The benefits of refurbished logistics systems from Vanderlande Industries (material handling systems) are underlined by a recent order from TNT Express Italy's parcel handling centre in Padova, Italy. This system was tailored to the customer's needs on an 'as new' basis. As well as offering outstanding performance and value, the refurbished system helps both Vanderlande and TNT Express Italy to meet their sustainability targets through re-use of components and materials. The system was successfully commissioned in mid-October and is now in daily operation to the full satisfaction of the customer.
An essential principle of Vanderlande's refurbished systems is that they offer 'as new' performance and reliability for a long and productive 'second life'. To ensure this, the TNT Express Italy system – which had formerly been in use for five years by another customer in Italy – was thoroughly inspected and overhauled before installation.
Key components were replaced and the whole system was cleaned, restoring it to perfect working condition. New infeed conveyors were supplied from Vanderlande's headquarters in Veghel (Netherlands), and components which were not needed by TNT Express Italy were added to spare parts stocks for later re-use.
"We find that this solution is a smart way to support our business: it's fast, reliable, sustainable and cost-effective" says Stefania Pezzetti, TNT Express Italy Operations Director.
Short lead time and lower investment level
Using a refurbished system in this way offers significant benefits through the short lead time for delivery and installation, as well as a lower investment level than for a new system. At the same time the ability to customise the system precisely to user needs during the refurbishing process means there are no compromises on performance, fitness-for-purpose and reliability.
System reliability and availability are fully backed-up by Vanderlande's normal guarantee conditions. In the same way as for the new systems in use at its other sorting centres, TNT Express Italy has a service contract providing guaranteed response times to meet its specific operational needs.
'Second life' systems benefit sustainability
Sustainability also benefits from the use of a 'second life' system. Avoiding the production of new components where this is not necessary saves energy and reduces the CO2 footprint. At the same time it contributes to meeting Vanderlande's sustainability targets using the Cradle to Cradle principles, which aim for a closed-loop economy with far-reaching re-use of components and materials in both technical and natural cycles.
The system supplied to TNT Express Italy in Padova is based on the proven Vanderlande posisorter, which is already widely use at many other TNT Express sorting centres in Italy and the rest of Europe, together with FSC controls and a Destination Server.
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