Advanced Conveyor Solution Upscales Efficiencies at Cycling Distributor Warehouse

As one of the leading distributors of parts, accessories and clothing to the UK and Irish cycling markets, Darlington-based ZyroFisher, looked to increase warehouse productivity by improving the efficiency of their daily order fulfilment process.

With high levels of manual handling dominating their pick, pack and dispatch operation at their 100,000 sq ft facility, ZyroFisher needed a solution to make the movement of goods from the packing area to dispatch more efficient. Leading UK conveyor manufacturer, Advance Automated Systems, were asked to quote on providing a suitable conveyor solution.

Following an initial consultation, a demonstration of a proposed system and site visits to ZyroFisher’s warehouse, Advance submitted a proposal to provide a bespoke, zoned, SmartLine roller conveyor to transfer various sized cartons directly to the dispatch trailer – Advance SmartLine is an innovative zero line pressure conveyor system which is both flexible and modular in design.

For this installation the SmartLine conveyor system utilised motorised roller drives supplied by material handling solutions business, Interroll. With each zone being independently driven, the complete system is very energy efficient and, if required, can accumulate product over the full length of the conveyor. An extendable gravity roller for loading on the back of a box trailer completed the configuration.

In addition, so as not to restrict access through the warehouse, the system is equipped with lift access gates both single width (for pedestrian/fire escape access) and double width (for pallet access). All gates include gas springs making them easy and safe to lift.

Commenting on the automation, ZyroFisher’s head of operations, Ian Husband, said: “Our business is constantly evolving, so streamlining our operation to suit is vital. With 800 plus cartons being shipped daily, the addition of an automated conveyor allows us to increase efficiencies, redeploy staff to other key areas and increase our workflow.

“Advance designed and installed a high quality conveyor system that integrates perfectly with our operation and provides us with commercial benefits.”