Wholesaler Schou Maximizes Distribution Capacity with Intralogistics Solutions from SSI SCHAEFER

Central distribution center with fully automated high-bay warehouse increases efficiency at Schou in Kolding, Denmark.

From manual warehouses to smart automation

Leading Danish non-food retailer Schou has restructured its distribution logistics from the ground up. Serving customers from multiple manual warehouses is now a thing of the past. Instead, Schou has consolidated its operations into a fully integrated logistics and distribution center. The heart of the 100,000 m² facility is a 42-meter-high automated high-bay warehouse offering 40,000 pallet storage locations, operated entirely without manual intervention.

The intralogistics expert was responsible for the design, construction, and seamless integration of the pallet warehouse into the site’s overall material flow. Acting as general contractor, SSI SCHAEFER also equipped the goods-in and dispatch zones with high-performance logistics systems. Since going live, the facility has operated with zero unplanned downtime.

High storage density enables long-term growth

Schou specializes in products within the home & living category, and Schou supplies retailers and online shops across Scandinavia and continental Europe. Customers include non-food distributors, home improvement retailers, and grocery chains. What sets Schou apart is its ability to offer end-to-end value creation — from product development to quality control — which allows retail partners to flexibly and quickly expand their assortments. This full-service model continues to resonate strongly in the market. Year after year, Schou has reported double-digit growth. Schou continues to pursue a strategy of sustained growth at the same pace.

To support this expansion strategy, Schou decided to consolidate distribution and relocate to Kolding, in eastern Jutland.

“To grow sustainably, we needed to significantly expand our capacity. But it wasn’t just about meeting today’s needs — we wanted to create headroom for the future. The high storage density of the new system allows us to achieve both.”

Rune Skou Raun
Supply Chain Director Schou
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Rune Skou Raun
Supply Chain Director Schou

Fully automated high-bay warehouse

The six-aisle high-bay warehouse reaches 42 meters in height and spans 5,500 m². It currently accommodates around 1,500 SKUs in double-deep pallet racking. The system is scalable — storage capacity can be doubled at any time.

Six energy-efficient SSI Exyz storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) handle pallet movements. Each is equipped with double-deep load handling devices dual load handling devices and can perform up to 28 double cycles per hour. At peak times, the system is capable of processing up to 2,520 load units daily.

To ensure error-free operation, every load unit is inspected upon receipt. SSI SCHAEFERs installed a non-compliance (NOK) check station that flags issues such as overweight loads or damaged packaging and diverts affected pallets before they enter the automated system.

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Practical solutions, tailored to the business

A key factor to partner with SSI SCHAEFER was the company’s ability to deliver a turnkey solution, including all warehouse and conveyor systems from a single source. Also critical: SSI SCHAEFER’s deep understanding of intralogistics. For example, although the building layout had already been finalized when the project began, SSI SCHAEFER’s engineers proposed design adjustments that increased throughput and lowered projected operating costs.

A prime example is the area dedicated to picking promotional goods. To ensure maximum flexibility, this section is designed for manual picking using forklifts. Employees now have access to 60 picking stations, all linked to the high-bay warehouse via conveyor lines that are automatically restocked with pallets. This setup guarantees constant product availability at every station, eliminating downtime and delays.

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Maximum availability, zero compromise

As part of the project, SSI SCHAEFER developed a software interface that enables seamless communication between Schou’s warehouse management system and the control system for the automated pallet warehouse. This tight integration allows for optimized sequencing and end-to-end process transparency across all distribution activities.

“The fact that the system has been running for over a year with virtually no downtime is a major achievement. Credit goes in large part to our resident maintenance team, which includes two full-time SSI SCHAEFER's experts alongside our own technicians. Thanks to their proactive maintenance approach, we’re able to run two shifts a day, five days a week — ensuring absolute reliability for our retail customers.”

Rune Skou Raun
Supply Chain Director Schou
Rune Skou Raun
Supply Chain Director Schou

Solution related products

SSI Exyz

SSI Exyz

Pallet Conveying System at Schaeffler

Pallet Conveying System

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