AMRs and autonomous VNAs handle logistics at Prodrive Technologies

Prodrive Technologies commissioned a brand new and extensively automated distribution center in Son. The company is the first in the world to combine Jungheinrich's autonomous mobile robots with automated narrow-aisle trucks. It turns out to be a golden combination.

Prodrive Technologies produces a wide range of high-tech solutions for the medical, renewable energy, semiconductors and automotive industries, among others. The company has operations in the United States, China and the Netherlands, among others. To accommodate annual growth of about 25 percent, Prodrive built a brand new headquarters cum production facility and distribution center in Son in 2022. Jungheinrich supplied a highly automated warehouse concept for the new DC.

At the heart of this innovative solution is the combination of fifteen arculee S type autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and eight EKX 516ka type automated narrow aisle trucks (VNA). The high-bay trucks provide unmanned entry and exit, after which the AMRs transport the pallets to one of the picking stations. This is the first time worldwide that Jungheinrich has deployed this combination for a customer. This combination seamlessly handles a wide variety of goods, while keeping the investment affordable for both compartmentalized high bay warehouses, each with a height of 12 meters.

Mark Menting, Global Process Owner Logistics, says: "Jungheinrich provides a complete system consisting of mobile robots, trucks, racking, associated software and interfacing with our ERP system. We have a flexible, productive and scalable system - exactly what we were looking for."

The new intralogistics concept offers Prodrive the desired flexibility, a high degree of scalability and productivity. The autonomous trucks are available 24/7. Moreover, the quality of the processes has improved significantly. Damage to both goods and equipment has been significantly reduced. Annually, this saves Prodrive Technologies a significant ten percent in repair costs. Moreover, the new concept offers insight, overview and products no longer get lost.