Switch to VNA boosts storage capacity by 30%

The warehouse space saving was achieved by switching to a very narrow aisle (VNA) racking scheme served by Flexi Truck articulated forklift technology.

The racking aisles at the Thatcham warehouse are now two metres wide – whereas a traditional reach truck would require three metre aisles within which to safely work. The top beam is set at eight metres high. 

Replenishment stock is held in the upper levels of the system and pallets are dropped to ground level, where order picking can take place as and when required. In addition, a 7,000 ft mezzanine structure provides additional floor space for order picking and packing, while client dispatches and returns are processed in the area created underneath the raised structure. 

A diverse range of products - from FMCG goods, beverages, and electronics – is stored and fulfilled often overnight for a client list that includes both well-known brand names and start-up businesses.

The Flexi Truck’s iconic articulated design is ideally suited to modern fulfilment centre operations because it saves space, increases productivity and allows safe access to stacking aisles and stored products.

Initially two Flexi Trucks are in operation at FuturePro’s Thatcham warehouse where they are used for a range of tasks including unloading incoming delivery vehicles and transferring loads to their allocated position within the racking. Activity levels are always high with the volume of customer orders driving the need to constantly replenish picking stock on the mezzanine and at floor level within the store’s main racked area. 

FuturePro Logistics managing director Mark Wallace, says: “To achieve optimum online order fulfilment performance it is important to deploy the most suitable materials handling equipment. Our investment in Flexi Trucks was based, in part, on the Flexi’s ability to deliver improved space-efficiency, enhanced productivity and the benefits of multi-tasking which are so important in our highly flexible operations.”

For more information, visit www.flexi.co.uk