FKI Logistex, the specialist in automated material handling systems, has been awarded a contract as the supplier and project integrator of a new sortation/ distribution system for Posten Norge’s new Østlandsterminalen mail centre near Oslo, Norway.
Due to be handed over in spring 2010, the complete automatic tray handling system can sort more than 10,000 mail trays an hour and sets a new benchmark for short-flow, high-accuracy mail handling, as well as creating a safer working environment for employees.
Posten Norge is the first mail centre to install the LS-4000CB cross-belt sorter as part of an automatic tray-handling process. Designed by FKI Logistex, the LS4000CB includes a new motor technology that boosts energy efficiency from a typical industry average of 15 to 20 per cent, up to 60 to 75 per cent. In addition, the new sorter provides improvements in operating efficiency and reduces the health & safety risks which are inherent in manual systems.
The automatic tray handling system (ATHS) integrates a fully-automatic dynamic storage and conveyor system. This will link all of the receiving, preparation, letter, flats and rest mail process handling and despatch areas, as well as providing a dynamic storage system for mail trays prior to the delivery to the FKI Logistex robotic palletizing system. The complete installation will be managed by control software written and implemented by FKI Logistex.
As Norway’s largest employer, Posten Norge has more than 4,750 routes and serves 2.7 million households and companies throughout Norway.
Finn Hungnes, Posten Norge director, production said: “The new system will help Posten Norge to minimise health and safety risks by significantly reducing manual handling. In addition, by switching to a fully-automated system, staff relations will be strengthened by freeing operators to take on more challenging multi-task roles”