Migros Eastern Switzerland is the largest of the ten individual cooperatives in terms of area. This necessitates a correspondingly well-structured logistics system for store deliveries – and a sophisticated returns logistics system. Gilgen Logistics set up a highly efficient buffer warehouse with 477 pallet spaces.
In addition to rail transport, Migros Eastern Switzerland also maintains a modern fleet of trucks. Among the approximately 80 vehicles are three biogas-powered and two hydrogen-powered trucks. These vehicles complete nearly 61,000 trips annually, transporting 2.7 million pallets.
With a recycling rate of approximately 80%, vast quantities of materials such as PET, films, plastic, and cardboard are returned. In 2021 alone, around 1,604 tons of PET were returned from the branches in Eastern Switzerland. This equates to roughly 40 million PET bottles. In addition to recycling, empty containers—such as those typically used for yogurt or vegetables—are returned to the headquarters in Gossau, where they are sorted, washed, and prepared for reuse.
Highly satisfied: D. Balmer, R. Tschanz
The return deliveries of these containers are highly irregular, depending on truck arrival times. This can lead to high volumes that need to be processed quickly. Since the subsequent process is automated, these varying movement frequencies must be balanced. The new buffer warehouse from Gilgen Logisticsneed. At three loading points, the returned pallets containing the containers can now directly onto the truckrampsbe loaded Three freight elevators and two transfer cars place the pallets in the buffer storage area. As soon as sufficient capacity is available for further processing, the pallets are automatically removed from the buffer and transported onward. Gilgen Logistics – a recognized specialist in such buffer solutions – was with the development and installation.
Special challenge
Previously, the palletized containers were temporarily stored manually in the same area as the recycling materials. To gain more space for maneuvering and to make optimal use of the ceiling height, a mezzanine floor was built in the high logistics hall.
The particular challenge was that the renovation work took place while the facility remained operational. First, the existing conveyor line was mounted to the ceiling, the new floor was installed, and then both the old and new systems were positioned on top. Due to the COVID-19 situation, even more goods than usual were being handled during this period, which further increased the complexity of the installation.
Here's the project video.
