KNAPP supplies Bausch & Lomb with state-of-the-art automation

Based in Schiphol in the Netherlands, Bausch & Lomb’s European Logistics Centre (ELC) is equipped with a state-of-the-art supply chain solution designed and installed by KNAPP.

The renowned eye care group commissioned the automated material handling solution as part of a multi-million Euro investment in its supply chain in order to enhance customer service and meet predicted growth. The KNAPP solution has helped Bausch & Lomb’s ELC – which was operating at close to full capacity before the new system went live – to handle growing volumes and new products, with the system capable of handling Bausch & Lomb’s predicted growth for the next five years.

The KNAPP handling solution features an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) with 16,000 double deep locations in two aisles that are 9 metres high and 100 metres long. There are also nine of KNAPP’s Order Storage & Retrieval (OSR) goods-to-picker systems, each 35 metres long and featuring a total of 27,000 storage locations, that are equipped with pick-by-light & place-by-light technology. KNAPP also supplied just under three kilometres of intelligent, energy-saving conveyors, as well as a bank of automated carton erectors and closers, automatic document insertion machines and shipping label applicators.

Comments Craig Rollason, Head of Sales and Marketing for KNAPP UK Ltd, “As with many companies in the pharmaceutical and health industries, Bausch & Lomb’s products are ideal candidates for automation. This solution will help to ensure that the ELC can easily rise to the challenge of additional throughput and new product lines over the coming years.”

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