Varo planned the refurbishment of its lighting system

The VARO logistics center in Lier, Belgium, is the dream of every handyman and do-it-yourselfer: whatever tools you want, you are sure to find them on these 24,000 square meters. No matter whether it's a drill, wrench or hedge trimmer - from here it makes its way to the DIY stores of this world.

To ensure that everything runs smoothly during order picking, VARO relies on a new LED continuous-row lighting system from Trilux, which is not only glare-free and reliable, but also extremely efficient. With power consumption of 250 and 400 watts, the old system was responsible for a large part of the energy costs in the hall. When refurbishing the lighting system, VARO therefore expressly wanted a solution that would impress with its lighting quality and energy efficiency. The E-Line LED from Trilux provided the best arguments for this. High efficiency, simple installation and a short payback period are just some of the features of this adaptable continuous-row lighting system.

The decisive factor for the decision, however, was a small, colorful toy figure. "In Herrenried, we equipped a logistics center with very similar requirements with E-Line LED," explains Trilux Managing Director Willem Dammers. "After an on-site visit, VARO agreed: E-Line is also our lighting solution."

Less shadow cast

Photo: Trilux

Today, around 1,000 LED luminaires in the continuous-row lighting system illuminate the aisles, halls and workstations of the logistics center. A light intensity of 200 lux was required in the peripheral areas, while loading zones and areas are designed for up to 350 lux. In addition, the workstations for precision work were illuminated with 500 lux. With a ceiling height of twelve meters and the alternation of larger areas and narrower shelving aisles, the combination of narrow-beam and wide-beam E-Line luminaires was the ideal solution. This made it possible to achieve uniform, glare-free lighting while minimizing shadows.

The lighting is supplemented by a lighting management system. Motion detectors in the warehouse and aisles automatically switch the lights on when people are present. In the loading zone, the lighting group is controlled according to daylight. Special sensors measure the incidence and intensity of natural light and control the exact amount required for the desired lighting level.

60 percent energy savings

The use of the lighting management system further increases the energy efficiency of the E-Line. According to VARO Purchasing Manager Nico de Troyer, this is paying off: "We are extremely satisfied with the result of the Trilux lighting solution. Our total energy costs have fallen by almost 60 percent. This means that we are saving two thirds of our total energy consumption thanks to the new lighting. In addition, there are further savings through ease of maintenance and a long service life of around 50,000 operating hours with almost the same high luminous efficacy. The quality of light has also been significantly improved as a result of the refurbishment.

"There has been a lot of positive feedback from the workforce. The LED light of the E-Line is perceived as pleasantly natural."

Nico de Troyer, Purchasing Manager at VARO

"There has been a lot of positive feedback from the workforce. The LED light of the E-Line is perceived as pleasantly natural. The uniform and glare-free illumination of all work areas also contributes to a significant increase in visual comfort," says Trilux Managing Director Willem Dammers, summing up the switch to a bright, natural light level.

S.H. Kubitzki