Case Studies
Mackwell Electronics
Emergency lighting component manufacturer invests in Hänel Lean-lifts to accommodate growth in business
History
Mackwell Electronics was formed in 1979 and has grown consistently since that time to become one of the leading manufacturers of emergency lighting components in the UK. Mackwell now operate from purpose designed premises of over 30,000 square feet in Aldridge, West Midlands.
Due to expansion in their business, Mackwell Electronics needed to increase their output capacity. The decision was taken to utilise the space on the shop floor that was currently occupied by the stores. In these stores components of all sizes and quantities were stored on traditional shelving fitted on the ground and mezzanine floor levels.
Mackwell Electronics now found it necessary to move their stores area into a newly built extension; something that posed a significant challenge.
The Solution
It was decided to replace the outmoded traditional shelving units with more effective Automated Storage Systems. Industore was chosen against all competition to provide these systems, they utilised the latest computer controlled Automated Vertical Storage Systems technology supplied by Hänel.
Computer Controlled Storage at MackwellIndustore liaised with the customer's chosen architects to provide the best solution; Industore specified two Hänel Lean Lifts, which would fully exploit the 6 metres of height available in the new extension.
All stock held on the mezzanine floor and shelving was removed from the production area and relocated into the Lean Lifts which saved considerable valuable floor space. Moreover the introduction of the Lean Lifts and the Lean-Lift's "pick to light system" has dramatically increased stock picking speeds and stock accuracy levels.
At each stage of this transition process Industore was on hand to provide full training and technical support.
Commenting on the implementation of the Hänel Lean Lifts, Mr Paul Dupont, Mackwell's Materials Manager said, "Our aim was to relocate our current stores facility to another part of the building and free up precious manufacturing space, we also wanted to improve our pick rates and stock accuracy. Industore has met and surpassed our expectations. We chose Industore because of their professional and proactive response to our needs and we were also impressed by the feedback we received from their existing customers".
