YKK
LEO locative for fast and space-saving production processes
About YKK
YKK Germany GmbH is part of the world-leading YKK Group, the largest manufacturer of zippers and innovative fastening systems. Since 1972, high-quality zippers for the apparel industry and technical applications have been manufactured at the production site in Wenkbach near Marburg. Using state-of-the-art technology and a high degree of automation, YKK produces zippers in Wenkbach for international brands, relying on quality “Made in Germany.”
Background and requirements
- Dozens of production machines in a small space
- Constant supply and removal of raw materials and finished goods are required
- Supply and removal are carried out manually using tugger trains
- High labor costs for transportation
- Skilled labor shortage – transportation tasks add little value
- Vehicles and pedestrian traffic regularly cross paths
Efficiency increase at a glance
Success by forming a project partnership
LEO locative AGV
» 11 LEO locative AGVs are responsible for supplying workstations in two warehouses.
LEO transfer stations
» The workstations are equipped with a total of 26 transfer stations.
Barcode scanner
» The transfer stations are equipped with barcode scanners, which enable automated material flow without the need for manual data entry.
Customer application
- LEO was initially deployed in a trial run
- The system impressed with its simple setup and quick integration
- Setting it up in-house built trust and strengthened the connection to the system
- Today, LEO handles the automated supply of raw materials to the machines and the removal of finished goods
- Connection between the production hall and the shipping hall: LEO automatically opens the gate via the Smart Box and only drives out when no truck or other vehicle is in its path
- LEO transports goods to and from the AutoStore
- All stations are equipped with a barcode scanner
- The destination ID is automatically read from the container—no manual destination entry required
Customer benefits
Thanks to the LEO solution, the following benefits were achieved:
- LEO's route is clearly visible
- Large vehicles such as the road train have been rendered obsolete by the implementation of LEO
- After a four-week trial period, the user was so familiar with the system that they were able to install it independently and without installation costs
- Return on investment from the user’s perspective in less than 12 months
- Significant reduction in employee workload and physical strain
- Greater process reliability and fewer interactions between people and vehicles
- Contribution to digitalization and increased efficiency in production
We would be happy to advise you in person.
Do you have any questions or would you like to make a product enquiry?
