Main third-party logistics supplier Bleckmann has accelerated the enlargement of its Kardex AutoStore system at its Grobbendonk, Belgium, facility—finishing a multi-year progress plan in only one 12 months because of the system’s distinctive efficiency, scalability, and effectivity. Initially supposed to increase in phases over a number of years to succeed in practically 100,000 bins and 71 robots, Bleckmann determined to convey ahead your entire enlargement to the tip of 2024.
This speedy progress underscores the AutoStore empowered by Kardex resolution’s capability to optimise warehouse operations, considerably cut back labour necessities, and maximise area utilisation—providing seven instances the effectivity of handbook fulfilment strategies. With the extension, Bleckmann enhances its providers by providing a multiclient AutoStore resolution to a number of clients, setting itself aside with this distinctive promoting proposition.
A futureproof automation success story
The preliminary Kardex AutoStore system, which went dwell in late 2023, was totally operational in simply 5 months from order placement, seamlessly integrating with Bleckmann’s logistics community. The enlargement from 25,000 to 100,000 bins was accomplished with out downtime or operational disruption, demonstrating the system’s modular and scalable nature. Dealing with growing order volumes and labour shortages, Bleckmann wanted a high-efficiency resolution to boost fulfilment pace and optimise warehouse area. The Kardex AutoStore system met these calls for with minimal power consumption (ten robots use the identical quantity of energy as a single vacuum cleaner) aligning completely with Bleckmann’s sustainability targets at its 100% solar-powered facility.
Enhanced scalability, pace, and sustainability
The preliminary system comprised a 25,000-bin AutoStore grid, 24 robots, and 5 ergonomic ports. Since implementation, order cycles have accelerated by 60%, throughput has elevated, and choosing errors have decreased—leading to higher buyer satisfaction and retention. The expanded system now options seven Carousel Ports, with 5 further choose ports in growth forward of Black Friday 2025. Kardex’s improvements have additional enhanced the AutoStore system. The devoted Kardex Warehouse Management System (WCS) has streamlined operations, whereas an automated Robotic Cleansing Station ensures system reliability. Moreover, a a number of conveyor port permits simultaneous replenishment throughout three bins, drastically bettering inbound processing effectivity.
A Collaborative Success Story
Eric Ebbers, Senior Gross sales Supervisor at Kardex, acknowledged: “We’re thrilled to assist Bleckmann in pushing the boundaries of warehouse automation. The Kardex AutoStore resolution is designed for scalability, permitting Bleckmann to start out small and increase seamlessly. This partnership is a testomony to the ability of innovation and collaboration.”
Kevin Paindeville, Director of Improvements and Warehouse Options at Bleckmann, added: “The flexibleness and scalability of the Kardex AutoStore system have exceeded our expectations. We’ve been in a position to ramp as much as full capability in only one 12 months with out disrupting operations, reinforcing our dedication to effectivity and buyer satisfaction.”
Jens Hooyberghs, Automation Undertaking Supervisor at Bleckmann, emphasised: “The system robotically prioritises high-demand objects for quicker dispatch, making a big distinction throughout peak gross sales intervals. Kardex AutoStore is proving to be a key asset in making our operations extra environment friendly, sustainable, and future-ready.”
