Swisslog, the global provider of integrated logistics solutions for warehouses and distribution centers, has announced the success of a new warehouse solution for Blum in Hoxton Park, Sydney.
Swisslog was commissioned by Blum in April 2009 to deliver a solution which comprises of three high speed pallet cranes, 265 meters of conveyor, a shuttle car and two ergonomic pick stations with lift tables. Swisslog has also supplied and integrated their WarehouseManagerTM software solution with controls interfacing to Blum's host system. Work commenced on site in November 2009 and Swisslog's solution went live on schedule in May 2010. Swisslog has also secured a support contract for the site to ensure the long-term availability of their logistics system for Blum.
Blum produces high quality fittings which are well known for their soft closing mechanism and are found in many major furniture brands. Their aim is to increase comfort of the opening and closing of furniture in all areas of the house, especially in the Kitchen. Due to their successful global business model, Blum has achieved high levels of growth in Australia and thus required a new warehouse to satisfy both their current logistical requirements and to facilitate continued growth in the future. Swisslog worked alongside Blum who, having built a number of facilities in Europe, is mature and experienced in automated warehouse projects. This experience allowed them to actively contribute to the design process of this site and to refine its layout.
The strategically located Sydney warehouse now stores Blum's high quality and durable kitchen fittings, mostly imported from its production site in Austria. The storage, management and distribution of these products, all aimed 'perfecting motion', is looked after on-site. Since incoming goods are received on euro pallets within containers, Swisslog designed a solution to handle these pallets and eliminate the need for re-palletising products upon arrival at the warehouse. Palletised products are stored in the 32m tall highbay warehouse, served by the three high speed pallet cranes which each complete 36 double cycles per hour.
Says Brett Ambrose, Managing Director of Blum Australia Pty. Ltd: "The project has been a good experience for Blum in Australia with Swisslog's cooperation and communication both being first class. We required an installation capable of expanding to meet our future needs and Swisslog has given us exactly that. Swisslog's team in Australia worked well with our own colleagues in Austria and did not allow distance to hamper the installation process at all. The system integrates well with the Blum application landscape and all dates were met by Swisslog's team, allowing us to move into our new facilities on time."