Toolbank (Widnes) Interfloor fulfilment centre
Toolbank, Regional Branch in Widnes.
Toolbank are one of Europe’s leading specialist distributors of hand and power tools, in association with many of the leading independent DIY retailers and the world’s leading manufacturers.
CSL have worked with Toolbank at 5 of their units over the last 10 years.
The Brief
Under Toolbank’s expansion programme it was decided they needed to increase the size of their existing operation in the North West as well as centralise the regions depot, which has resulted in the building of a new 34,000 sq ft warehouse in Widnes.
The site was to feature a bulk store area and a multi floor pick and store area. The system needed to deal with a wide range of order sizes ranging from single totes up to multiple tote orders, along with separating work streams for B2C packing.
The system also needed to represent value for money and allow for future expansions.
The Solution
CSL designed an efficient automation system for Toolbank, spanning a two-level mezzanine and ground floor. Orders from the 1st floor are transported via a conveyor to an Ambaflex Spiral, then merged with orders from the ground floor on a secondary conveyor. Orders requiring multiple pick floors or larger quantities are sorted by colour using a contrast scanner, with B2C orders sent to a secondary line via a high-speed sorter. Zero Line Pressure (ZLP) 24v motorized rollers were used for controlled delivery and improved ergonomics. CSL worked closely with the mezzanine supplier to ensure future expansion, with Toolbank praising the system for handling higher demand and saving space.
