TGW Logistics has provided an energy efficient automated warehouse solution for the Oberalp Group at its new logistics centre in Bolzano, Italy.
As one of Europe's leading distributors of sports apparel and equipment for global brands such as SALEWA, Speedo and Trespass, Oberalp Group sought to maintain and extend its market leading position by streamlining its internal logistics functions.
This meant consolidating several satellite warehouses that were located in and around Bolzano into one central distribution centre at the Group's city headquarters.
Working with planners IWL, TGW implemented a pioneering energy efficient automated materials handing solution at the new site.
The automated mini-load warehouse contains 97,152 plastic totes and trays, which are stored in 18.5m high racking. About 50,000 SKUs are stored across eight aisles, which are equipped with TGW Mustang mini-load ASR machines. These serve ten picking stations, which each handle 600 picks per shift. Manual picking of larger goods such as skis means that up to 30,000 products leave the distribution centre per shift.
"An important point in the realisation of the logistics centre was sustainability and energy efficiency," said Hubert Andres, Logistics Director at Oberalp.
To meet these requirements TGW installed conveyor equipment with energy efficient drives and the AS/RS machines operate via an energy management programme to recoup energy.
Oberalp also sought Lifetime Service support further to the installation. For this reason TGW operates a consignation warehouse, which it will replenish with spare parts and hand over to the customer after two years. During this time, Oberalp can call TGW's 24/7 hotline and TGW engineers will be on site regularly to conduct maintenance and provide all-round support.