Oriola modernizes with KNAPP shuttle technology

In Enköping, Sweden, Oriola Corporation is modernizing their distribution center with the latest in warehouse automation by KNAPP using shuttle technology.

In the heart of the Oriola distribution chain in Sweden, there is intense activity going on in addition to daily operations. Oriola is investing for the future by building a new, fully-automated distribution center in Enköping. “We are very pleased and proud to continue as supplier to Oriola in Enköping. We delivered one of our first automated picking lines (A-frame) many years ago, and now we will provide a solution which can help Oriola keep up with future demands in logistics,” stated Malin Schäfer, Managing Director of KNAPP AB who is responsible for the Nordic market.

Each day, Oriola has the important task of distributing pharmaceutical products with the highest quality throughout Sweden. At the same time, logistics requirements are growing. “To meet the fast-changing needs of society and our customers, we are investing in a state-of-the-art logistics facility in connection to our distribution center in Enköping,” explained Niclas Ramsin, Director for Oriola logistics operations in Sweden.

The new site is using the latest automation technology from the Austrian company, KNAPP AG and preparations for the start of production in autumn 2018 are in full swing. Both the building and the automation are making rapid progress towards completion. “KNAPP is at the forefront of automation for fast-moving consumer goods, with a broad portfolio of smart solutions. Together, we’ve set up different phases for the site, with the possibility for further growth using the technologies,” stated Ramsin.

High degree of automation

Equipped with a high degree of automation, the system will fulfill the requirements of the customers more efficiently. The OSR Shuttle system with 4 aisles and 5 Pick-it-Easy stations for goods-to-person picking very efficiently drives the warehouse. This is achieved in combination with KNAPP’s A-frame solution, where fast movers are picked automatically onto a central belt and automatically placed in an order tote.

The goods-to-person processes at the Pick-it-Easy work stations, zone picking and a new central belt solution with two SDA A-frames guarantee highly efficient order processing. A further OSR Shuttle system consolidates the pharmacy orders with e-commerce orders that will be picked up by the customers directly at the pharmacy. Just before the scheduled route departure, both types of orders, buffered in the OSR, are immediately retrieved in precise sequence for delivery.

Local service team

Together with the local service teams from KNAPP in Sweden, the operation will be well taken care of for many years, providing high performance and availability.

About Oriola

Oriola Corporation is a Finnish publicly-listed company with a strong position in the Swedish and Finnish health and wellbeing market. Oriola has promoted wellbeing for decades, connecting the different operators in the field from pharmaceutical companies to pharmacies and consumers. The company ensures that medicines as well as health and wellbeing products are delivered in a safe and customer-friendly manner. Oriola’s wide range of services helps pharmaceutical companies, pharmacies and other operators in the field to succeed. In Sweden, Oriola owns the third largest pharmacy chain, Kronans Apotek, with over 320 pharmacies that offer expert guidance in health and wellbeing and a large range of products for consumers. Oriola’s net sales for continuing operations in 2017 were approximately EUR 1.5 billion and it has approximately 2 600 employees. Oriola Corporation is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. For more information, please visit www.oriola.com.

About KNAPP

KNAPP has made lasting impacts on the logistics market with its shuttle technology. Experience from 250 shuttle systems installed worldwide with more than 25,000 shuttles is the foundation for ongoing, new and further developments. With more than 30 locations, KNAPP supports customers from around the globe. With around 3,500 employees, KNAPP generated a turnover of 632 million euros in the past business year.