Pet products injection molder Moderna Products has a new retriever on hand to fetch items and improve its manufacturing. It recently unveiled a state-of-the-art warehouse at its plant in Izegem, Belgium, that is fully automated, allowing it to run more efficiently while requiring less energy usage.
The warehouse developed by logistics specialist Mecalux quadrupled storage capacity for both incoming materials and finished products. It can accommodate 12,560 pallets with robotic storage and internal transport systems that oversee the movement of about 1,500 pallets per day. Because the site doesn't require human intervention, Moderna can reduce the amount of heating, cooling and lighting in the warehouse, cutting its costs and carbon footprint.
"We opted for automation to expand our space, enhance safety and make our processes more environmentally friendly," CEO Bart Bonte said in a news release.
The pet industry is growing, projected to be worth $500 billion worldwide by 2030, and in the release Moderna said it aims to double its sales in the next five years. The efficient warehouse is part of its growth plans.
Moderna has molding in both Belgium and Gafney, S.C., making items such as litter boxes, beds, carriers and water dispensers for retailers in 79 countries.