Coca Cola Is Expanding Production: The Only Place To Go Is Up

Reyes Holdings, L.L.C., the parent company of Great Lakes Coca Cola, is expanding production and needs additional finished product storage at its existing distribution center in Alsip, Illinois. The only place to add storage space was on a parcel of land between two existing production and storage buildings. Based on the site constraints and storage requirements, it was determined to build “up” and implement an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS). After considering a few options, the Automha AS/RS was chosen because it offered the most storage and throughput capacity using a deep- lane pallet shuttle with full pallet pick, explains Mark Livesay, vice president, Automated Facilities for ESI Group USA.

Constructing the AS/RS involves a 95-ft. tall rack-supported structure, roof decking, and insulated metal wall panels. The new beverage storage facility is approximately 65,000-70,000 sq. ft.

The AS/RS will move 2-liter filled plastic bottles stacked on plastic pallets shrink wrapped on four sides with open gridded crates.

Beverage Storage Facility, photo courtesy of Curtis Waltz/aerialscapes.com

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