Quickborn, March 2021 - On behalf of Steinbeis Papier GmbH in Glückstadt, material handling specialist SMB International is developing and constructing a new central warehouse for copy paper that will set new standards in warehouse logistics in terms of efficiency and sustainability. The construction of the highly automated storage system with a capacity of more than 12,000 Euro pallets and over 10,000 industrial pallets is entering the decisive phase with the warehouse assembly starting in the summer.
Directly connected to production, the high-bay warehouse will largely replace the storage of paper at external logistics service providers in the future. First and foremost is the process recovery for shipping logistics combined with a parallel reduction in costs. The fact that direct product shipping makes many additional truck transports unnecessary is a first direct step towards greater environmental protection.
The individual storage concept for the market leader for recycled graphic paper and pioneer in sustainability for recycled copy paper was developed by SMB International in close cooperation with the client. The Quickborn-based experts in special machine construction, intralogistics and individual process solutions designed a complete technical solution that is precisely tailored to the requirements and needs of sustainable paper production and storage: smooth 24/7 operation with a high degree of automation and storage density at the lowest possible energy costs.
Unique solutions for copy paper
Pallets are stored in the up to 14-metre-high rack channels in the high-bay warehouse on up to six storage levels. For the side of the warehouse building facing the historic old town, SMB responded to the customer's special requirement for monument protection and was able to reduce the front storage section to four storage levels. Thanks to this flexibility for individual solutions, a very good solution was also found for the aspect of flood protection near the port. The technical requirements ensure that the lowest storage level is simply taken out of operation and the lower truck system is raised to a safe height if the worst comes to the worst.
The storage system must function perfectly around the clock, 365 days a year. The copy paper is stored in A4 and A3 formats in various versions on different types of shipping pallets. Very simple shipping pallets are recognized by the SMB carrier pallet system and stored centrally aligned on a special in-house pallet. This creates guaranteed stock availability for the customer.
A high storage density of up to 95% on the available floor space of just 46 x 89 meters, low energy costs and a high transport capacity are therefore the decisive factors for the long-term success of the storage system.
SMB compact storage systems impress here with their fast, energy-saving, quiet and special cable-bound truck shuttle systems. These can also be operated well in open and not specially separated storage sections. The high storage and retrieval speed of generally up to 110 pallets per hour is achieved with a wide variety of products. In addition, the complex processes within the warehouse interlock particularly smoothly: "From the connection to the customer's existing conveyor technology to the separate provision of the product pallets for shipping or tour compilation, we provide everything from a single source," says Hans-Joerg Steffens, Sales Manager at SMB International. "The compact in-house pallet supply for the controlled carrier pallet system also takes place in parallel and directly from the warehouse." This special design makes the new modular SMB storage system particularly flexible and easy to expand in construction stages, which is also of decisive importance for the client.
Efficient and ecological
At the heart of the new warehouse are the truck shuttle systems. Each storage level contains at least one truck-shuttle combination, which always works on the level assigned to it. The compact vehicles are designed with ecological aspects in mind, including energy-optimized SEW drives. "As only around 1.9 tons need to be moved horizontally at any one time, we require considerably less energy for acceleration than other conventional systems on the market," explains Hans-Joerg Steffens. "The system is also safe and insensitive during operation, as the trucks are positioned using a VA coding rail or an endless barcode strip." The use of several truck shuttles minimizes the risk of operational interruptions. In addition, the space is utilized to the maximum, as no forklift aisle is required. The entire facility is more accessible thanks to the walk-on storage levels and the spacious stairwell. The tested safety technology ensures damage-free stopping of the vehicles even in the event of a fault or malfunction. The warehouse management system ensures safe and efficient route and retrieval planning. True to the motto "rethinking paper", Steinbeis is also setting new energy standards in the industry when it comes to optimizing warehouse logistics thanks to SMB International.
"In the end, it's always about the best and most economical overall solution for our customers, who accompany us in the project as partners and have placed their trust in us," says Hans-Joerg Steffens, Sales Manager at SMB International.
SMB International: The material handling specialists for intralogistics and special machine construction
The SMB Group in Quickborn produces sophisticated system solutions for worldwide use. SMB International is a leader in the planning, development and manufacture of customized products: Filling systems, storage systems, palletizers, robotics, conveyor technology and ship loading systems. The company has deliberately opted for a high proportion of in-house production at its site in Quickborn near Hamburg. Customer requirements can thus be realized quickly, specifically and with consistently high quality. In-house design and production form the basis for the high level of vertical integration, which guarantees reliability in terms of quality and delivery times. Service teams work nationally and internationally on extensive projects. The global sales network ensures fast and targeted information and coordination.