Intelligent sorting logistics

Container Logistics Centre (GLC), Villmergen (CH)

As part of the Zingg Group, the GLC is one of the leading logistics service providers for the food and retail industries. Every day, half a million reusable containers are sorted, cleaned and redelivered at the Container Logistics Centre in Villmergen. The blue CHEP pallets are also checked. This makes the GLC a hub in the supply chain of its customers.

Problem: Bottlenecks in the flow of goods

The GLC was faced with the challenge of optimising its internal flow of goods. In the wake of new container types and increased volumes, a more efficient, automated solution was required in order to meet the increasing throughput requirements and the current state of the art.

Solution: Automated sorting and buffer solution

We have realised a new, automated conveyor system for the GLC. It extends across several halls and thus combines all processes into a single functional chain. The central element is formed by two buffer systems to regulate the flow of goods. The pallets and stacked containers are automatically recognised and sorted when the goods are received. The entire conveyor technology has been highly automated and now enables smooth, optimised goods flow control.

The modernisation was implemented in several stages during ongoing operations.
Thanks to precise planning and close coordination with customers and partners, we were able to maintain GLC's operations throughout the entire project.

Thanks to the systems from Gilgen Logistics, we were able to organise our processes more efficiently and thus create a basis for long-term competitive advantages."

Urs Winkelmann, Operations Manager GLC

Buffer with sliding carriage

Benefits: Optimum flow of goods and maximum capacity utilisation

Thanks to the high degree of automation - particularly in the incoming goods area - manual work such as forklift movements are minimised and the flow of goods is optimised. The sorting and washing systems can therefore be optimally utilised around the clock and at full capacity wherever possible. The result: a considerable increase in efficiency, optimised planning and more flexibility.