The Satellite Review Magazine The Satellite Review Magazine Vol 1 | Page 14

IN THE NEWS

interview with Sazerac Company, Inc.
Jeff Conder, VP of Manufacturing
1. How has Westfalia created an Automated Storage and
Retrieval System (AS/RS) solution tailored to Sazerac’s
specific needs?
Westfalia’s approach to providing Sazerac a solution was
an important attribute that separated them from the other
solution vendors we were evaluating. Westfalia didn’t
immediately jump to a specific design or solution and try
to make a sale. They spent a considerable amount of time
examining our current business, not only from a
warehousing perspective, but by looking at our entire
manufacturing process.
As a result of the analysis, they were able to pinpoint key
details that would greatly improve warehousing, and allow
for improvements in other areas of manufacturing by
utilizing a new automated warehouse. A key design factor
that Westfalia presented was the re-purposing of existing
warehousing to help alleviate other areas of manufacturing
being limited by space constraints. Once all factors being
impacted were known, then the solution design began.
During the design process, simulation software played a key
role in determining system throughput and allowed for the
best use of automation to be determined. The final design
gives Sazerac the needed storage capacity, the desired
operational impact to the manufacturing process, and the
best value for the company long term.

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The Satellite Review

Groundbreaking ceremony at Sazerac Company’s
Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, Ky.
2. Sazerac is the first U.S. Spirits Supplier to use AS/RS
technology. What brought about this specific timing to
make improvements to the distilleries?
Sazerac looked at the possibility of an automated warehouse
utilizing AS/RS technology four years ago, but the timing
wasn’t right. Sazerac had just purchased three new plants
and the overall operational foundation was still being
developed. Now, with the solid foundation in place and
company growth moving forward, the business case for
utilizing AS/RS technology makes absolute sense. In today’s
spirits market, servicing the customer and being able to
quickly adapt to business needs is critical and the Westfalia
solution allows us to deliver on both. The added benefit
of AS/RS efficiency keeps us competitive in delivering value
to the customer as well.
3. What other types of equipment will be purchased in the
future? Are there any other additional improvements on the
horizon for these two distilleries or any other locations?
Both warehousing solutions come with built in expansion
capabilities. With AS/RS technology and the ease of
expansion, when business needs dictate in t