Meko Finland – AutoStore automated warehouse

Background

Meko Finland Oy (formerly Koivunen Oy) is a wholesaler specialising in vehicle spare parts, accessories and tools. The company also manages the Fixus and Mekonomen car repair chains. By early 2023, growth in both item range and volumes meant that Meko’s central warehouse in Malmi, Helsinki, was running out of space and limiting the company’s growth. At the same time, Meko wanted to increase the level of automation and improve picking efficiency. The company chose an AutoStore automated storage system, which had already proven successful at other sites within the group.

The assignment and the results

EP-Logistics supported Meko in every phase of the project, from planning to commissioning. In the planning phase, EP analysed storage location and order line data, identified the items suitable for AutoStore and calculated the number of bins required. EP also compared alternative locations for the system using layout plans. Simulation was used to determine the number of picking ports needed for peak-day order volumes and to verify the capacity of the packing area. The work resulted in a profitability assessment and a business case, which formed the basis for the investment decision.

In the implementation phase, EP supported Meko in drawing up the procurement contract, planned the temporary warehouse arrangements during construction and was responsible for delivery supervision. EP’s project manager led the various workstreams from the procurement contract through to acceptance testing, while EP’s IT specialist oversaw system integrations and the overall architecture. In addition, EP prepared a warehouse-wide protection and layout plan and delivered the warehouse protection solutions on a turnkey basis in cooperation with McCue. AutoStore was taken into use on schedule.

Benefits

Koivunen gained following benefits from EP-Logistics’ consultance

  • A single partner throughout the project: planning, investment decision support, delivery supervision and protection procurement
  • Data- and simulation-based dimensioning and a business case to support the investment decision
  • Experience from previous AutoStore projects and decades of familiarity with Meko’s operations and the Malmi central warehouse
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