Kardex: Bleckmann invests in AutoStore for 3PL fulfillment in Belgium

Bleckmann, a leading 3PL logistics partner specializing in the fashion and lifestyle industries, was founded in 1862 and has evolved into an omni-channel logistics expert. The company employs over 4,000 people across 30 locations in the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and the US.

As part of their growth strategy, Bleckmann sought an automated warehouse solution to boost storage capacity and address labor scarcity at their Grobbendonk, Belgium site. They chose Kardex AutoStore for its unparalleled flexibility and scalability, allowing for a basic setup that can be expanded as needed. This system significantly increases storage capacity through better space utilization. Kardex, the intralogistics solution provider, has been tasked with planning and implementing the AutoStore solution.

Goods-to-Person Over Person-to-Goods

The Kardex solution for Bleckmann includes a custom AutoStore system, a conveyor system, a Warehouse Control System (WCS), and an IT environment.

Goods will be stored in 25,000 bins, organized in an aluminum cubic grid system. Twenty-four battery-powered high-speed robots will navigate rails atop the grid, continuously picking up, rearranging, and transporting storage bins. Two ergonomic AutoStore Carousel Ports will be used for picking, while three Conveyor Ports will be combined into a single workstation, providing direct access to bins from different storage locations. This innovative design maximizes the efficiency of pallet decanting in the inbound process. Kardex will also provide a robot cleaning station to ensure maximum robot availability during operation.

The modular design of AutoStore allows for easy expansion in throughput and storage capacity without disrupting operations. Bleckmann’s AutoStore system is highly flexible and can be expanded to accommodate up to 100,000 storage bins. Port frames are integrated into the system to prepare for future expansion with additional workstations.

For more information, please visit: https://www.kardex.com/en/company/news