SKF Lubrication Systems CZ s.r.o. is preparing for further growth: together with Jungheinrich, the company is establishing a state-of-the-art, fully automated pallet and container warehouse at its Chodov site in the Czech Republic.
Hamburg/Chodov – SKF Lubrication Systems CZ s.r.o. has commissioned Jungheinrich with the comprehensive automation of its material handling operations at its site in Chodov, Czech Republic. The globally active specialist for automatic lubrication systems is replacing its existing manual warehouse processes and very narrow aisle vehicles with a state-of-the-art, fully automated logistics system from Jungheinrich. The transformation is being carried out in two construction phases while production continues.
At the heart of the project is a combined automated pallet and container warehouse featuring approximately 4,800 double-deep pallet and 31,500 double-deep container storage locations. The system comprises three aisles for Euro pallets with a throughput of 85 pallets per hour and two aisles for plastic containers with a maximum load capacity of 30 kilogrammes and a throughput of 312 containers per hour. With a floor area of 2,700 m² and a height of 10 metres, the facility is designed to maximise space utilisation.
“This automation solution provides the logistical foundation for our planned growth over the coming years,” explains Andreas Fath, Lead Project Manager at SKF Lubrication Systems CZ. “We are pleased to have a partner who enables the complete conversion during ongoing operations and guarantees maximum process reliability.”
The Jungheinrich scope of delivery comprises stacker cranes for pallets and containers in addition to the steel structure, as well as the full conveyor technology including controls and visualisation. The solution is supplemented by eight ergonomic workstations (two for pallets and six for containers), a pre-zone platform, and fire protection and high-speed doors. All material handling processes are centrally managed by the Jungheinrich Warehouse Management System (WMS).
“The higher warehouse output and the ability to store significantly more goods on the same floor space strengthen the company’s future viability in the long term,” says Jakub Magula, Project Manager Technical Sales at Jungheinrich. “With this customised solution, we are laying the ideal foundation for SKF’s planned growth.”
Commissioning will take place in stages: the automated miniload warehouse will go into operation in May 2026, followed by the pallet warehouse in May 2027. Decisive factors for the order included Jungheinrich’s comprehensive solution expertise, a long-standing and successful customer relationship, the best price-performance ratio, and the support of the local service team in the Czech Republic.
Image Caption: During ongoing operations, Jungheinrich is realising a combined fully automated pallet and container warehouse with more than 36,000 storage locations for SKF Lubrication Systems CZ.