Optimizing Logistics with Automated Pallet Storage/Retrieval Systems

Roesler Oberflächentechnik GmbH is a leading international manufacturer of finishing and shot blasting equipment, consumables (abrasives and compounds) and machines for efficient surface treatment (deburring, descaling, sanding, polishing, grinding, etc.). Faced with growing business and ever more exacting market requirements, Roesler invested over $11.6 million ( €8.5 million) in its main Untermerzbach location.

This included two new halls that expanded the laser production area, additional equipment to enhance the company’s level of vertical integration, and most significantly, the construction of the new automated storage/ retrieval system (AS/RS) from viastore. The AS/RS increased storage capacity for consumables (compounds and abrasives) and for machinery and spare parts, giving Roesler the ability to more quickly respond to customer requests in the future.

Established in 1933, the family-owned company is now headed by Stephan Roesler who represents the third generation of family ownership. In addition to two German plants in Untermerzbach and the neighboring Bad Staffelstein (both East of Frankfurt), Roesler also operates manufacturing sites in the US, Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil. The company has subsidiaries in 15 countries and employs 1,500 staff worldwide.

The company’s most important customers come from the automotive, steel and aerospace industries, as well as other sectors, which means an overall broad customer base. Roesler’s success and the increase in sales in recent years placed heavy demands on its internal structures – including logistics.

There were a number of decentralized individual warehouses at Roesler, which had developed over time due to the different technology segments. “Our task was to bring together these warehouses the best possible way,” says Marcus Henkel, Head of Central Organization at Roesler. “We had to optimize the space required by the previous solution so that we could gain more room for potential growth.”