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Norbain’s new Distribution Centre nears completion
Aug 2 2005
The new Norbain Distribution Centre at Ashton Moss Lancashire, close to Junction 23 of the M60, is nearing completion. The 50,000 square foot warehouse will increase Norbain’s stockholding capacity significantly, with pallet spaces and pick locations more than doubling to accommodate Norbain’s continued expansion.
The main construction of the building was completed at the beginning of June. Since then internal works have progressed rapidly including the creation of office space and a mezzanine floor within the main warehouse area for storage of small parts.
To help protect the health and safety of staff and make the distribution operation as efficient as possible Norbain is investing heavily in the latest technology.
Although all picking within the Centre will be undertaken by hand because of the delicate nature of many of Norbain’s stock items, three conveyor systems are being installed to help move goods around the Centre. One similar to a ski lift will send goods skyward to the mezzanine floor. Two others will move goods from the mezzanine area either to despatch, for orders fully completed and ready for the carriers, or back down to the main picking area for part picked items that need to be combined with other goods prior to despatch.
"Manual handling is a big concern", says Alan Heath, Norbain’s Operations Manager. "To optimise health and safety we’re utilising a variety of equipment such as conveyers that are fixed at the correct height to minimise lifting. All staff will receive manual handling training and we will have a manual trainer on site at all times to monitor picking practice and coach staff in the correct picking techniques."
Technology will be on the move in the distribution centre the whole time. Picking trucks incorporating small fixed stepladders will help pickers collect items swiftly and safely. For the bulk storage of goods at heights of up to ten metres, two purpose built forklift trucks will automatically lift pallets to the pre-set height of each stack level. Cameras on the forks will provide drivers with an additional aid to ensure pallets are stored correctly. Finally two automated shrink-wrap machines will speed the process of shrink-wrapping goods whether for storage or despatch.
For more information visit www.norbain.co.uk.
