A FULLY AUTOMATED HIGH-BAY WAREHOUSE FOR METSÄ TISSUE
Metsä Tissue, a part of Metsä Group and a prominent supplier of tissue papers in Europe, is embarking on a groundbreaking project at its Mariestad mill in Sweden. In collaboration with the Italian multinational E80 Group, Metsä Tissue is investing in a state-of-the-art in-house logistical solutions, fully automated high-bay warehouse with laser-guided vehicles (LGVs). The objective is to enhance production capacity, streamline inventory turnover, reduce errors, and speed up delivery times to customers, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
LA PARTNERSHIP
The decision to invest in these solutions comes from Metsä Tissue's drive to world class environmental and operational performance in tissue production. Also, it ensures the safety of material flows by integrating advanced technology into its operations.
“We are talking about a state-of-the-art warehouse logistics system. The automation and laser-guided vehicles provide exceptional flexibility for handling finished goods and raw materials within the warehouse. In addition to improving logistics operations, the system also reduces forklift traffic, therefore improving safety at the mill.”
says Esa Paavolainen, Vice President of Projects at Metsä Tissue.
Metsä Tissue emphasizes the importance of proven industrial technology as being crucial in selecting their partners. This careful selection process ensures that the collaboration aligns with their objectives and maintains a high level of reliability.
“Our Future Mill program consist of several partners in different fields of the industry. Partner selection is always important process that has multiple elements. For us the proven industrial technology has always been an important key factor,” adds Esa Paavolainen.
IL PROGETTO
Regarding the environmental impact and operational safety, the high-bay warehouse and LGVs contribute to these aspects in distinct ways. While the paper manufacturing process itself brings improvements in ecological footprint, the intralogistics solutions focus on enhancing safety. The implementation of high-level technology in the devices and the ability to segregate working areas more effectively contribute to a safer environment for the operators.
Enrico Grassi, President of E80 Group, expresses the importance of the collaboration with Metsä Tissue, describing it as one of the most ambitious greenfield projects worldwide. The common goals of efficiency, safety, and sustainability shape their approach to the project. E80 Group's SM.I.LE80 software platform, which coordinates and manages all intralogistics operations and ensures optimized flows.
Construction on the new warehouse is scheduled to break ground in late 2023 E80 Group, specialized in the development of automated and integrated intralogistics solutions for consumer goods manufacturers and distribution centers, is a key partner in this project. The Group's expertise in Industry 4.0 such as smart and interconnected factories, has been honed over decades. Its customized solutions optimize supply chain operations and encompasses a range of hardware systems and software platforms, guaranteeing seamless integration and total traceability of products.
With over 400 completed integrated factories worldwide, more than 2,700 robotic systems, 7,000 automatic laser-guided vehicles, and 50 automated high-density warehouses, E80 Group has established itself as one of the leaders in its field. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in the 14 subsidiaries they have established worldwide, providing 24/7 consulting and after-sales digital services to ensure ongoing plant efficiency.
The collaboration between Metsä Tissue and E80 Group is a significant step towards achieving world-class environmental and operational performance in tissue production. By using cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions, they will revolutionize logistics processes while prioritizing sustainability and safety, delivering exceptional value to their customers and the industry as a whole.