“Highly dynamic solution:” Alnatura deploys CycloneCarrier from Swisslog
July 12, 2017
Buchs / Dortmund, July 12, 2017 – New shuttle warehouse complements existing automated logistics / 13,480 bin locations / 32 high-speed vehicles with speeds up to four meters per second / Up to 1,000 in- and outfeeds per hour / Capacity can be expanded at any time
Alnatura Produktions- und Handels GmbH, an organic supermarket chain headquartered in Lorsch, Germany, inaugurated a new shuttle warehouse in June 2017. It uses Swisslog’s CycloneCarrier shuttle technology to store low-volume, non-perishable items, especially toiletries. “We’re very excited to be using this highly dynamic solution,” says Matthias Lindner, Department Head for Logistics Services at Alnatura. “CycloneCarrier supplements the logistics automation we implemented with Swisslog in recent years, including a high-bay pallet warehouse with conveyors and picking robots. This allows us to execute our centralization strategy in logistics even more effectively.” Alnatura’s high-performance logistics center in Lorsch ensures fast and efficient deliveries to the steadily growing store network of the organic supermarket chain.
The new shuttle warehouse has 13,480 bin locations, two aisles and 19 rack levels. Three picking and two repacking stations as well as a palletizing station for shipping containers are installed along the periphery. 32 high-speed shuttles perform automated in- and outfeeds. “Our CycloneCarrier was created for all industry sectors that require very high throughput and availability,” says Daniel Hauser, Head of Region Central Europe & Middle East, Warehouse & Distribution Solutions at Swisslog. The highly dynamic system consists of vehicles traveling at speeds of up to four meters per second and performing up to 1,000 in- and outfeeds per hour. It offers a wide variety of storage options using cartons, trays or bins.
“We’re proud that Alnatura has once again placed their trust in us,” says Hauser regarding the implementation of the CycloneCarrier. Alnatura is very satisfied with the cooperation as well. “Swisslog’s planning was very thorough, and the installation was quick and dependable,” adds Alnatura logistics specialist Matthias Lindner: “It offers us an efficient flow of goods from receiving to storage and picking to shipping and delivery to our stores.” And even though the system went into operation just recently, it is built for easy expansion. When needed, another rack unit with additional high-speed vehicles and workstations can be installed in the existing building.
About Swisslog
Swisslog designs, develops and delivers best-in-class automation solutions for forward-thinking healthcare systems, warehouses and distribution centers. We are a single-source supplier of integrated systems and services – from planning, design and implementation through servicing over the entire lifecycle of our solutions. 2,500 employees and customers in over 50 countries stand behind the success of our company.
Swisslog is a member of the KUKA Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent automation solutions.
