SSI Schäfer and La Costeña: A New Logistical Mindset

With a new, state-of-the-art logistics approach, the Mexican canned food manufacturer La Costeña has developed a large logistics solution in collaboration with SSI Schäfer. The aim is to optimize logistics processes and increase storage capacity, picking rates, and shipping readiness.

(Neunkrichen) Currently, about 80% of La Costeña’s production in Ecatepec de Morelos is centralized – this material flow needs to be made more efficient. To achieve this, SSI Schäfer and La Costeña are realizing a logistics center of 6,820 m² with the latest technology, unprecedented in its kind in Mexico. The uniqueness of the project lies in the holistic plant design. A concept perfectly tailored to the customer has been developed, which takes into account the existing warehouses and connects them with the new logistics center. An integrated, central picking process will play an important role in future operations. With the new logistics center, La Costeña gains the desired flexibility and scalability regarding performance and storage space.28,000 Pallet SpacesTo this end, SSI Schäfer is constructing a 6-aisle channel storage system designed in two modules with a total of around 28,000 pallet spaces. Pallet conveyor technology connects the two modules. In both modules, operation is carried out by three SSI Exyz stacker cranes (RBG) each. The Exyz-RBG are equipped with one SSI Orbiter LHD as the load handling device (LAM) each. The orbiters move the pallets on the lower levels of the racking system in the multi-deep channels. In the upper area of the aisles, three SSI Lift&Run systems operate per module. They also have SSI Orbiter LHD as LAM. There, the shipping-ready order pallets are buffered. For optimal material flows, SSI Schäfer will install a total of 1.4 km of pallet conveyor technology, 13 vertical lifts to supply roller conveyors on two newly established picking levels, as well as numerous peripheral devices, such as automated label applicators, wrappers, and information displays for loading status. Picking is done with picking vehicles on CHEP pallets. The manual pick processes are supported by the Pack Pattern Generator. To increase stability and improve packing density, the Pack Pattern Generator creates packing patterns for the pickers, according to which the pallets are optimally loaded. The completion of the facility is scheduled for 2021. Photo: SSI Schäferwww.ssi-schaefer.com   –   https://www.lacostena.com.mx/es/