3PL makes major automation investment

The firm is working with psb intralogistics to implement the new technology. Europa completed the £60m facility last year, despite the challenges of Covid-19, doubling its logistics portfolio. Now, Europa is nearing the next stage of evolution at the site, with a major investment into automated systems – the first to be implemented at one of Europa’s facilities.

Europa Warehouse’s logistics director Maria Torrent March, says: “After a whirlwind year in 2020, where resources within logistics companies were pushed to their limits, we are delighted to be able to announce a major investment into automation at our largest warehouse in Corby. The new technology will allow us to fulfil our commitment to our customers – improving efficiencies to cater for the increase in demand.”

The new, cutting edge technology will create increased efficiencies for Europa’s customers, including a number of e-commerce and blue-chip online retailers – most of which have experienced vast growth following the eCommerce boom.

The new automation includes the use of Goods-to-Person (GTP) technology to eliminate time consuming and unproductive activities

These new efficiencies, including the use of an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) will allow Europa to pick 136,000 bottles per day, handling a capacity of circa fifty million bottles per annum, whilst the Multi Order Picking Station (MOPS), will offer huge labour management benefits and improved efficiencies.

In addition, system productivity will be enhanced with a rotapick station (GTP) which improves pick rates (items picked vs. hours of work) for slower moving SKU by using a patented rotating system which holds up to 48 orders open at one time.

Finally, the selektron Warehouse Control System will remove pick errors and allow pick speed and accuracy to be monitored at a station level, driving warehouse performance.

Maria continues: “Most importantly, automation will allow Europa Warehouse to provide a streamlined service, giving us the ability to better plan and predict the flow of goods, assisting our customers in the ever-growing demand for e-commerce and support the developing consumer trend of next day deliveries.”

psb business development manager Peter Light, adds: “We are delighted to be supporting Europa Warehouse with new automation at its state-of-the-art Corby site. Our intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions will transform how Europa fulfils its customer’s orders. The concept is proven and reliable, and the modular design of psb selektron has been individually adapted with intelligent processes to work alongside the existing IT infrastructure.”

Europa Warehouse provides a range of value-added capabilities including e-commerce fulfilment, production services, inventory management, packing, labelling, special deliveries, final assembly, quality control and critical parts management.

The new 25-acre site at Corby allowed Europa Warehouse to efficiently move and expand its logistics operations, providing optimal quality and value for its customer base.

For more information, visit www.europa-worldwide.com