Valmet saves warehouse space and improves safety in inbound logistics

To provide more floor space for its expanding tissue machine production, Valmet reduced its storage space by investing in an automated warehouse solution, Konecranes Agilon®. The automated storage and retrieval system Agilon improves occupational safety and keeps item balances up to date.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries. In Karlstad, Sweden, the company develops and manufactures tissue machines and equipment for the pulp industry, provides rebuilds and services to board and paper mills, and provides automation equipment for the pulp, paper, and energy industries.

Picture: In Karlstad, Sweden, the company develops and manufactures tissue machines and equipment for the pulp industry, provides rebuilds and services to board and paper mills, and automation equipment for the pulp, paper and energy industries.

We were looking for a solution to increase our storage area and reduce the need for pallet racks.

 “One of our big challenges was storage space and its inefficient use. All small items needed in production were placed on pallet racks that occupied much floor space. We were looking for a solution to increase our storage area and reduce the need for pallet racks to make space for larger items such as tissue machine rolls on the floor,” explains Krister Sigrén, Logistics Manager.

Agilon stands out with its unique features

Of the several automated warehouse solutions available on the market, Valmet chose the Agilon warehouse automation from Konecranes.

Agilon is an automated materials management system that optimises warehouse storage and retrieval. Using smart inventory monitoring and advanced material handling technology, Agilon maximises warehouse productivity and makes the most of available space.

It picks only one item at a time instead of bringing you a shelf with a lot of items from which you may pick the wrong one by mistake.

Sigrén lists the many reasons that tipped the scales in favour of Agilon. “Agilon has a narrow access point so that we can have pallet racks close to it. It picks only one item at a time instead of bringing you a shelf with many items from which you may pick a wrong one by mistake,” he points out.

Agilon does not require any specific plastic boxes like other similar systems.

“What’s more, Agilon does not require specific plastic boxes like similar systems. Instead, we can use the cardboard boxes where the items are originally packed.”

Another big plus was the fact that Konecranes has a serviced office in Karlstad to ensure fast support.

Konecranes delivered and commissioned a 30-metre-long and 5.1-metre-high Agilon system with two user access points at the Karlstad facilities in December 2021. It was integrated into the company’s enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The deal includes a full-service agreement and Agilon Global Technical Support (GTS), which provides predictive maintenance and 24/7 remote customer service.

Installation and commissioning of Agilon went very well and took very little time.

Konecranes also delivered two overhead cranes and a runway as part of Valmet’s warehouse layout renewal.

“Installation and commissioning of Agilon went very well and took very little time. The system was started up earlier than we expected,” Krister recalls.

Agilon is in the goods reception area close to tissue machine production facilities. It has five active users who store, pick, and take the needed items to the production staff. The ERP system produces the picking lists.

Less space and time, safer working environment, up-to-date balances

Agilon has fulfilled the expectations set for it.

Agilon has fulfilled the expectations set for it. As all small items needed in tissue machine production are now stored in the automated warehouse, Valmet has reduced the number of pallet racks and freed up floor space for large tissue machine rolls. Occupational safety has improved since the staff no longer need to search for items between pallet racks.

Agilon keeps track of everything and has also removed human errors in picking items.

“Additionally, we save time. We no longer need to look for items that are missing. Agilon keeps track of everything and removes human errors when picking items. As stock levels are always up to date, there is no need for manual inventory, which saves us a lot of time,” Krister remarks. “Tracking is excellent, too. We can see all transactions that have taken place in Agilon.”

One of the active Agilon users is Robin Granrud, who is happy with the system. “Agilon helps me pick the right items for the right order. Additionally, it prevents unauthorised picking, which previously created balance errors.”

It’s good that Konecranes truly listens to its customers.

Another big plus that Kristen points out is the fruitful cooperation with Konecranes. “We have a direct and good dialogue with a technology expert, Aapo Mäkelä, who has listened to our suggestions and developed the software according to our needs. It’s good that Konecranes truly listens to its customers. This benefits Valmet and also other customers.”

Warehouse automation and automated material handling have sparked a lot of interest now that the company is digitalising its operations on many fronts.

Agilon in Karlstad is the first of its kind at a Valmet location worldwide. According to Kristen, warehouse automation and automated material handling have sparked a lot of interest now that the company is digitalising its operations. “I think it would be suitable for other Valmet locations, too.”

For more information, please contact Timo Husso, by email: [email protected] or by phone at +358 407158765

Photos are taken by Valmet