News
Jungheinrich automates new logistics warehouse for Alfa Laval S.p.A. in Italy
03.07.2025
With a comprehensive automation project, heat exchanger specialist Alfa Laval is modernizing its material handling operations at its San Bonifacio site. Jungheinrich is supplying a fully integrated complete solution from a single source – from racking and conveyor systems to the software backbone.
- High availability: 24/7 operation with automated EKX 516a and conductor rail power supply
- Maximum efficiency: Continuous material flow via integrated conveyor technology and intelligent software
- Future-proof: System ready for later integration of additional automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
San Bonifacio/Hamburg – The Italian Alfa Laval S.p.A. (part of the Swedish group Alfa Laval AB) has commissioned Jungheinrich to implement a fully automated high-bay warehouse at its site in San Bonifacio (VR). The project includes a new warehouse for raw materials and finished goods with around 5,000 pallet storage locations. Acting as general contractor, Jungheinrich is responsible for all system components – from the seismically designed racking to the integrated conveyor system and the complete IT infrastructure, including a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and a Warehouse Control System (WCS).
»Our goal is to make our logistics more efficient, always placing great importance on safety,« says Leonardo Chiecchi, Factory Manager at Alfa Laval S.p.A. »This project adds extra value to our San Bonifacio site, increasing its visibility within the group and supporting its future growth.«
As part of the construction of a new hall for press lines and logistics processes, Alfa Laval aims to take the automation of its material handling operations to the next level. Key reasons for awarding the project to Jungheinrich were the long-standing partnership between the two companies and Alfa Laval's preference and the desire to obtain all automation components from a single-source solution. The system is also designed to allow the future integration of additional automated guided vehicles (AGVs), offering maximum scalability.
At the heart of the solution is a narrow-aisle warehouse with four aisles, each 64 meters long and with a storage height of 10.7 meters. Loading and unloading take place on both sides of the warehouse via conveyor systems. Two automated EKX 516a trucks handle Euro and half pallets. The vehicles are powered by conductor rails, ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 operation.
An innovative feature of the system is the automatic coupling system for so-called slave pallets – carrier pallets that can be placed under non-standardized load units to enable their safe and automated transport.
Andrea Fasoli, Logistics Project Manager at Alfa Laval S.p.A., states: »We are very satisfied with the solution developed together with Jungheinrich. We believe it is the right step forward in the development of our logistics, which will focus on automation while keeping flexibility and performance improvement for our customers as key priorities.«
»With this solution, Alfa Laval receives a perfectly integrated overall system that not only guarantees maximum process reliability but is also ready for future expansion,« says Stefano Rocca, Head of Product Specialist Sales Management at Jungheinrich. »The combination of an automated narrow-aisle warehouse, intelligent conveyor technology and seamlessly integrated software ensures highly available 24/7 operations – a true efficiency gain for our customer.«
The racking structure has been designed in accordance with current seismic regulations – a key requirement for the site in northern Italy. The fully integrated IT solution comprising WMS and WCS ensures efficient control and full traceability of all warehouse processes.
Commissioning is scheduled for April 2026.