Rhenus Contract Logistics introduces AutoStore
Rhenus Contract Logistics has started using an AutoStore system provided by the international automation solutions company, Swisslog.
The automated storage and order picking system has been installed in a brand new distribution centre in Tilburg, Netherlands. This sustainable warehouse measures over 60,000m², and is used by Rhenus to serve customers with high-quality products within a number of various industries across Europe.
The construction of the sustainable logistics centre and the introduction of the AutoStore system are part of Rhenus Contract Logistics’ wider growth strategy. The AutoStore system assists in further improving the accuracy of its ordering picking and in fulfilling the customers' growth needs through optimisation of continuity and quality.
21,000 bins – 19 robots
The AutoStore system has a surface area of 1,000m², and is equipped with 21,000 containers, 19 robots, two infeed and three order picking ports. Ultimately, this system enables Rhenus Contract Logistics to serve more customers. The automated order picking and storage installation is integrated with both the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Transport Management System (TMS), both of which provide weighing and measuring scanners.
AutoStore uses robots that run on an aluminium grid. The robots stack bins in the storage system grid, and then transport items for delivery to the order picking stations. Aisles are superfluous, making for an unusually compact automated storage and picking system.
As Rhenus Contract Logistics period of growth continues, preparing for additional investment in AutoStore at the Tilburg site is underway.
Site Manager Tilburg of Rhenus Contract Logistics, Willem Boersbroek, commented: "We are very pleased with our collaboration with Swisslog. The introduction of the AutoStore system enables us to work even more efficiently, and this choice is also good for both our growth strategy and that of our customers."
Project manager for Swisslog, Hans van Driel, added: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Rhenus and that the solution provided has matched their highly sustainable logistics warehouse environment."
