SDI Group, the global integrator of automated material handling systems, has commenced installation of a sophisticated sortation system for leading Turkish fashion retailer, Colin's Group.
Centred around two, 300-drop station sorters, the installation at the retailer's new Distribution centre in Istanbul, will include a conveyor transport system and high-speed inbound and outbound FSU shoe sorters with double trays. The sorters will each run at capacity of 28,000 units per hour – giving a combined capacity of 56,000 units per hour.
The project will take place in two phases: the first 300 drop sorter is due to be completed by August this year. Then, in September, work will commence on installing the second 300 drop sorter, which will be located on a mezzanine, directly above the existing unit. This phase is due for completion by the end of the year.
The two-phase installation gives Colin's a stepped approach from its existing, completely manual operation to the new fully automated system.
Established in Istanbul in 1983, privately-owned Colin's has grown to become a leading fashion brand and has expanded to 540 stores in over 38 countries. The new installation, will sort products for all of these stores, and handle products coming in from Colin's production facilities. The significant capacity and productivity improvements provided by the new automated system will help Colin's attain its planned growth, in line with the Turkish fashion retail market that is currently growing at an impressive rate of 25-28% per year.
Gordon Smith, CEO of SDI Group, said: "We are proud to be working with Colin's to provide a sortation solution that gives the highly regarded fashion brand a greater competitive edge and provides a platform for growth. This project further establishes SDI's presence in the Turkish automation market through our exclusive distributor arrangement with Astas, the Istanbul based sewing machine and cutting equipment company - supplier to the country's expansive textile industry."
Smith continued: "This is a further demonstration of SDI's success in the Turkish fashion market – including the provision of the country's first automated sorter - and we are excited at the positive reaction we have received from the sector. Retailers naturally like to see a local automation supplier, operating within their country and with a growing trend toward investment in automation, in what is currently a mainly manual sector, there is tremendous potential for SDI Group in this market."
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