As part of this expansion, the Heusenstamm-based company is also installing eight storage and retrieval machines that ensure the automatic storage and retrieval of pallets. Other components of the automation solution are heavy BK25 unit load conveyors as well as chain and floor conveyors that connect existing storage areas with the high-bay warehouse. The system will enable Blum to increase storage capacity and raise the level of automation at the site. Completion and commissioning of the system are planned for the fourth quarter of 2023.

"Dematic impressed us with an overall package of intralogistics expertise, technical quality and personal support. The solution consists of tried-and-tested standard components that have already proven to be highly reliable and durable in many other Blum plants around the world," says Markus Schneider, Group Manager Intralogistics at Julius Blum GmbH. In addition to the intralogistics automation, including the software solution for the new high-bay warehouse, the order also includes the connection to the existing conveyor technology and the connection of the individual logistics areas.

The Heusenstamm-based company developed an automation solution for the Blum plant in Poznan consisting of a new high-bay pallet warehouse, which is operated by eight SR-U1200/1 storage and retrieval machines with telescopic forks. The company stocks components and finished furniture fittings systems in the new storage area. "Thanks to the modular design, the storage and retrieval machines can be tailored precisely to our requirements," explains the Group Manager.

Dematic's scope of delivery also includes heavy BK25 unit load conveyors, which are used to store and retrieve entire pallets and are capable of transporting five different types of loading aids. The conveyor technology package is supplemented by T5 chain conveyors, which ensure horizontal conveying and right-angled infeed and outfeed of pallets or pallet cages. Six floor conveyors act as a connecting element between the conveyor levels and lift or lower the unit loads as required. "The solution guarantees us coordinated processes and a fully automated material flow between the individual storage areas," adds Schneider. Dematic is also expanding the material flow computer system and a warehouse management computer in order to automatically merge all relevant data into one system.

Dematic and Blum have a long-standing partnership. Dematic's predecessor company Mannesmann Demag first supplied the manufacturer and distributor of furniture fittings systems with customized warehouse technology in 1986. "Both the Dematic solutions and the collaboration have proven their worth," says Schneider. Dematic is also in use for Blum at other locations - for example in several plants in Austria, in the central warehouse in Canada and in the production warehouse in the USA. The automation is primarily carried out with storage and retrieval machines, conveyor technology and picking stations as well as the associated software. "The many years of collaboration, direct contact with key people and standards help to implement joint projects quickly, reliably and efficiently," summarizes Schneider.