The world’s first automated pulp distribution center for Metsä Group’s bioproduct mill in Äänekoski

Pesmel and Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, have signed an agreement to deliver a pulp storage facility for its bioproduct mill to be constructed in Äänekoski. The storage facility will be implemented using the new TransBale distribution center concept, and will be fully operational in Q3 of 2017. The concept will handle the mill’s entire output of 1.3 million tons, which will be taken to the distribution center where the pulp bale units for different transports will be buffered, sorted, and distributed. The delivery will be the first of its kind in the world.

The TransBale concept has been developed in cooperation with Metsä Fibre for a year and a half. The core of this automated distribution center is a high-bay storage with two stacker cranes that operate like automatic robots. The system buffers and sorts pulp bale units by product type and customer orders, and controls all dispatch operations. The distribution center acts as a center stage for the logistics chain, which includes three main distribution channels. Approximately 800,000 tons of pulp is transported as export units by train to Vuosaari Harbour, 400,000 tons by train and trucks directly to customers, with the remaining 100,000 tons being refined in different units in the mill area.

One benefit of the chosen technology is its flexibility. Thanks to the adjustable sorting capacity, there is no need for any pre-sorting in production or allocation of storage space. This enables optimal use of space, regardless of the quantity of different pulp grades produced. The total capacity of the distribution center is 25,000 tons in an area of 3,000 square meters.

“We were researching new solutions in the preliminary planning stage, and the handling capacity and storage efficiency of the TransBale concept convinced us,” says Timo Merikallio, a project director at Metsä Fibre.

In addition to the equipment, the delivery includes an extensive Warehouse Management System (WMS), which takes care of the distribution center’s inventory management. The WMS is connected both to the production automation system and the mill’s SAP system. Based on the product and dispatching information obtained from these systems, the WMS controls automated train and truck dispatch and loading operations. With automatic loading, trucks are loaded in five minutes, and a train with 22 cars carrying 1,400 tons in three hours. Automation also minimizes work safety risks and damage to equipment and products.

“For a technology company like us, developing new concepts is crucial. With this project, we have a chance to extend our technology into a new business area. For this, we can thank Metsä Fibre’s personnel, who took part in the project with an open-minded attitude from the start,” says Tony Leikas, president and CEO of Pesmel Oy.

For additional information, please contact:
Tony Leikas, President and CEO, Pesmel Oy 
tel. +358 20 700 9710, email: tony.leikas@pesmel.com

Pesmel

Pesmel is a leading international expert in materials handling, offering fully automated handling, packing, and storage systems that enhance the internal logistics of mills and factories and maintain the quality of products.

For nearly four decades, Pesmel has delivered more than 400 handling and packing projects and approximately 150 storage systems. The company employs more than 150 specialists, of whom approximately 100 work in Finland.