Leading organic vegetable freezing company Westhof BIO has significantly enhanced its storage capacity and operational efficiency with the implementation of Movu atlas pallet shuttles and a stow Racking silo. They combine to provide an automated system that can handle over 5,000 pallets of organic vegetables at -24°C (-11.2° F), ensuring reliable and efficient storage and retrieval processes year-round.
The system achieves a throughput of 60 storage and retrieval operations per hour, meeting Westhof BIO’s goal of optimizing production and warehouse processes and delivering high-quality organic vegetables while making the best use of resources and reducing environmental impact.
Germany's leading freezer, BIO-FROST Westhof GmbH is dedicated to processing exclusively certified organic vegetables. Its diverse range is delivered by pallet. To meet growing demand, the company implemented a state-of-the-art, deep-freeze storage facility near Hamburg.
Accommodating Westhof BIO's annual processing of 10,000 tons of organic vegetables, it would ensure year-round availability and freshness for the diverse product range using Movu atlas pallet shuttles within a stow Racking silo. The installation was carried out in partnership with systems integrator Körber Supply Chain, which was responsible for the end-to-end integration.
Movu atlas offers easier and accessible plug-and-play automation for Westhof Bio
The new facility demanded efficient, closely synchronized processes in production and logistics. Freshly harvested organic vegetables are processed immediately after harvesting, frozen and then automatically filled into octabins provided by the logistics system.
The octabins are stored in the deep-freeze warehouse for further processing. Organic vegetables requested for further processing are retrieved from storage and delivered to the appropriate production machines. Finished, packaged and palletized organic vegetables are then stored in the deep-freeze warehouse until delivery to customers. Additionally, the quality of the organic vegetables is monitored at ergonomic workstations integrated into the logistics system, ensuring consistent quality and operational efficiency.
“This Movu atlas installation for BIO-FROST Westhof GmbH is a true example of simple and easily accessible plug and play automation that delivers efficient, flexible, reliable goods flow in challenging low temperature environments,” said Stefan Pieters, CTO of Movu Robotics. “Its scalability provides automation that handles peaks and adapts easily to future requirements.”
Six Movu atlas pallet shuttles operate across six levels within the 60 m x 32 m x 17 m (approx. 197 ft x 105 ft x 56 ft) silo. The shuttles take pallets to, or retrieve them from, designated channel storage locations in the deep, multi-position lanes of the silo. Requiring just one driving aisle provides a high-density storage environment.
This scalable system enables seamless expansion during peak seasons, accommodating fluctuations in demand while maintaining optimal storage conditions. The Plug & Play automation facilitates swift setup and maintenance, ensuring minimal downtime and operational disruptions.
The new storage solution has improved overall operational efficiency and contributed to increased customer satisfaction. Minimizing energy consumption and reducing environmental footprint, the system aligns with Westhof BIO's eco-friendly practices.
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