Initial situation & task
For a major food retail company in Italy, Schwingshandl implemented a comprehensive, fully automated crate handling system for a new food distribution center as an extension of an existing facility.
The conveyed goods consisted of fruit and vegetables packed in customer-specific crates with a complex, uneven base design. These crates are not suitable for conveying on conventional roller conveyors. The objective was therefore to depalletize the crates reliably, convey them gently, prepare them for order picking, buffer them temporarily and palletize them again – all at high system performance and within a short project timeframe.
Key challenges included the demanding crate geometry, the sensitive nature of the goods and the tight schedule. The customer chose Schwingshandl based on several previously successful joint projects.
Implementation
Planning and implementation were carried out in close coordination with the general contractor. Due to the special crate geometry, the conveyor technology was realized using modular belt conveyors and precisely adapted to the conveyed goods.
The material flow starts at the infeed stations, where mono-product pallets are introduced into the system. In automated depalletizing modules, the crate stacks are depalletized, while the empty pallets are transferred to the empty pallet handling system, stacked and, depending on demand, returned to the outbound area.
At a trimming station, the crate stacks are separated and restacked to an optimal height. A subsequent centering station ensures precise alignment of the stacks in preparation for storage.
After order picking for the individual shops, the crate stacks are automatically palletized, conveyed via roller and chain conveyor technology, and transferred to the outbound area for shipment.
The total project duration was approximately one year.
Added value
- Reliable handling of customer-specific crates with poor conveying characteristics
- Gentle transport of sensitive food products
- High system performance despite complex conveyed goods
- Modular system design for maximum flexibility
- On-time project completion with high customer satisfaction