Jungheinrich Expands Distribution Center for Ski Manufacturer Atomic

The intralogistics provider Jungheinrich is automating the distribution center for Atomic Austria GmbH in Altenmarkt im Pongau, Austria. The ski equipment manufacturer is expanding the center with an automated carton storage system. A pairing system for 37 differently sized load units increases efficiency.

(Hamburg/Altenmarkt) The ski equipment manufacturer and global corporation Atomic Austria, part of the Finnish Amer Sports Group, has expanded its distribution warehouse in Altenmarkt, Austria, with an automated high-bay storage system for cartons, investing 20 million euros in the project. Since June 2019, Jungheinrich has acted as the general contractor and supplier of software and control systems, successfully completing the project on time despite the challenges posed by quarantine regulations due to COVID-19 and the high coordination effort required with many stakeholders.

Strong Growth

Strong growth figures and the integration of the Anif location had increased throughput performance in Altenmarkt, necessitating more space for the global shipping of ski accessories and other sports items. Today, 58,600 storage locations are available in a 60-meter-long, 26-meter-wide, and 24-meter-high silo-style warehouse. Jungheinrich has provided the silo storage system, including steel construction and storage and retrieval devices with load handling attachments for variable load carrier widths, as well as the conveyor technology with goods receiving and picking workstations, control systems, fire protection closures, and software. The manual vehicles from Hamburg, which have been in use in Altenmarkt for many years, will continue to operate in the goods receiving and shipping areas. An efficiency highlight: Instead of the seven aisles planned by the planning office, Jungheinrich was able to reduce the warehouse to five aisles thanks to a sophisticated system that categorizes cartons into size families and bundles them in pairs. A total of 37 differently sized load units, mostly without containers or trays, are recognized and stored in eight or ten units per shelf compartment. Consequently, the focus is on automated storage and a smart conveyor technology concept. The Jungheinrich Warehouse Control System (WCS) manages the processes: part of the 400-meter conveyor technology includes automatic carton detection, which involves 3D measurement and weight detection. Sensors and multiple cameras also detect bulges or bends during contour control and sorting.Jungheinrich Service Staff Quickly On-SiteHowever, the transition to customer service is also crucial for the long-term success of a project. Andreas Ausweger, Managing Director of Jungheinrich Austria, reports: “Not only in the normal forklift area but also for automation solutions, we have a decentralized, global network of specialists.” Thus, service staff can quickly be on-site at Atomic if needed. This is an important argument – as downtime in a central warehouse costs the company money. Kaja Slizowska, project manager at Atomic, summarizes: “Atomic has a long tradition in the ski industry, but it is also a forward-looking company. New technologies, including automation, play a significant role in production and logistics.”
Photo: © Atomic
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