Comprehensive feasibility study for a client in the Food Industry
AFRY assisted a Client with Analysis for Factory Expansion
A leading player in the food industry faced the need to double its production capacity. Although some production lines already had the capacity for this increase, storage, logistics, raw material handling, and shared storage areas posed significant bottlenecks. The client needed to both optimize the use of existing facilities and undertake some new construction. This formed the basis for the problem statement and analysis that AFRY addressed.
In this early stage of the project, AFRY delivered a feasibility study aimed at exploring opportunities for an efficient integration from feasibility study to implementation and completion of a new production and storage facility.
AFRY's project team consisted of consultants with expertise in various areas, including Supply Chain, Food, Automation, Building, and Electrical, enabling a comprehensive approach and showcasing our strength in cross-industry expertise.
AFRY's expertise in Supply Chain Management presented proposals for storage layouts for all storage spaces and an appropriate level of automation for the new packaging warehouse. The packaging warehouse was planned to be built entirely new, directly adjacent to the current building. For the existing storage facilities, renovation and rearrangements were prioritized, while flow layout and flow optimization were included in the assignment. A detailed CAPEX calculation with a + - 25% margin was also presented to give the client a clear picture of the investment needs.
I was especially proud to be part of AFRY and see what the team has achieved together. Excellent collaboration both during the project and during the presentation. AFRY is at its strongest when we collaborate in this way!
- Sales Manager, AFRY
What the analysis process looks like
Like most projects we undertake, we started by collecting master data, building technical details, and conducting flow analyses. This is a crucial first step in the work and must be completed with precision, as it later forms the basis for our analysis and, consequently, the technical recommendations and solutions presented to the client.
Master data is a broad concept, but in our case, it often involves understanding which load carriers are used in the operation, order structure, and turnover rate for materials in both incoming and outgoing flows, as well as gaining an understanding of all materials' unique properties and characteristics.
After analyzing these parameters, we recommended the client install pallet racks in the new packaging warehouse according to the narrow aisle principle with two semi-automated narrow aisle trucks. For incoming and outgoing flows, we proposed three fully automated AGV pallet stackers, known as AGV trucks. In other storage facilities, we suggested reusing existing equipment.
Sustainability, environment, food safety, and quality were prioritized throughout the project. AFRY demonstrated its strength by combining broad expertise with innovation, resulting in a successful collaboration and a satisfied client.
- CEO of the Client
