KMF invests £200k in new storage systems

1 min read

Precision sheet metal firm KMF has invested £200k in three new storage towers to help with inventory management and part control.

The new Shuttle XP Vertical Lift Module storage towers will join 3 existing high-end Kardex systems.

They have replaced outdated units and will link seamlessly with KMF’s Epicor10 system. They have a tray width of 4,050mm, as well as a loading capacity of up to 560kg per tray. Their compact unit design allows them to adapt to space requirements, offering maximum storage volume where floor space is limited, and stands at 30 metres tall.

KMF’s new storage towers will also improve traceability of parts moving into and out of the factory by allowing faster access. As the trays move more quickly than the old storage systems, the firm should also see improvements to digital communication between their ERP system and the storage towers.

Commercial director Keith Nicholl said: “We already have a number of systems from market leader, Kardex, so we're familiar with how they operate and link with our ERP system. This was the perfect time to invest in more dynamic and organised storage, particularly for our CNC operators.”

The three new storage towers are also space and labour-saving devices that provide efficient storage space, as well as fast retrieval of parts. They feature a software that can be programmed to allow only authorised users access to certain trays, ensuring that only the correct components are picked. There intelligent programming also removes the need to manually enter part numbers, reducing the risk of distributing the wrong parts.

One of the three new storage towers will be used by the firm’s CNC machine operators to store and present punch tooling in a more organised way.

Keith added: “This is an exciting investment for KMF, and one which will help to keep us ahead of the game in respect to inventory management and part control across our facilities.”