Autostore & VAS-department

Autostore is a fully automated robot system for efficient warehouse management. The system streamlines most manual routines and optimizes the use of space.

VAS stands for Value Added Service and represents the additional services we offer, such as logo application, embroidery, sewing work, etc

Significant growth

As a result of Wenaas' significant growth, both nationally and internationally, it was important for us to prevent the warehouse from becoming a bottleneck. The solution was a state-of-the-art, automated warehouse at our headquarters in Rauma, in Norway. The focus was on better space utilization and increased efficiency.

The process began in 2022 with meticulous planning. Our goal was to maintain full operations while transforming the entire warehouse. In 2023, the conversion started, and the new autostore system was completed later that year.

'We are very pleased with both the process and the result. Now we look forward to even more growth as we have planned for it,' says Vidar Bergvik, COO and responsible for the autostore installation.

A "living" warehouse 24/7  
Even on non-working days, autostore operates. Bins are repositioned and sorted in optimal order based on season and sales frequency.

Practical conveyor belts and other solutions ensure that goods are transported to the correct department within the warehouse before being dispatched for distribution.

We have accounted for further growth, with a crane and buffer warehouse in addition to autostore. This ensures that we always have stock available, even in times of global uncertainty.

Imagine 10 tennis courts side by side – that’s the size of our autostore warehouse, a total of 1,900 square meters.  
Imagine the space of a medium-sized NBA basketball arena – our autostore warehouse holds 14,250 cubic meters, roughly the size of a medium-sized basketball hall!

Our Autostore warehouse has 60,000 storage bins – if you laid them end to end, they would stretch as far as from Birmingham to Coventry or Liverpool to Chester.

Many advantages with autostore

• Our autostore reduces a lot of manual labor, which minimizes the risk of human error and ensures more accurate results for you.  
• It is extremely space-saving, allowing us to stock a wide range of products.  
• With our solution, you get efficient logistics that improve product flow and ensure faster delivery.  
• Our system creates an efficient working environment, leading to increased productivity and quick delivery to you.

• The robot system is integrated with our other systems, which can be seamlessly integrated with your existing systems, providing a comprehensive and efficient workflow for your business.  
• Automation reduces the risk of workplace injuries, creating a safer work environment for the Wenaas team working at our warehouse, ensuring that you receive the right product at the right time and place.

• Our autostore warehouse is seasonally managed, ensuring that the most in-demand products are always easily accessible.  
• Our autostore warehouse operates continuously 24/7, ensuring orders and customer demands are fulfilled without delays.
• Our system combines picking from both the autostore and crane storage, and we ship these items together to ensure a fast and efficient delivery process for you.

Efficient flow of goods and cargo

By transitioning to autostore and reorganizing our warehouse, we ensured better flow and minimized manual handling of goods, both in the picking area and the VAS area. Efficient flow saves time and gets products to the customer faster.

We also have a conveyor belt that automatically extends all the way into the container. This reduces the amount of lifting and carrying during unloading.

VAS-department (Value Added Service)

We offer services such as logo printing (transfer), logo embroidery, logo plotting, label application, and sewing services, as well as repairs in our VAS-department.

The department has an excellent workflow. Products are sorted according to VAS information, and orders are automatically directed to different VAS lines, based on the service required, destination country, and the amount of VAS per order. This saves time, and the products are ready for dispatch very quickly.

We also have dedicated VAS departments in Aberdeen and Rotterdam.

Logo and embroidery

In HQ in Norway we have 12 logo machines in VAS line 1, and in VAS line 2, we have 6 logo machines and 1 logo carousel, several types of embroidery machines for garments, caps, velcro patches, and similar items, as well as plotter and name label machines. Additionally, we have dedicated sewing machines for a variety of stitch types and fabric qualities. With these machines, modifications and repairs can be performed.

In Aberdeen the facility is equipped with two heat seal machines and a sewing machine for alterations, including attaching badges or Velcro. A dual 6-head embroidery machine is available, functioning as two 3-head machines, capable of running different designs on either side or the same across all heads. It allows for adding text and logos to garments, caps, and Velcro. Additionally, there is a badge frame for creating embroidered badges with overlocked edges. We also have a brand name label machine.

​​​​​​​In the Netherlands, the facility is equipped with three heat seal machines and a 6-head embroidery machine, which can be split into two 3-head machines. It can run different designs on each side or the same design across all heads.

Do you know that...

Wenaas can help with the destruction of workwear? This is done based on an agreement with the customer, who receives a climate report for it. Contact us to learn more about setting up such an agreement.

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