Visitors wanting to get a detailed behind the scenes look at Harrods new Thames Valley Distribution Centre in Thatcham, Berkshire, should take a seat in the IMHX Case Study theatre on Wednesday 20 March at 3pm.
The case study session, presented by SSI Schaefer, will cover the complete fit-out of Harrods new site focusing on project objectives, challenges, automated and bespoke storage solutions including details on the latest extended warehouse management software, SAP- EWM.
Following a seamless transition from its former site in Osterley, West London, the 346,000 sq ft facility fitted out by SSI Schaefer is now fully operational and the sole UK distribution centre for the Knightsbridge store and other outlets. Together with the team from Harrods, SSI Schaefer ensured the facility was fully operational without impacting on service within a 15 month time frame.
Simon Finch, Deputy Director, Distribution, Harrods, said: “From the outset of this project we were looking for a turnkey supplier that could project manage the entire fit-out of the warehouse, and we found this in SSI Schaefer. Their expertise in systems integration, design, installation, delivery and on-going service and maintenance support proved to be a winning formula for such a relocation project of this size.”
The whole site is fitted out with the very latest materials handling equipment enabling the faster movement of goods with increased replenishment accuracy and frequency as well as much greater storage capacity – holding over 10,000 product lines, many more SKUs are cross-docked and delivered into London continually throughout each and every day.
To kick things off SSI Schaefer immediately installed narrow aisle pallet racking that provided instant additional storage capacity but also ticked the box to accommodate future sales and growth of the business as and when required.
A fully integrated and automated storage, handling and picking system was then designed, supplied and installed. The innovative system comprises a four aisle miniload crane system servicing 43,000 tote storage locations, transport, replenishment and picking conveyors with an automatic labeling system, automated goods to man workstations with pick-to-tote- technology, forklift control system, medium item shelving, man up order picking in very narrow aisle (VNA) pallet racking to 12 metres, unique big ticket high bay racking integrated with special large product order picker machines, process area workstations for inbound stock handling and outbound store preparation, 10,000 store delivery totes and handling equipment.
SSI Schaefer also has sole responsibility for the centre’s entire Warehouse Management System which is fitted out with SAP’s latest software, EWM – Extended Warehouse Management – this crucial role for the smooth running of the site was given to SSI Schaefer due to their in-house expertise and ability to configure and deploy EWM.
The system provides Harrods with real-time information and a high level of process and inventories transparency enabling precise planning of warehouse steps as well as efficient distribution and storage processes, managing both the manual and automated processes.
The centre, which has achieved an excellent rating from BREEAM highlighting the centre’s excellent energy performance and recycling facilities, was opened by Michael Ward, Managing Director of Harrods and the leader of Thatcham Council, Cllr John Boyd with Jaap Vos, Director of SSI Schaefer UK in attendance.
The project represents a major investment for Harrods and a long term commitment to SSI Schaefer who will provide on-site resident maintenance.
The International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX) – which takes place 19-22 March at the NEC – will showcase thousands of innovative solutions for intralogistics.
Sponsored by BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, IMHX will feature over 400 exhibitors. The IMHX Logistics Excellence Conference will feature a series of seminars at strategic level delivered by renowned industry experts, while the IMHX Logistics Case Study Conference will offer presentations that demonstrate best practice from a range of blue-chip companies. The exhibition will be opened by world land speed record breaker, Richard Noble OBE, in front of his latest record-attempting vehicle, the jet- and rocket-powered BLOODHOUND SSC (SuperSonic Car) – which is sponsored by Linde Material Handling – in the show’s first ever Skills & Apprenticeships Zone. Richard – who is Project Director for the latest land speed record attempt with Royal Air Force Fighter Pilot, Andy Green, at the wheel – will also be updating visitors with the latest project news in a special presentation.
As well as brand-new areas – including the UKWA 3PL Zone, hosted by the United Kingdom Warehousing Association, and the International Visitors’ Lounge – many features will make a welcome return to the show. The Design 4 Safety Competition will be held once again. The heats of RTITB Operator of the Year Competition will also take place. IMHX will once again feature the AMHSA Pavilion, hosted by the Automated Material Handling Systems Association. Finally, the VIP valet parking scheme will operate.
A number of brand-new forklifts will make their début, including the 7-series of reach trucks from Doosan (19H120) and the forklift range from Manitou (20B43), now available in the UK. Yale Europe Materials Handling will be showing its ‘V’ series of electric counterbalance forklifts for the first time in the UK. Yale will be exhibiting alongside Briggs Equipment on 20C110.
Crown Lift Trucks (19J90) will be unveiling a number of new machines under its ‘Ideas That Advance’ slogan.
Toyota Material Handling (20F70) will present its unique forklift simulator for the first time. Jungheinrich UK Ltd (19L134) will be promoting its range of counterbalanced and warehouse trucks and handling solutions under the banner ‘BestInvest’.
Visitors expecting to enjoy the traditional combination of dancing trucks and Guinness offered by Combilift will not be disappointed. The stand (19J150) will also feature models from the Aisle-Master VNA articulated range. Flexi Narrow Aisle (19J75) will launch its new Warehouse Systems Division.
Motor sport fans will enjoy the stands of GNB Industrial Power (19L120) and Pirtek (20C30). GNB will be displaying a Porsche GT3 Cup Car, sponsored by GNB’s parent group, Exide Technologies. Pirtek – will be hosting British Touring Car Independent Drivers’ Champion, Andrew Jordan, and his Honda Civic.
APEX Linvar (18N154) will be giving visitors a chance to win an iPad.
Hoppecke Industrial Batteries (19K95) will be inviting visitors to take part in the Extra Mile challenge, a competition to underline how a battery must be looked after.
On the stand of SSI Schaefer, visitors will find two products brand-new to the UK – the LogiMat and the Schaefer Auto Cruiser (SAC). Also showing its automation expertise will be Vanderlande (19L180).
One of the new solutions on the stand of BITO (18M102), will be sprinkler-friendly shelves.
Sharing a stand with KNAPP, its parent company, will be Dürkopp Fördertechnik (20D30).
Three new additions to the range available from European Conveyor Systems (17Q150) will be shown.
Conveyor Systems Ltd (20E120), will exhibit its energy-efficient Zero Line Pressure accumulation conveyor. Savoye (19J80) will unveil its new, all-electric Intelis conveyor solution at IMHX, designed to be eco-friendly, flexible and silent.
Interroll (20F102) will promote its range of dynamic storage solutions.
Visitors to 18M140 will be able to experience a dynamic and lively demonstration of the science of an explosion from Pyroban.
Transdek, will be demonstrating some of its range of lifting and loading solutions on 20D21.
Caljan Rite Hite (19L140) will be highlighting the benefits of its Global Wheel-Lok vehicle restraint, which prevents vehicles from moving during the loading/unloading process.
Logistex (18N164), will invite visitors to experience its new warehouse systems demonstration suite.
Schoeller Allibert (17Q100) will showcase the broadest range of plastic reusable transit packaging (RTP) available from a single source.
IMHX
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