With its flexibility and lean infrastructure, Vanderlande’s ADAPTO is central to the operation. Sixty-four shuttles can access 67,200 product locations across 15 aisles that provide double-deep storage. In addition, Radioshuttle – a pallet-based picking system designed by Toyota Material Handling UK – deals with the fastest 200 stock-keeping units (SKUs) in the warehouse. The combined operations now account for approximately 400,000 cases per week of ambient grocery volume.
Four goods-to-person and three decanting workstations have also been installed. Designed by Vanderlande with ergonomics in mind, they are all height adjustable to minimise lifting duties for operators and each can handle around 500 cases per hour. The scalability and flexibility of the new system also provides scope for further extension at the centre.
“We believe this is the most advanced food distribution site in Ireland,” says Steve Young, Musgrave’s Head of Supply Chain Development. “Vanderlande’s integrated solution shows that it’s possible to invest in an automated warehouse system, even on lower throughputs. We can now look forward to expanding our operations with confidence.”
“We’re delighted that this successful collaboration will help Musgrave to realise its growth ambitions,” adds Robert Viegers, Vanderlande’s Executive Vice President for Warehouse Solutions. “We have a portfolio of solutions than can cater for the requirements of all food retailers – both large and small. And the scalability of our systems also means that our customers can effectively future-proof their businesses.”