Logo Utz Group

FRICKE optimizes two logistics sites

with a flexible EUROTEC container system

Executive summary

More than 150,000 EUROTEC containers, approximately 200,000 custom insert containers and the reuse of an existing container fleet helped FRICKE adapt its logistics equipment to the different requirements of its sites in Tholey and Heeslingen.

The project combined new reusable containers, jointly developed internal subdivisions and the reworking of approximately 20,000 existing EUROTEC containers. This gave both locations a container mix suited to their respective product ranges and storage requirements.

The client

FRICKE and the GRANIT Group handle a wide range of spare parts and components. Their logistics operations must accommodate both very small items and comparatively large and heavy products.

As part of the development of the new site in Tholey, FRICKE required a large reusable container system that could support this broad product range. At the same time, the existing site in Heeslingen needed a different container mix to make better use of its available storage capacity.

The project therefore involved both the delivery of new EUROTEC containers and the redistribution of existing containers between the two locations. 

The challenge

The main technical challenge was the subdivision of the EUROTEC containers.

Many of the stored items are very small. Standard divider panels would have created a risk of products slipping through gaps or moving between compartments. The internal organization therefore needed to create clearly separated storage spaces suitable for small components.

At the same time, FRICKE and the GRANIT Group also handle larger and heavier products. Both the main containers and the internal insert containers therefore needed to provide a high level of stability and durability.

A further challenge was to equip both logistics sites with the most suitable container sizes without disposing of larger EUROTEC containers that were still fully usable. 

The solution

Utz supplied more than 150,000 EUROTEC containers measuring 600 × 400 × 320 mm and approximately 14,000 EUROTEC containers measuring 800 × 600 × 320 mm, as well as 20,000 reworked EUROTEC containers.

To solve the subdivision challenge, FRICKE and Utz jointly developed a modular system of insert containers for the 600 × 400 mm base footprint.

The system included approximately:

  • 45,000 half-size insert containers
  • 95,000 quarter-size insert containers
  • more than 60,000 eighth-size insert containers

These different insert sizes allow the internal space of the EUROTEC containers to be adapted to the products being stored. Smaller items can be placed in defined compartments without relying on conventional divider panels, while the stable construction supports the wider range of products handled within the logistics operation. 

Results

The project also included the reworking and relocation of approximately 20,000 EUROTEC containers measuring 800 × 600 × 320 mm.

These containers had originally been supplied to the Heeslingen site in 2019 and 2020. As the larger format was no longer required there in the same quantities, the containers were transported to the Utz facility.

Utz removed the existing barcode labels, applied new labels and subsequently delivered the reworked containers to the Tholey site.

The relocated 800 × 600 mm containers were replaced in Heeslingen with 30,000 new EUROTEC containers measuring 600 × 400 × 320 mm.

This coordinated approach allowed the existing container fleet to remain in productive use while adapting the equipment at both sites to their current requirements.

Results and benefits

The completed system gives FRICKE a flexible combination of reusable EUROTEC containers and modular insert containers for a wide range of products.

The custom subdivisions support the organized storage of very small items, while the stability of the containers and inserts meets the requirements of larger and heavier products.

Relocating the existing 800 × 600 mm containers to Tholey also avoided the unnecessary disposal of serviceable reusable containers. At the same time, the new 600 × 400 mm containers provided Heeslingen with a format better suited to its revised storage requirements.

As a result, both sites are now equipped with container fleets adapted to their respective operations and can use their available storage capacity more productively. 

164000

EUROTEC containers

200000

Custom inserts

20000

Containers reworked

30000

Replacement containers

Conveyor system transporting Utz bin in FRICKE's warehouse

Conclusion

The FRICKE project demonstrates how a reusable container system can be adapted across multiple logistics locations.

By combining standard EUROTEC containers, jointly developed insert containers and the reworking of existing assets, Utz created a solution that supports different product dimensions, storage configurations and site-specific requirements. 

Zoe Cziommer, our packaging expert

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