HydX more than halves picking time with Compact Lift Twin

When HydX, a technology company in Ystad, Sweden, moved to new premises, it saw an opportunity to rethink its warehouse operations. Instead of installing conventional warehouse shelving, the company invested in four Compact Lift Twin vertical lift modules from Weland Solutions. The result? Picking time for larger production orders fell from eight hours to just two or three. At the same time, HydX created a better working environment and laid the foundations for continued growth.

From conventional shelving to smarter storage

HydX is a technology company specialising in hydraulics, electronics and electrification, serving customers across industrial, mobile and marine applications.

Before the investment, its warehouse relied on conventional shelving and pallet racking. When the move to new premises was on the horizon, the company wanted to avoid simply recreating the same setup.

“We didn't want to fill our nice new space with shelves. It was the right time to invest in vertical lift modules,” says Mattias Salomonsson, Operations Manager at HydX.

Making better use of the available space, improving the working environment and creating room for future growth were all important factors in the decision.

Experience and integration made the difference

Both Mattias Salomonsson and IT Manager Kim Holmberg had worked with Weland Solutions before and had positive experiences. One key factor was the ability to integrate the vertical lift modules with HydX's ERP system, simplifying warehouse operations and reducing manual work.

The fact that the solution was manufactured in Sweden, together with its quality and the support offered by Weland Solutions, also influenced the decision.

“What ultimately made the difference was our previous experience and the integration capabilities. The Weland Solutions team also made a very good impression.”

Compact Lift Twin – two trays working in parallel

HydX chose four Compact Lift Twin units. The unit handles two trays in parallel, allowing the next tray to be retrieved while the operator is picking from the first. This reduces waiting time between picking operations.

“In practice, you can double the picking speed because the machine works with two trays at the same time,” explains Mattias Salomonsson.

Careful preparation ensured a smooth start

Extensive preparation took place before installation. Working alongside the warehouse team, Kim Holmberg measured and weighed the items and determined the required storage compartment sizes. To plan the tray layouts, he marked out the trays at full scale on the warehouse floor using tape.

The process from order to delivery took approximately six months. Once the vertical lift modules were installed, around 5,000 items were registered and put away in just five days, with staff working two shifts.

“It was a huge amount of work, but in the end, it was worth it. We ended up with a warehouse system tailored to our needs,” says Kim Holmberg.

HydX also highlights the support provided by Weland Solutions' project management team and the on-site training carried out at the machines. Employees received hands-on training in both operating the equipment and using the warehouse management software.

Faster picking and simpler workflows

The most noticeable improvement has been in order picking. For large production orders, picking time has fallen from around eight hours to just two or three.

But it is not only the speed of the vertical lift modules that saves time. Integration with HydX's ERP system has also simplified administrative tasks. Previously, picking and reporting were two separate steps. Now, reporting takes place automatically, reducing duplicate work and saving additional time.

Mattias Salomonsson also points to the improved working environment. LED lighting strips, pick displays and label printing directly at the machines give employees better support in their day-to-day work.

A warehouse with room to grow

For HydX, the investment has delivered more than faster picking. Better use of storage space, less manual work and more efficient material flows have also created better conditions for continued growth.

“The vertical lift modules are an enabler for our future growth. Our warehouse would have looked completely different without them,” says Mattias Salomonsson.

HydX also believes it would probably have needed more warehouse staff without the automated storage solution. Both Mattias and Kim highlight picking speed, working conditions, data accuracy and space savings as key benefits.

And there is one more thing Mattias particularly appreciates.

“They look seriously cool, too. It's like four spaceships have landed in our warehouse.”