In collaboration with the Martin Bauer Group, Klinkhammer implemented a logistics concept for the automated storage of semi-finished goods and optimum supply of the adjacent production facility with integrated mixing plant. Profitability and performance were considered, as were investment and capacity requirements over the entire service life. The new, five-aisle high-bay warehouse offers a total capacity of over 10,000 pallet spaces with double-deep storage. It is designed as a silo construction with a height of 31 meters. The possibility of expanding the high-bay warehouse as the Martin Bauer Group continues to grow is already planned as an option. The Klinkhammer warehouse management system, including material flow control, ensures smooth processes.

Storage with a special twist

In order to prevent fires and smoke, the planners opted for the concept of inertization. The targeted addition of nitrogen reduces the oxygen content within the gas-tight building shell to such an extent that the development of fire can be ruled out. A structural trick also ensures optimum storage of the high-quality teas and herbal products: as the warehouse is located on a slope, it was possible to lower it several meters into the ground. The constant ground temperature ensures consistent storage conditions.

An intralogistics connection between the production building and the warehouse optimizes material flows. Pallets with semi-finished goods are transported to the picking area via modern pallet conveyor technology and a retrieval lock, where they are prepared for removal using buffer conveyors. On transfer to the storage conveyor system, the pallets are checked for weight, contours and foot clearance. Proper pallets pass through an entrance airlock into the rack aisles of the inertized high-bay warehouse and are made available for storage at the transfer points of the storage and retrieval machine. Cameras are installed in the storage and retrieval machine for process and quality assurance purposes.

Facts and figures

• 31 meter high, 5-aisle, automated high-bay warehouse in silo design
• Over 10,000 pallet spaces
• Inertization of the warehouse for fire protection with two airlocks
• Connection to the production building via pallet conveyor technology and retrieval lock