Solutions

The Thuasne group modernises its European distribution centre with Savoye

Savoye (logistics engineering) will this summer implement new processes and mechanised equipment at the centre belonging to the European leader in medical technical textiles, located in Saint-Etienne (42). Their first collaboration at the site goes back to the mid-1990s.

Having entrusted them with the first wave of mechanisation of its European distribution centre in Saint-Etienne in 1995, then the development of the latter at the beginning of 2000, the Thuasne group has renewed its trust in Savoye. The European leader in technical medical textiles (orthoses, support stockings…) entrusted them with defining and implementing from July new processes and upgradeable equipment to accompany the growth of its activity over the next five years (+ 9% a year on average). The installation will be operational in August.

6500 boxes processed in peak periods
Savoye’s work covers two axes: the re-organisation of the picking and the rationalisation of the packaging. As it concerns picking, Savoye will uncouple the flows on a new split case picking line with 4 stations. Eric TILLEROT, Savoye’s sales engineer, explains: « With the increase in the number of product references, the site has progressed in the last few years towards a two-level picking line which considerably increases the pickers’ journeys. Today it is almost full ». The second line will be more user-friendly for the operator and will allow the customer to process 70% of the product references, i.e. approximately 2800 of the 4000 present on site.
New packaging, closing and lidding lines (crates and small boxes) will be implemented to reduce the dispatch packaging types.

The implementation of this equipment will enable the preparation and dispatch of 4500 split case boxes a day, 6500 boxes in peak periods. With time slot peaks which can go as high as 1000 boxes/hour over the 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. time slot.

The site which works with voice (giving vocal and validating using barcode reading) will thus be able to continue its service mission for dispensaries in the very best conditions.


INSTALLED EQUIPMENT

• Manual launching station feeder collector
• 1 split case picking line with 4 stations, which processes 70% of the references after re-mapping
• 2 packaging lines: recovered tray and new tray erector
• 2 recovered crate lidding lines (trays and AC)
• 1 small box closure line with new C24 lidding machine
• 1 automatic sort to make up loads and customisation line.

Source : Savoye press release June 2011