In May 2023, Kardex will hand over a turnkey and future-proof AutoStore system to sensor specialist Balluff. Perfectly adapted to local conditions, the high-performance small parts warehouse will optimize production supply at the Veszprém site in Hungary.
Balluff is a medium-sized company headquartered in Neuhausen a.d.F. near Stuttgart, Germany, which has developed into a leading global player in the field of sensor and automation solutions since its foundation in 1921. With six production sites and 37 subsidiaries, Balluff is represented internationally on the market with its innovative solutions.
Due to increased demands on production capacities, the central production logistics in Hungary were increasingly faced with the challenge of creating space and condensing storage volumes. In addition, Balluff was looking for a storage solution that would reduce travel times, increase efficiency improvements and provide enough flexibility to accommodate further growth. The storage and retrieval system AutoStore proved to be the ideal concept for meeting these challenges in the best possible way. For the planning and implementation of a customized AutoStore solution at the Hungarian site in Veszprém, Balluff relies on the know-how and expertise of intralogistics expert Kardex.
"The Kardex team convinced us right from the start with their consulting expertise and the extremely detailed solution concept. We are certain that we have found the right solution in AutoStore and the perfect partner for sustainable success in Kardex," explains Zsuzsanna Deutsch, Head of Logistics at Balluff Elektronika Kft.
Figure 1: Highly efficient AutoStore robots at work
Maximum space efficiency and flexibility
At the main European production site "Balluff-Elektronika Kft" in Veszprém, three Hungarian warehouse locations will be combined centrally in the future. In this context, an extension to the existing logistics center is planned. In addition to the AutoStore solution that will provide fully automated high-density storage and retrieval of finished products and spare parts, the new hall in Veszprém will also include new storage equipment for pallets and long goods. The AutoStore system will ensure order picking for production in line with demand and its on-time supply.
Figure 2: Visualization of the AutoStore system planned for Balluff's Hungarian site in Veszprém
The highly flexible aluminum cubic grid system, in which AutoStore bins are neatly stacked on top of each other, maximizes storage density and enables four times the capacity with the same footprint compared to conventional manual storage. In the first expansion stage, the AutoStore solution for Balluff will offer space for around 30,000 storage bins, each with an external height of 220 mm. Seven battery powered AutoStore robots will move along the rails of the grid, continuously picking up these bins, rearranging them and transporting them to the ergonomically designed workstations (2 Conveyor Ports and 3 Carousel Ports) for replenishment and picking. The AutoStore system is going to be connected directly to Balluff's own SAP WM. The modular design of AutoStore allows for expansions in terms of throughput and storage capacity at any time without interrupting ongoing operation.
About Balluff
Founded in 1921 in Neuhausen a.d.F., Balluff employs 3600 people worldwide and represents innovative technology, quality and cross-industry experience in industrial automation. As a leading sensor and automation specialist, the family-owned company in its fourth generation offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality sensor, identification, network, imaging and software solutions. In 2021, Balluff Group reported revenues of around 504 mil. Euros. In addition to the main headquarters in Neuhausen a. d. F., Balluff has sales, production and development locations around the world and can boast 37 wholly owned subsidiaries and other representatives in 61 countries. This guarantees customers rapid worldwide availability of products and high consulting and service quality on site.
About Kardex
Kardex is a leading intralogistics solution provider of automated storage, retrieval and material handling systems. With two entrepreneurially managed divisions, Kardex Remstar and Kardex Mlog, the Kardex mission is to provide solutions and services to increase the efficiency in storing and handling of goods and materials on a global scale.
The two divisions serve as partners over the entire life cycle of a customer's product or solution. From project analysis to realization and service, Kardex helps improve a customer’s performance every step of the way. With three own production plants in Germany and one in North America Kardex ensures high quality solutions. To maintain and strengthen its competitive position within technological innovation and outstanding customer loyalty, Kardex is investing in research and development, its supply chain, the expansion of its service organization as well as in new technology via acquisitions. Kardex actively partners with global leaders who share the same values and complement the Kardex solutions including AutoStore, Rocket Solution, Robomotive, Intertex and Sumobox.
Kardex employs 2,000 team members across 30 countries and has installed over 140,000 industry-specific solutions worldwide.
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