Providing for increased demand

Workwear manufacturer Dickies has adopted a new system to maximise the storage capacity, yet further increase the efficiency of its UK based, 100,000 ft2. distribution centre in Midsomer Norton, Somerset.

The new 'VNA' (Very Narrow Aisle) system condenses the racking to accommodate greatly increased stock levels while speeding up both the storage process and customer order selection. It allows for the racking aisles to be positioned closer together making room for others.

"The 'VNA' system has been installed to cope with the vast number of additional new products which we have had to produce in order to satisfy growing demand," says John Harvey, operations manager. "It helps us to maintain our aim of providing top level customer service at all times.

"We have also significantly increased our staff numbers and introduced new shift patterns which, with a new night shift, means we are operating 24 hours a day for most of the week."