Finnish company Kokkikartano Snellman has engaged global intralogistics expert SSI Schäfer to develop an automated warehouse solution that will enable it to meet growing demand for prepared meals. The solution, which has been in operation for 18 months, has significantly increased productivity and warehouse capacity, according to a press release from SSI Schäfer.
– Our customer’s continued growth meant that the existing warehouse was beginning to reach its limits, both in terms of space and manual labor, “That’s when we began working together to design a fully automated logistics center covering 3,000 square meters,” explains Lauri Impiö, sales manager at SSI Schäfer Finland.
At the heart of the new facility is the SSI Flexi Shuttle system—a solution described as modular and scalable, developed for dynamic small-parts storage and maximum utilization of available space. With 40,000 storage locations, the new system increases Kokkikartano’s storage capacity by over 50 percent.
The new solution is integrated with the production line, from which finished goods are automatically transferred to storage, picking, or shipping—entirely without manual handling. More than 180 product variants can now be picked from the same system, making them ready for delivery faster than before—a major advantage.
“Many of our products are shipped directly to customers without being stored for any length of time. A highly efficient process from production to delivery is crucial, and the direct connection to the picking zone makes a big difference,” explains Tommy Snellman, CEO of Kokkikartano Snellman.
To further streamline operations, a Pick-by-Light system has been implemented, in which each storage location is equipped with a light display that shows important information, such as product numbers and quantities. This semi-automated method minimizes picking errors while increasing speed and accuracy. Picked products are then transported one floor down to the palletizing area, where they are prepared for delivery.
