Faster and More Efficient Deliveries for Beijer Ref across the Benelux

Beijer Ref is a global leader in the wholesale and distribution of refrigeration, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technology, operating in 45 countries with over 6,000 employees and 500 branches worldwide.

To serve installers with greater reliability and efficiency, the company needed to centralize and modernize their logistics operations in Oirschot. They chose to implement an AutoStore system, empowered by Lalesse Logistic Solutions, to improve their ability to meet urgent delivery demands, optimize labor requirements, and prepare for future growth.

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The Challenge: Achieving Unified Efficiency  

Beijer Ref was created through the consolidation of four separate cooling technology wholesalers, each operating their own inventory systems and storage facilities. The company needed to unify their logistic operations and all back-office activities. Erwin van Dijk, Beijer Ref’s Director of Logistics and Operations in Oirschot, noted: “We were bursting at the seams in our previous buildings,” severely limiting growth potential and operational efficiency.  

The company had to ensure rapid access to components for refrigeration installers, as any system downtime could result in costly product spoilage. They also needed a flexible and scalable solution that would prepare them for anticipated future growth and potential labor shortages.

The Solution: Flexible, Scalable Automation

After a detailed analysis, Beijer Ref chose an AutoStore solution with these integrated elements:

• A compact Grid occupying just 262 m² (2820,15 ft²)
• 7 Red Line Robots swiftly traversing the Grid to fetch and deliver any of the 10,939 storage Bins
• 2 ergonomic Workstations (Ports) for efficient order processing and output

AutoStore integrates seamlessly with Beijer’s complementary technology, including:

• A pick-by-light system for accuracy and speed
• Conveyor technology to streamline material flow

These elements allowed Beijer Ref to make better use of the existing warehouse space and simplify and unify their operations.

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Key Benefits: Saving Space, Time, and Labor

Beijer Ref realized significant advantages after implementing their AutoStore system: ‍

• ‍Dramatically improved efficiency: Order picking that previously required four staff members now requires just one. ‍
• Intuitive operations: There’s a low threshold for training in AutoStore systems. This enabled a smooth transition for staff and the system is simple enough for non-warehouse personnel to operate during off-hours. ‍
• Continuous availability: AutoStore runs 24/7 if required, ensuring Beijer’s customers receive critical parts even during nights and weekends. ‍
• Optimized space: Despite its compact footprint, the AutoStore Grid system stores thousands of SKUs in a dense, organized configuration. ‍
• Reduced labor requirements: The company now operates at two thirds of their original full-time equivalent (FTE) numbers. ‍
• Future-proof scalability: The design allows for seamless expansion — additional Robots, Ports, and Bins can be added without disrupting operations.

These enhancements show what a big difference even a relatively small AutoStore implementation can deliver.

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Ready for Future Growth

Beijer Ref’s upgraded logistics center now serves as a hub for the Benelux. Van Dijk looks forward to adopting this model in other countries: “We are further refining the system at the moment. At the end of the year, we will be adding multi-orders and then we will have a stable system. That will allow us to expand the hub function to other countries. The AutoStore system is easy to expand and we have the space to do so in our building. As AutoStore systems go, we have a fairly small system with seven Robots. We think it’s great to show how cost-effective the advanced AutoStore system can be even at these numbers!”

Project Specifications

• ‍Implementation type: Brownfield‍
• Robots: 7 Red Line Robots ‍
• Workstations (Ports): 2 CarousalPorts
• ‍Bins: 10,939 Bins ‍
• Integrated technology: Pick-by-light system, conveyor system, electric pallet trucks, reach trucks ‍
• Integration partner: Lalesse Logistic Solutions