Belenus announces the expansion of its automated distribution centre, again entrusted to ULMA Handling Systems
Back
The recent expansion of Belenus's manufacturing area has doubled its production capacity. The aim of the new automated system is to improve order picking and shipment times.
"I can't imagine the current Belenus, which serves over 20,000 customers and supplies around 50,000 items, without this automation"
Ézio Ruocco Jr, Deputy Chairman of Belenus.
Belenus, Brazil's largest manufacturer of nuts, bolts and special parts, announces the expansion of its automated warehouse at Vinhedo distribution centre in São Paulo. The Brazilian manufacturer has again entrusted ULMA Handling Systems with its latest project. Belenus distribution centre is considered a high-performance platform which handles customer orders throughout Brazil and Mercosur.
The first Belenus project was implemented by ULMA Handling Systems in 2004, while the need to upgrade the automated warehouse has come about due to recent investment in the manufacturing plant that allowed Belenus to double its production capacity.
"This project, which was groundbreaking in the metallurgy sector in 2004, looked to help us expand our business by optimising processes, increasing the warehouse area and speeding up order picking," says Ézio Ruocco Jr, Deputy Chairman of Belenus. "In this second project, upgrading the automated warehouse will bring a significant increase in order picking and shipment speed, increasing from the current 250 to around 400 tonnes a day."
Marcelo Bueno, Chairman of ULMA Handling Systems in Latin America, stresses that the upgrade to Belenus's automated area is proof that companies are willing to invest in high-performance intralogistics with technological support in order to ensure a competitive edge in any economic scenario. "And the development of solutions in sectors that do not traditionally invest in automation indicates just how much ULMA is at the forefront in automated systems."
Belenus currently has a warehouse with a capacity for 30,000 pallets and 60,000 boxes. The upgrade to the automated warehouse will increase pallet and box picking capacity by 100% and 50% respectively. Automated warehouse capacity for boxes, managed by Mini Load stacker cranes, will be increased by 40% thanks to the installation of two new stacker crane robots.
The project includes installing an intermediate floor to increase picking capacity at the head of the pallet subsystem, along with an interconnection between the different intermediate floors in the facility.
"The stacker crane system is vital to the success of our business. The goal is to achieve excellence in customer service by maintaining a safe, fast, efficient flow in warehousing, picking and shipping products. I can't imagine the current Belenus, which serves over 20,000 customers and supplies around 50,000 items, without this automation," adds the Deputy Chairman of Belenus.