Vacuum tube lifter optimizes internal logistics at an online retailer
Tradition meets innovation
DeMolenwinkel, a traditional family business known for its millstone-ground grain products, relies on innovative technology for its internal logistics: The Dutch online retailer uses the FIPALIFTmax vacuum tube lifter to optimize the handling of bags and cartons in its warehouse and shipping area. The solution enables safe and ergonomic handling of bags and boxes weighing up to 25 kg, thereby ensuring greater efficiency and improved occupational safety.
The challenge
Tight spaces, heavy loads
For over 100 years, DeMolenwinkel.nl has been supplying high-quality products to bakeries, restaurants, health food stores and private customers from its historic grain mill in Bredevoort, Netherlands. With 30 silo cells and 2,500 m² of storage space, the company is ideally positioned to reliably supply customers in the Netherlands and Belgium. However, daily logistics were pushing the team to its limits as bags and boxes weighing up to 25 kg had to be moved manually. This was a time-consuming and labor-intensive process that also placed high ergonomic demands on employees. In addition, the low ceiling height meant that space in the warehouse was limited, which further complicated the flow of materials.
The solution
Flexible lifting technology with 360-degree application
At Empack, the leading packaging trade show in the Netherlands, the company found the right solution: the FIPALIFTmax vacuum tube lifter. This enables safe and ergonomic lifting of both cartons and bags. Two different load handling devices are used for maximum flexibility with changing geometries: a double rectangular vacuum cup for cartons in different formats and an oval sack foot with sealing foam for small and large sacks.
A custom-made mounting plate combined with an articulated joint allows employees to move 360 degrees around a central column and flexibly operate two workstations.
The result
Efficiency and safety in everyday warehouse operations
The new system makes moving, palletising and depalletising cartons and bags much easier:
- Ergonomics: Reduced physical strain for employees
- Flexibility: Switch between cartons and bags without time-consuming changeovers
- Efficiency: Faster work and smoother material flow in the warehouse
- Safety: Minimized risk of injury thanks to intuitive operation
„For us, the FIPALIFTmax is a real asset. It combines our tradition of craftsmanship with modern technology and helps our team to work quickly and reliably. That’s what our customers have come to expect from us for generations“, says Nico Woordes, owner of DeMolenwinkel.nl.
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