AutoStore Brings Ultimate Space Efficiency to VHIT

VHIT SpA is an Italian automotive components manufacturer headquartered in Offanengo, Italy, specializing in mechatronic products for the automotive industry. The company develops and produces components for internal combustion engines and electric motors. VHIT serves European markets and also exports to South America and Asia through its distribution network.

While VHIT needed to maintain efficient inventory management for its growing business, the company faced significant space constraints at its Offanengo facility. The solution was to modernise its logistics capabilities in line with the company’s sustainability goals by implementing AutoStore’s state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval system, empowered by Kardex.

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The Challenge: Overcoming Space Constraints to Expand Business

VHIT faced critical operational challenges as it prepared to expand its business model beyond large-scale automotive manufacturing to serve smaller customers with diverse spare parts needs. The company was constrained by legacy infrastructure designed primarily for pallet-based operations.

Spatial limitations were a challenge too. Having expanded continuously since the 1980s, VHIT's Offanengo facility had minimal available floor space and they struggled to accommodate smaller batch sizes and more diverse inventory requirements. The existing warehouse infrastructure lacked the flexibility and efficiency needed for future business requirements. This threatened to impede VHIT's ability to effectively serve their expanding customer base and maintain their position as a leading automotive parts supplier.

The challenge extended beyond physical space. As a company deeply committed to innovation and sustainability in the mobility industry, VHIT needed a solution that aligned with their sustainability goals, while also solving immediate operational needs.

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The Solution: Turning Constraints into an Opportunity For Growth

VHIT implemented an AutoStore system that quadrupled storage capacity within the existing warehouse footprint. The solution provides space for more than 3,000 storage Bins, managed by AutoStore R5 Robots, enabling efficient small-parts handling at the Offanengo facility. The automation solution comprises these components:

• Grid: An aluminum cubic Grid system maximizes vertical space use, with Bins neatly stacked to achieve four times the storage density of conventional storage methods.
• Robots: Three energy-efficient Red Line Robots traverse the Grid structure, performing continuous Bin retrieval, rearrangement, and transport functions.
• Workstations (Ports): Three ConveyorPorts serve as picking and replenishment stations, ergonomically designed for worker comfort and efficiency.
• System integration: A Warehouse Execution System (WES) coordinates all operations, seamlessly connecting with VHIT's existing infrastructure.

Implementation was remarkably efficient, with the entire system going live just 5 months after project initiation. The solution's modular design ensures future scalability, allowing for expansion of both storage capacity and throughput without disrupting operations. Additionally, the energy-efficient design aligns perfectly with VHIT's environmental sustainability initiatives.

Key Benefits: Maximizing Space, Efficiency, and Sustainability

In five months from project sign-off to go-live, AutoStore delivered substantial improvements across VHIT's operations, transforming their warehouse capabilities:

• Space efficiency: Achieved industry-leading storage density, quadrupling capacity within the existing footprint compared to manual storage methods.
• Operational scalability: Modular system architecture supports seamless expansion of both throughput and capacity without disrupting daily operations.
• Sustainability and energy efficiency: Exceptional power efficiency (ten robots consume the equivalent energy of a single vacuum cleaner) further enhanced by energy recovery systems. They minimize carbon footprint through optimized power usage and eliminate unnecessary lighting requirements.

The AutoStore solution has positioned VHIT to effectively serve their expanding customer base while maintaining their commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.

Sustainable Automation for Future Growth

VHIT’s investment in AutoStore reinforces their commitment to digitization and sustainability. The system not only supports their transition toward smaller customer demands but also integrates seamlessly with Industry 4.0 initiatives to further optimize operations. And, because sustainability plays a decisive role in the company's actions and decisions, the investment in a highly efficient AutoStore solution makes perfect sense.

Project Specifications

• Installation Type: Brownfield
• Robots: R5 Robots
• Workstations (Ports): 3 ConveyorPorts
• Bins: 3,000+ Bins
• WMS: Kardex Warehouse Execution System
• Integrated technology: Conveyor belts
• Implementation partner: Kardex

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