Currently, around 80% of La Costeña's production is centralized in Ecatepec de Morelos - this material flow needs to be made more efficient. To this end, SSI Schaefer and La Costeña are building a 6,820 m² logistics center with state-of-the-art technology, the first of its kind in Mexico. The special feature of the project lies in the holistic system concept. A "perfectly tailored concept" (company quote) was developed for the customer, taking into account the existing warehouses and linking them to the new logistics center. Integrated, centralized order picking will play an important role in future processes. The new logistics center gives La Costeña the desired flexibility and scalability in terms of performance and storage space.

To this end, SSI Schaefer is building a 6-aisle channel storage system consisting of two modules with a total of around 28,000 pallet spaces. Pallet conveyor technology connects the two modules. Both modules are operated by three SSI Exyz storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) each. The Exyz SRMs are each equipped with an SSI Orbiter LHD as a load handling device (LAM). The orbiters move the pallets on the lower levels of the racking system in the multi-deep channels. Three SSI Lift&Run systems per module operate in the upper area of the racking aisles. They are also equipped with SSI Orbiter LHD as LAM. The ready-to-ship order pallets are buffered there.

To ensure optimum material flows, SSI Schaefer will install a total of 1.4 km of pallet conveyor technology, 13 vertical lifts to supply roller conveyors on two new picking levels and numerous peripheral devices, such as automated label applicators, film wrappers and information displays for the loading status. Picking is carried out using picking vehicles on CHEP pallets. The manual picking processes are supported by the Pack Pattern Generator. In order to increase stability and improve packing density, the Pack Pattern Generator creates packing patterns for the pickers, according to which the pallets are loaded.

SSI Schaefer also contributed its earthquake expertise to the system planning: Soil analyses were carried out in advance to ensure the stability and reliability of the system and its operation in the earthquake-prone area. The results of the analyses were incorporated into the planning of the racking system. The plant is scheduled for completion in 2021.

"SSI Schaefer understood La Costeña's requirements and growth from the outset and therefore offered them the best solution with the latest technology and an innovative project," says the company about itself.