hour and could handle both e-commerce multi-item and retail orders.

Vanderlande’s AIRTRAX Pocket is an innovative and reliable solution for transporting, sequencing and storing goods. There are approximately 48,000 pockets within the Tilburg system and the solution offers de Bijenkorf a loading capacity of 8,000 pockets per hour. The Pocket sorter will allow de Bijenkorf to handle around 95% of its 210,000 SKUs.

“In seeing the operation live, I am highly impressed by the Vanderlande AIRTRAX Pocket,” says Maxim Hurkmans, Business Unit Director, Ingram Micro. “We knew that the solution would become an integral part of our omni-channel warehouse because of its ability to reduce lead and transportation times and improve our stock handling.”

“De Bijenkorf has strong growth ambitions and is looking to move into different territories. To do so and to remain competitive, highly automated solutions such as the AIRTRAX Pocket are essential. Not only is the system performing effectively, but Vanderlande worked closely with us at all times during the installation process and has been a truly professional partner,” adds Joeri de Vaan, Senior Manager Operations, Ingram Micro.

“Innovations such as the AIRTRAX Pocket showcase our ambition to stay at the forefront of technology in the warehousing sector,” says Vanderlande’s Executive Vice President Warehousing and Parcel, Terry Verkuijlen. “We are proud to have partnered with Ingram Micro on this latest development, and now that the Pocket sorter is live, the warehouse can continue to deliver a first-class shopping experience to its customers.”

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