Diesel Engine Maker Improves Handling and Distribution

Feb. 3, 2012
Tognum America has installed an automated material handling system (from TGW Systems) in the company’s new MTU Parts Logistics Center for North America, located near Detroit.

Tognum America has installed an automated material handling system (from TGW Systems) in the company’s new MTU Parts Logistics Center for North America, located near Detroit. MTU is one of the world’s leading brands of large diesel engines and complete propulsion systems for marine, power generation, heavy-duty vehicle and rail vehicle applications. Tognum America is responsible for the sales and service of MTU engines and MTU Onsite Energy power systems in North and Latin America.

The project was part of a move to a new 395,000 sq. ft. parts distribution center that now services all North American operations, fulfilling customer orders of diesel products, components and spare parts. The new material handling system is similar to a system TGW supplied to MTU in Germany about four years ago.

The system includes five aisles of mini-load cranes with load handling devices to store 22,500 totes of parts, and a conveyor handling system to feed the mini-load. The conveyor system transfers trays to five workstations for picking, kitting and replenishment of orders and products. The system also includes Warehouse Control Software, conveyor controls, integrated racking, installation and support.