Storage and retrieval by the book
May 21st 2008

FKI Logistex has started the installation of a high-density automated handling system designed to help the British Library reduce its storage footprint and increase productivity.

The British Library receives a free copy of every book and journal published in the UK and is currently building a new, specialist, low-oxygen storage unit at Boston Spa, West Yorkshire to house the growing national collection.

Making best use of the available space and maintaining a suitable environment for the collection are key priorities in the new building. The automated handling system, designed by FKI Logistex, allows the highest possible density in order to reduce the storage footprint and associated costs. The system combines 262 linear kilometres of fully-automated storage with seven mini-cranes, six staff workstations and 140,000 custom containers.

The new storage unit will provide sufficient capacity for expansion over the next ten years utilising the current warehouse footprint. Along with this, FKI Logistex is supplying equipment with an unprecedented 70-year life expectancy so that it will not be necessary to replace the system in its entirety within that period.

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