Shortage of raw ingredients affects beer prices
A whole number of factors put cost pressure on breweries. Increasing globalisation of the beer market and associated sales are evidently partly responsible for the explosion in the cost of raw ingredients for making beer. In addition to the cost of energy and brewing barley, there have also been price increases in glass, labels and crown caps. The brewing industry is forced to take new paths in its search for savings potential. A challenge, especially for logistics – innovative automation solutions from Westfalia are:
- cost-efficient, due to automated materials handling systems
- flexible, as operation in several shifts is possible
- improved quality, due to compliance of logistical system requirements with statutory provisions
Practical example: Krombacher Bernhard Schadeberg – Kreuztal/Krombach
As one of Europe's most modern breweries, Krombacher Brauerei Bernhard Schadeberg partly bases its recipe for success on a consistent rebottling policy. Aiming for a future-orientated investment, the company asked Westfalia to automate the flow of materials at the plant.
Trendsetting rebottling policy backed up by logistics
The automatic materials handling system catering for reversible operation was designed by Westfalia to extend over three levels, from production, to dispatch via the warehouse. A major increase in pallet throughput has been achieved by using a 6-pallet receiving station both in the loading zone and on the upper level. Where operation once used to be organised in two or three shifts, the fully automatic pallet handling system now provides for 5 shifts more...
The Westfalia system portfolio for the brewery industry:
- Automatic high-bay warehousing
- Automatic materials handling systems
- Satellite® technology
- Automatic loading systems
- Inventory management systems