Successful partnership with SSI Schaefer
Back in 2007, SSI Schaefer laid the foundation stone for a modern distribution center for Galexis at the Niederbipp site. Instead of carrying out cost-intensive renovations at the warehouse locations in Bern-Schönbühl and Zurich-Schlieren, Galexis opted for a new solution, implemented with the intralogistics specialist. In 2016, the storage system was then expanded with a 3-aisle miniload with space for 81,500 containers, as well as a delivery of 65,000 containers to increase the throughput of the entire system to up to 4,000 containers per hour.

Expansion of shipping area in Niederbipp
An expansion at the Niederbipp site was also recently successfully completed. The existing distribution of the Sprinter dispatch area was increased to a total of four dispatch areas. As a result of the expansion, the capacity of 4,000 containers/hour can now be processed by Sprinter dispatch alone. For this purpose, the conveyor line was expanded and high-speed roller switch diverters (RSW) were used to optimize throughput. The entire allocation and distribution is controlled automatically by the WAMAS warehouse management software.

New building and capacity expansion in Lausanne
The distribution center at the Lausanne site is currently being extensively expanded and modernized. The project is divided into two phases, which will be completed between mid-2020 and 2022. The distribution center has 4,000 square meters of storage space and can process 37,000 lines per day.

In addition to the existing system components, eight picking workstations with new flow, pallet and overstock racks will be installed in the basement. The system will also be expanded to include a second dispatch line including a dispatch preparation line with document insertion using document drop, lidding and inserting as well as a strapping machine. The increased redundant system design is intended to achieve greater reliability and throughput.

To increase storage capacity, three zones with four SSI Carousels each will be implemented on the first floor. The technology already in use at the distribution center in Niederbipp will increase capacity by 18,000 containers and thus provide sustainable support for the supply of western Switzerland. The SSI Carousels are supplied by ten goods-in stations and are connected via several hundred meters of container conveyor technology. The basement is also supplied via these goods-in stations, and the used cartons are removed from the workstations using an integrated used carton conveyor. Orders are picked via three ergonomic Get and Pick Stations, which achieve a picking performance of up to 2,250 lines/hour.

Pallet and cantilever racks round off the concept and serve as an overstock buffer and pallet picking area for large containers. A new trolley conveyor system with lift will automatically transport cross-docking deliveries to the shipping area in future. A cooling area with shelves and a picking station will also be installed for items with higher storage temperature requirements. A new version of the WAMAS warehouse management software will be used for the entire project, which will be connected to SAP EWM from Galexis.

With the planned expansions, Galexis AG is responding to market needs and is committed to its partnership with SSI Schaefer.