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Tillamook County Creamery
AS/RS and WMS Case Study
MOVING MORE PRODUCTS - FASTER
In 1998, Tillamook County Creamery Association devised a 10 year plan to maximize efficiency and new technologies, resulting in a new chees processing plant in Tillamook, Oregon and an automated warehouse supplied by Westfalia Technologies, Inc.
Operating since April 2000, the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) was upgraded in 2007 by Westfalia to keep up with advances in technology. The improvements included upgrades to the facility's Storage/Retrieval Machine (S/RM), programmable logic code (PLC) and new drive and positioning technology.
The multiple deep high density AS/RS utilizes Westfalia's Satellite® technology, a fully automated patented rack entry vehicle used to store and retrieve pallets of all shapes and sizes. With 10 pallet spaces on each side, the use of the Satellite in this multiple deep configuration significantly increases the capacity of the system.
System Features:
- A Storage & Retrieval Machine (SRMs)
- Warehouse Management System upgrades including remote access via VPN
- 15,040 pallet positions
- 12 level rack system
- 770 linear feet of conveyors
While the existing AS/RS performed as required, Tillamook's sales growth ws placing increasing demands on their system. Once they became aware that advances in technology could improve the AS/RS operations, Tillamook decided to upgrade their automated warehouse. Upgrading the S/RM controls would make it work faster and smoother. Updating the WMS would improve the speed, accuracy and reliability of the warehouse product flows.
Tillamook's automated warehouse is 12-levels, 90 ft. high and has 15,040 pallet positions to hold 35 million pounds of block cheese and finished products. A wall divides the facility into two sections, with 40 pound blocks stored on the north side, and finished products stored on the south side.
The Tillamook facility uses two different pallet size; standard 40 inch by 48 inch GMA pallets are used for retail packages, and 48 inch square pallets are used for blocks. Either size is readily handled by the Satellite rack entry vehicle, which quickly and smoothly moves the pallets in and out of the racks.
The Storage/Retrieval Machine (S/RM) transports 60 pallets per hour and operates by running down the center of the warehouse serving both the north and south sections of the facility. The Satellite rack entry vehicle quickly and smoothly move the pallets through the 10-deep high density storage racks.
Download PDF of Tillamook County Creamery Association case study.
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