United States Cold Storage is a third-party logistics company providing warehousing in approximately 40 facilities across the country. It performs storage for the products of customers large and small, at temperatures ranging from -40°F to -20°F, as well as items requiring cool environments in the 35°F-38°F range.
The company was encountering growing challenges in attracting staff who were willing to work in a freezer environment, along with the overall rising cost of goods and services, says Schuchter. Automation was essential to solving the problem.
United States Cold Storage turned to Westfalia Technologies to install an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) at its facilities. The first project was at the company’s warehouse in Lebanon, Indiana, where it offers storage space for 10,000 pallets.
At the outset, there was concern about introducing high-density AS/RS storage in a 3PL operation, which typically involves many different customers with unique needs, says Ryan Smith, vice president of automation sales with Westfalia. The first engagement proved that the system could work in that setting, and was followed by additional installations across the customer’s warehouse network.
“We like their solutions support and working environment,” says Schuchter, adding that United States Cold Storage and Westfalia have “very similar” cultures. The vendor, he says, was able to supply various system enhancements based on input from customer meetings. Smith says the technology reduced the need for staffing while maintaining the flexibility to serve a broad customer base.
Schuchter says United States Cold Storage intends to make further use of the AS/RS system from Westfalia. Future projects, he adds, might involve a mingling of the new technology with other types of systems, in cases where the 3PL requires a shorter timeframe to activation.
