FKI Logistex Completes Expansion Project For The Forzani Group

FKI Logistex expands automated material handling systems for leading sporting goods retailer's Toronto distribution center

31 July 2008

(OSHAWA, Ontario: July 31, 2008) FKI Logistex® (www.fkilogistex.com), a global leader in integrated material handling solutions, announces that it has completed a large project with The Forzani Group Ltd., Canada's largest retailer of sporting goods, expanding Forzani's existing distribution center (DC) in Toronto.FKI Logistex added a new put module and routing sortation system to increase the facility's capacity and allow Forzani to serve more stores nationwide.

In 2003, FKI Logistex installed an automated material handling system for Forzani that included a put-to-light module, a conveyor system and a UniSort IV® shipping sorter. The system was designed to be expandable to support Forzani's projected growth by including a mezzanine level, which now houses the new put module.

"The expansion of our DC is critical to keeping our stores stocked with a broad selection of sports and outdoor equipment and apparel," said Keith Lambert, senior vice president of Supply Chain and Merchandise Management, The Forzani Group Ltd. "Working with FKI Logistex to optimize our distribution operations and accommodate our growth has been invaluable to Forzani's success in our supply chain strategy."

FKI Logistex provided Forzani with an additional order fulfillment system, which includes EASYpick® Put-to-Light software and Trak3™ Put-to-Light hardware. The expansion also includes the implementation of quad-directional Accuzone® right-angle transfers, which enable the module to sort into four separate zones instead of two, as in the original design. The put-to-light system requires only one light display for each shipping destination, instead of one for every product SKU, as in a pick-to-light system. With fewer displays, the system can service a wide range of products efficiently, making it ideal for Forzani, which ships a large number of SKUs to many locations. FKI Logistex also reworked the infeed and discharge lines to service the new put module, and installed a slapper line to offset full-case picking.

"FKI Logistex has fostered a substantial portfolio of long-term partnerships with major retailers," said Steve McElweenie, vice president and general manager, FKI Logistex Canada, Ltd. "By providing expandable automated material handling systems, FKI Logistex offers its customers the flexibility to scale operations for future growth while maintaining efficiency."

FKI Logistex completed installation on a six-week schedule, and the new system went live in June 2008.

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For sales and marketing information, contact Emily Smith, marketing supervisor, FKI Logistex North America, by phone at +1 513 881 5239 or by e-mail at emily.smith@fkilogistex.com.

For media information, contact Emily Fuleihan, public relations, Koroberi, Inc. (www.koroberi.com), by phone at +1 919 945 0552 or by e-mail at emily@koroberi.com.