FKI wins major contract

Advanced automated handling systems from FKI Logistex provide ground breaking storage solutions for UK national library

Underpinning further its leading global role in the supply of advanced automated handling systems, FKI Logistex® has been awarded a prestigious contract to provide the British Library with additional storage and retrieval facilities for a substantial part of the UK national collection of books and journals – currently expanding at a rate of 12.5km of shelving per year!

Incorporating 262 linear kilometres of high-density, fully automated storage in a low-oxygen environment, this sophisticated new storage unit is designed to meet the British Library's demanding requirements. Working closely with the Library and its architects, FKI Logistex will provide and integrate an extensive range of customised, high-density storage and retrieval systems into the new-build facility located on the Library's existing northern site at Boston Spa, West Yorkshire.

Designed to provide the UK National Library with additional storage as existing capacity fills in the next few years, the new unit will provide storage capacity with the appropriate environmental and handling standards needed for collections the Library has committed to keep in perpetuity.

Because of the way various well-established technologies will be combined, the new library facility is seen as setting innovative new standards, which are expected to generate high levels of interest from national libraries around the world.
Andy Smith, MD of FKI Logistex Warehouse, Distribution and Manufacturing Systems Europe, comments: “In the face of tough competition, our company is delighted to have been given the responsibility to design and supply these vital systems in the major new British Library storage facility. As material handling system integrator for the Boston Spa site, we have already developed an excellent working relationship with the Library and its partners and now look forward to delivering the final phase of this complex and exciting project”.

Part of FKI plc, FKI Logistex is a leading global provider of automated material handling solutions, supplying customers with an integrated set of leading-edge technologies in high-speed sortation, conveyor systems, palletizing, paperless pick products, AS/RS, controls, order fulfillment systems, RFID implementation, EDS integration, baggage handling systems, warehouse control systems, and total material handling automation.

Apart from library automation, the company provides material handling solutions for airports, postal facilities, parcel distribution, manufacturing operations and for warehouse and distribution facilities. With projects that include many of the world's largest and most advanced material handling operations, FKI Logistex has manufacturing, engineering and support facilities around the world.

Contact:
Jackie Rutter, European Marketing Manager, FKI Logistex, phone at +44 (0) 1536 480611
e-mail
jackie.rutter@eu.fkilogistex.com