Hilton Meats implements automated tote picking system

Hilton Meats (part of Hilton Food Group PLC), a large prepacked meat producer based in Zaandam, the Netherlands, has successfully implemented a fully automated warehouse. Hilton Meats processes and packs meat for Albert Heijn, the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands. Hilton Meats wanted to increase the storage density in the warehouse, while at the same time increase the efficiency of the order picking process.

Vanderlande Industries was selected as a partner because the company proposed a very compact solution with high storage density, had strong IT capabilities and has a strong track record in meat logistics (references such as EDEKA (D), Micarna (CH), Bell AG (CH), Casaventa (B) and ProMessa (NL))

The system is based on the Automated Tote Picking concept. Stacks of single SKU totes coming from production are stored in a six aisle miniload system (storage capacity 200,000 totes). Order information is transferred from Hilton’s ERP system (SAP) to Vanderlande’s VISION Warehouse Management System (WMS). Stacks are retrieved from the miniload and and totes are automatically loaded in the right sequence on dollies (output of 300 dollies per hour)

The new facility ensures a more efficient order picking process, makes better use of available space, lowers operational costs and improves stock management and control. The system was installed during the busiest production time of Hilton Meats, with minimum impact on ongoing operations. The solution is scalable and prepared to accommodate future business growth as well an upgrade to store / shelf ready order picking.