Pet supply manufacturers such as Moderna Products are currently trying to keep pace with a rapidly growing industry. Bloomberg projects that the pet industry could reach $500 billion by 2030. Moderna hopes to double its sales over the next five years, and it’s betting on automation from Mecalux SA to achieve this goal.
Moderna Products provides pet litter boxes, beds, carriers, feeders, and water dispensers in more than 79 countries. It has equipped its plant in Izegem, Belgium, with an automated warehouse connected to production by Mecalux.
“Automation was the logical step,” stated Bart Bonte, owner and CEO of Moderna Products. “Our logistics processes had to align with the robotic advancements already under way in our production operations.”
He added that Moderna invests in “the most advanced technologies to remain competitive. Our priority is to use highly energy-efficient storage and production systems while maintaining our return on investment.”
Moderna moves 1,500 pallets per day with robots
With technology from the Barcelona-based robotics supplier, Moderna has automated the movements of 1,500 pallets a day within an energy-efficient, rack-supported building. This aids in the third-generation family company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices, having signed a Green Pact and equipped its headquarters with solar panels.
“We opted for automation to expand our space, enhance safety, and make our processes more environmentally friendly,” Bonte said. “As a result, we no longer require traditional lighting.”
Moderna Products and Mecalux said that automation makes up the backbone of the Izegem facility, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of goods among the center’s various zones.
Measuring 131 ft. (40 m) high by 328 ft. (100 m) long, the facility constructed by Mecalux accommodates 12,560 pallets. Five twin-mast stacker cranes handle pallet movements inside the storage aisles, while a conveyor system transports pet products from manufacturing to picking areas.
Mecalux offers Easy WMS for tight control
In addition, Moderna Products manages all operations with Easy WMS. This warehouse management system (WMS) monitors every step, from order receipt to shipping, providing complete control over the company’s pet supplies, according to Mecalux.
“We manufacture plastic injection-molded products in two large centers in Izegem and South Carolina,” noted Bonte. “We’re proud to say we manage the entire supply chain, spanning product development, production, storage, and distribution.”
Moderna Products has also installed the WMS for Manufacturing module to integrate the warehouse with the production lines and gain end-to-end traceability of its raw materials. The company reported that it has quadrupled its warehouse capacity, thanks to the automation.
Earlier this year, PepsiCo announced that it will install Mecalux’s Automated Pallet Shuttle System with transfer cars into its plant in Veurne, Belgium. The compact pallet-storage system uses an electric shuttle and automated handling systems to boost capacity and productivity in the warehouse.