Westcoast Ltd triples output with the support of Crown solutions

Application

Westcoast Ltd is the distributor arm of the Westcoast Group, one of the largest private companies in the UK. It operates from three sites, Theale, Milton Keynes and Andover, which is the newest – and largest – facility in the group and distributes products from leading IT brands such as HP, Microsoft, Lenovo and Apple. The new building comprises a 31,500 m2 storage and distribution facility, with a further 7,000 m2 used as a configuration centre. Andover, which opened in 2020, includes 22,000 VNA locations and 16,000 pallet locations, utilising 13.2 metre racking.
 

Challenge

Westcoast acquired the Andover site in 2019 to futureproof the business, with the aim of securing sufficient capacity to meet the company’s needs for the next decade. The huge increase in order volume created by the pandemic saw demand triple on original fulfilment models, largely due to the increased demand for computer and IT equipment from people working from home. This prompted the need for a large-scale upgrade of its material handling fleet, with the addition of optional semi-automated functionality to enhance performance and improve productivity.
 

Solution

Westcoast is a long-time Crown customer and following a thorough assessment of the company’s requirements – including a recommendation to switch to VNA pallet solutions – Crown identified which options would best enable Westcoast to achieve its goals.

Westcoast specified an initial fleet comprising: TSP Series VNA trucks equipped with semi-automation technologies Auto Positioning System and Auto Fence, together with Regen Lower and wire guidance; ESR Series reach trucks with 13.5 metre lift height and other functions including Xpress Lower and Auto Height Select; SP Series high-level order pickers; GPC Series low-level order pickers; WT Series platform pallet trucks with back entry; and SC Series four-wheel electric counterbalance forklifts.