Norbain's new distribution centre at Ashton Moss, Lancashire, close to junction 23 of the M60, is nearing completion. The 50,000 square foot warehouse will increase Norbain's stockholding capacity significantly, with pallet spaces and pick locations more than doubling to accommodate the company's expansion.

The main construction of the building was completed at the beginning of June. Since then internal works have progressed rapidly, including the creation of office space and a mezzanine floor within the main warehouse area for storage of small parts.

To help protect the health and safety of staff and make the distribution operation as efficient as possible Norbain is investing heavily in the latest technology.

Although all picking within the centre will be undertaken by hand because of the delicate nature of many of Norbain's stock items, three conveyor systems are being installed to help move goods. One, similar to a ski lift, will send goods to the mezzanine floor. Two others will move goods from the mezzanine area either to despatch, for orders fully completed and ready for carriers, or back down to the main picking area for part picked items that need to be combined with other goods prior to despatch.

"Manual handling is a big concern," said Alan Heath, Norbain's operations manager. "To optimise health and safety we're utilising a variety of equipment such as conveyors that are fixed at the correct height to minimise lifting."

Source

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