Dematic installs automated high-bay warehouse at Sivafrost

Dematic GmbH installs an automated high-bay warehouse for the frozen food specialist Sivafrost. The solution doubles the storage capacity and makes room for an additional 15,000 pallets. Four stacker cranes and additional conveyor technology are integrated into the solution.

(Dendermonde/Belgium; / Heusenstamm) Dematic is installing a fully automated high-bay warehouse in the frozen storage facility of Sivafrost bvba in Dendermonde, Belgium. As part of the expansion, the intralogistics specialist is also integrating four stacker cranes that automatically store and retrieve pallets with frozen products. Additionally, conveyor systems and pallet lifts constructed by Dematic transport the goods to the production and shipping areas, where they are picked. Thanks to the compact solution, Sivafrost is doubling its storage capacity at its headquarters to up to 30,000 pallets while simultaneously improving the quality of its services. Furthermore, the investment has paved the way for further growth for the frozen food specialist.

Doubling on existing premises

“We chose Dematic because they were the only provider able to double the storage capacity on the existing premises,” says Stijn Siongers, owner and managing director of Sivafrost bvba. The core business of the company includes the packaging and interim storage of frozen products of all kinds. Against this backdrop, the company has invested in automated packaging lines as well as innovative logistics solutions and additional services in recent years.

Conveyor system with pallet lifts

In the new approximately 40-meter-high frozen storage facility, four fully automated stacker cranes from Dematic will now take over the automatic storage and retrieval of all pallets with frozen products. To optimally utilize the limited space available on the Sivafrost premises, Dematic has connected the existing operational building to the new frozen high-bay warehouse via a tunnel equipped with conveyor systems and pallet lifts. Furthermore, the six loading docks located below the new building have been arranged diagonally. “Thanks to the consulting from Dematic, we were able to double our capacities with the fully automated frozen high-bay warehouse and no longer have to turn away any customers who want to store their products with us,” says Siongers.

Automation of frozen storage facilities

Another reason why Sivafrost chose Dematic is their long-standing experience in automating frozen storage facilities. “The investment represents a strategic investment for our company that simultaneously ensures future activities,” says Siongers. In addition to increasing capacity, the new automated frozen warehouse also opens up new opportunities to improve logistics processes and the quality of customer service. “By fully automating, we also reduce the risks of errors and transport damage,” says Siongers. For this purpose, Dematic provided Sivafrost with a solution that allows all pallets to be placed on and removed from circulating pallets to avoid disruptions at conveyors and lifts.

Integration into existing logistics processes

But Dematic also benefited from the specific requirements of the order from Sivafrost, emphasizes Sacha van Droogenbroeck, Senior Director SD and Managing Director of Dematic NV: “The setup and automation of a frozen high-bay warehouse, as well as its integration into already existing logistics processes on a site with limited space, required more creativity and specialized knowledge than other projects.” Since Sivafrost also collaborates with other Dematic customers, such as Agristo, the intralogistics expert will further strengthen its market position in the frozen storage sector with this project.

Photo: © Dematic
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