Handling perishable food items requires a special menu of materials handling and storage solutions. That's why Sigma Alimentos, Mexico's top producer and distributor of refrigerated and frozen foods, built a new distribution center in Monterrey, Mexico, complete with a new automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS).

The refrigerated distribution center, which opened this summer, is Sigma's first automated warehouse. It uses a warehouse management system (WMS) that includes two storage/retrieval machines (SRMs), 200 linear feet of conveyor, and a 30-foot high rack structure with four levels—with the first level designated for picking.

According to Gary Frank, the supplier's vice president of automation, “Sigma's needs are met with a system that includes a combination of standard and custom design elements, like a four-pallet transfer car, the option for manual infeed with depalletizing for case-picking lanes, and an option to have two rack-entry vehicles on each SRM.”

The WMS manages all products as they travel through the distribution center, including order picking. The WMS is capable of adapting and integrating individual logistics requirements such as case picking, SKU organization and order consolidation.

Sigma and its 20,000 employees operate one of Mexico's largest refrigerated distribution networks and leads the Mexican market in processed meat and cheese products. The company has recorded sales of $1.2 billion annually, which translates into 488,000 tons of processed foods. Its products are sold throughout Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and the United States.

Westfalia Technologies 800-673-2522 www.westfaliausa.com