Semi-automated storage solution provides additional storage capacity

Innovative Pallet Shuttle system at corrugated packaging manufacturer

In the previous editions of this magazine you could read how Dexion, as a supplier of warehouse racking, storage solutions and warehouse accessories, is active in the food and automotive sectors, among others. For this edition, we head to Lede in East Flanders, where the company SERVIBOX put a new warehouse into operation three years ago. In late 2023, Dexion's semi-automatic Pallet Shuttle system was installed therein, much to the satisfaction of logistics employee Dorian Powis and his colleagues.

As a refresher, Dexion (Ancient Greek for "right," "correct") was founded in 1947 by Demetrius Comino. He developed the "Dexion Slotted-Angle," a solution that paved the way for adjustable storage systems and Dexion's purpose-built pallet racking and shelving systems. Since early 2018, Dexion has been part of the Gonvarri Material Handling Group, which also includes the leading industrial brands Constructor, Kasten, Stålteknik and Kredit.

Corrugated packaging for every application

Dexion has all the products, solutions and accessories to make the most of every corner and available square foot of a storage facility. Even Dorian Powis, logistics officer at SERVIBOX, notices this. "From its headquarters in Ternat, SERVIBOX has been designing, manufacturing and printing corrugated packaging for virtually every application for over thirty-five years," Dorian said. "We supply our packaging products to a variety of industries, from breweries to e-commerce companies. The demand for corrugated packaging increases every year, and on top of that, we have to move quickly throughout the year to address peak moments in demand. Add to that the limited team of three warehouse workers and myself, and you realize that efficiency and safety in warehousing are top priorities on our warehouse floor."

Wanted: additional warehouse space

That warehouse floor was expanded in 2021 by 5,000 m² additional storage space in Lede. "With this investment, SERVIBOX wants to do maximum in-house storage of its own products, with fast delivery to existing and new customers. With the installation of the Pallet Shuttle system, Dexion is offering us a great opportunity to do warehousing cost- and time-efficiently. We started using this system in December 2023. It turned out to be the ideal solution for our warehouse staff."

Wide range of benefits

What makes Dexion's semi-automatic Pallet Shuttle system so interesting, according to Dorian? "Thanks to this system, we can make the most of our new warehouse and organize it efficiently. With racks up to a height of almost six meters, we are making the most of our available storage space, something that is difficult to achieve with traditional racking. With the Pallet Shuttle system, we need fewer forklifts and the supply and removal of pallets is faster. It also reduces the risk of accidents and damage, because our warehouse workers no longer have to drive forklifts into the racking. Another plus is the high-density storage, where we utilize our scarce warehouse space to every corner. Last but not least, the shuttle is remotely controlled and adjustable for different pallet sizes. And if - for whatever reason - the automatic function of the shuttle should fail, we can still operate it manually using special buttons on the remote control. This way we never get stuck in our processes."

Excellent technical support

Dorian and his colleagues are not only very satisfied with this semi-automatic storage system from Dexion, but also with the aftercare and maintenance service. "Right from the start of our cooperation with the Dexion team, there was a good click with them," Dorian reflects. "In case of a technical or commercial question, we can always immediately turn to Denis Jouret, who, as a sales consultant, is our permanent point of contact. In the past year we have only had to call on his technical support once and that went very smoothly. Proof that the Pallet Shuttle system is solid and reliable. Also in the coming years we count on the expertise and support of the Dexion team."