Leading beverage distribution specialist, BevChain, a wholly owned subsidiary of Linfox, has extended its commitment to work smarter for its customers with the installation of an automated warehouse shuttle system.
BevChain installed the Swisslog’s PowerStore system at its facility in Auburn, New South Wales, which is conveniently located adjacent to the brewery of one of its major customers.
“PowerStore is next generation warehouse automation. It has increased storage utilisation by 55 per cent in the same building footprint, created a safer workplace for our people, and will deliver growth for our customers,” said Linfox President, BevChain, Misha Shliapnikoff.
BevChain delivers tailored beverage supply chain solutions across Australia and New Zealand. It leads the industry with 22 distribution centres across six states, handling more than 2.5 billion serving units annually.
“The new 24/6 facility includes over 30,000 pallet locations, with vertical conveyors transferring pallets to and from one of five levels. It has 20 satellite AisleCarriers and RowCarriers, one in each level of the four quadrants transferring pallets to and from their location. This is all pre-determined by Swisslog’s intelligent SynQ software,” said Mr Shliapnikoff.
“This technology-driven facility is also giving our people the chance to gain new knowledge and skills in a warehouse of the future,” he said.
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Swisslog’s advanced SynQ software is fully integrated with BevChain’s warehouse management system and creates a seamless operation. It ensures full traceability and trackability, including batch numbers and visibility on storage and throughput, using automation for receipt despatch.
Swisslog Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Francis Meier, says the new PowerStore system provides safety and efficiency benefits to BevChain’s operations. “Replacing manual operations with an automated system increases the accuracy of picking and removes error, which leads to fewer returns, and greater profitability,” he said.
“The solution has delivered productivity benefits and makes the warehouse safer and quieter. And, because we were converting an existing manual warehouse, our team worked closely with BevChain to ensure the go-live phase was carried out in stages, to minimise the impact during commissioning,” he said.
Mr Shliapnikoff said the site represents BevChain’s commitment to work smarter for its customers.
“We continue to invest in our their future with high performing supply chains and best-in-class technology,” he said.
BevChain is a Corporate Partner of the Drinks Association.