HELPING INSTARMAC CEMENT THEIR MARKET-LEADING STATUS
by warehous | May 4th, 2011
Client:
Instarmac Plc
Products utilised:
Shuttle Racking, Mesh Screens, Barriers
Instarmac Group plc is a market leader in the manufacture and distribution of cement, bitumen and resin based products to the world market. As sales hit record targets, they commissioned WSL to transform their storage capability, utilising the very latest systems and technologies within a £180,000 high density warehouse facility. Find out more
Instarmac Group plc is a market leader in the manufacture and distribution of cement, bitumen and resin based products to the world market. As sales hit record targets, they commissioned WSL to transform their storage capability, utilising the very latest systems and technologies within a £180,000 high density warehouse facility.
The challenge
Instarmac reviewed their warehousing capability because, as the company’s productivity increased, they needed to increase their efficiency and volumes. WSL’s storage strategy was therefore an integral element in their future growth; it would be a vital part of the platform on which Instarmac could further develop their business.
Their brief to WSL was simple: to dramatically improve the process that products follow from line manufacture to lorry loading. They wanted to make an award-winning distribution service made even more efficient: reducing order waiting times so that they became ‘almost non-existent’.
The solution
In January 2011, WSL completed the installation of new ‘intelligent’ storag
e system for Instarmac which holds 920 pallets in a marshalling area. The pallets are indexed with the use of Radioshuttles which lift each pallet and move them to the front picking face, ready for dispatch. The Radioshuttles are operated by radio transmitter and can perform a range of tasks: detecting pallets, stocking lanes to capacity and handling different pallet sizes. It can ensure ‘first-in, first-out’ stock rotation, creating leaner, fit-for-purpose processes.
Added value
WSL’s system greatly improved Instarmac’s speed at which products can be available for dispatch. At the same time, our system also reduced the need for multiple pallet movements and double handling via forklift. Pallet movements happen at the touch of a button, within a more condensed and efficient storage area. We therefore also helped the client save on driver-time, enabled them to use space more effectively and, in the long term, reduce the wear and tear caused by fork-lift trucks.
