SILO² by ICAM has been chosen by Plásticos Españoles and Silvalac of the Armando Álvarez Group for the logistical re-organization of their warehouse.

The Armando Álvarez Group, a European leader in the manufacture and processing of plastics, packaging, metal and iron has chosen the innovative SILO² multi-column storage system from ICAM. With its shifting tray system, SILO² was the perfect choice to increase storage capacity and optimize the picking process in its subsidiaries, Plásticos Españoles and Silvalac.

Silvalac, which specializes in flexible polyethylene packaging, has seen the installation of two vertical SILO² storage systems, each with a storage capacity of 32 cubic metres, distributed over a height of approx. 7 metres and occupying a surface area of 18 square metres: 3 storage columns equipped with 75 fixed configuration trays which are handled by a single vertical shift system which requires just 26 seconds to ensure handling of the stored print rolls.

Just a single SILO² was all that was required to optimize the storage of print rolls and respond efficiently to the needs of the production department at Plásticos Españoles. The company, which also specializes in flexible polyethylene packaging, opted for a system with a storage capacity of 30 cubic metres over a height of approx. 7 metres and occupying a surface area of just 15 m2.

Both Plásticos Españoles and Silvalac opted for SILO2 models equipped with telescopic access openings to facilitate fast, comfortable retrieval of materials which are heavy (up to 500 kg) and/or bulky and must be handled using servo and/or automatic devices (cranes, pneumatic manipulators, anthropomorphic robots etc.). This innovative system offers the possibility to exploit all of the advantages of an external access opening, without the necessity of any fixed external structure.

The main advantages of the new storage systems include the fast storage and retrieval of the hundreds of items (around 800/100) stored in each storage system, together with the flexibility and speed of item retrieval. The system can also be set for use by multiple users, with the possibility to personalize access with a user ID and password which ensures the stored goods are properly protected. Compared to the previous static shelving, SILO² brings considerable advantages to the two companies. With a growing number of customers and therefore an increase in the number of print rolls to produce for the printing of the graphic on the flexible packaging, it was becoming increasingly necessary to improve the internal organization of the warehouse. SILO² was able to meet all the requirements by improving traceability of the stored material and increasing the safety/care of the print rolls during handling.

Storage capacity, speed and efficiency are just a few of the characteristics of the ICAM storage systems which have been designed to respond intelligently and functionally to the irregular fluctuations of the market. They offer the perfect combination of appropriate care of stored material while offering maximum flexibility in the time required for fulfilling orders.

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