Firm adds KDR live storage

SSI Schaefer modified an existing pallet racking installation to include live storage to support the continued logistics and service improvements at MACO Door & Window Hardware (UK).

MACO houses over £2 million worth of dedicated stock within its high-tech, high-bay warehouse unit in Sittingbourne, Kent, designed and installed by SSI Schaefer in 2000 using PR600 pallet racking.

Requiring a higher density storage system for box picked items (hardware for windows and doors), previously picked by the pallet, a revised operation was needed to fulfil the orders. KDR Live Storage was chosen as the preferred solution.

KDR is a versatile live storage shelving system - secure and stable upright frames combined with reinforcing cross beams form a 'racking frame' to house entire flow bed units. The flow beds can be modified quickly and without screws using adjustable hooks.

In this instance, the KDR flow beds were incorporated into the existing pallet racking system allowing the previous ground floor bulk pallet locations to be used as push back storage. The number of ground floor manual picking locations has increased with a greater depth of stock for each. Full pallet locations are still maintained at higher levels.

Kevin Whiting, MD, MACO UK, says: "We urgently needed a solution that continued to cater for our bulk pick orders while managing smaller orders efficiently. The KDR system, attached directly to the pallet racking, allows us to effectively pick and pack one or two boxes only from a particular storage location without having to enter the bulk storage high bay area."