June 10, 2021
Since its foundation, the Tubądzin Group has focused on development through technology. An automated high storage warehouse was constructed at the company's Logistics and Distribution Centre at a cost of PLN 80 million. This project will allow loading of more than 50 000 trucks per year.
CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT
The Tubądzin Group is responding to the market demands and changes, which have taken place regarding the way ceramic tiles are distributed. Modernisation of the Logistics Centre is an integral part of the company's long-term development strategy. It allows for fully flexible, time-optimised picking and shipping of customised goods. The project was implemented in cooperation with renowned companies, among which are the general contractor for construction works and suppliers of advanced warehouse technology, valued for their professional performance on the domestic and foreign markets.
Expansion of the Logistics Centre, which cost PLN80 million, as well as the recent modernisation of the Ozorków and Tubądzin factories, worth PLN 40 million are another step in the development of the Tubądzin Group," says Mirosław Jędrzejczyk, the President of the Management Board of the Tubądzin Group.
We have managed to speed up and optimise our logistics operations, which translates into shorter delivery times. These actions enable us to provide even better service to our customers - adds Mirosław Jędrzejczyk who announces further investments. We are not sitting on our laurels and we have been developing all the time. Soon we are going to start the expansion of our factory in Sieradz by adding a second production line for large-format porcelain tiles.
Through implementation of state-of-the-art technological solutions, we able to meet all - often very stringent - product safety and quality standards applicable in the countries of the European Union. Advanced technologies, high quality standards and appealing design are necessary elements of a strategy to maintain a competitive position on the market. Necessary yet insufficient. Unfortunately, besides the challenges inherent to operating in a natural environment of fair competition, we also face administrative barriers resulting from decisions made by authorities of other countries. We are concerned about the potential imposition of import duties by the Ukraine on tiles from the EU. In this case, we count on a decisive and effective reaction from both national and EU authorities. Poland is the third largest ceramic tile manufacturer in Europe. We do not want to allow our industry to find itself in a situation similar to that previously experienced by Polish beef exporters.
A NEW QUALITY IN STORAGE AND ORDER PICKING
The Logistics Centre is divided into two zones. In the first one, 20,000 pallets are stored on 9.5 metre high racks. The second zone is used for picking and shipping orders to distributors. This zone also accommodates a 23 m high pallet warehouse with a capacity of nearly 9,000 pallets of high rotating stock items. The doubled number of loading ramps optimises loading and dispatch times.
So far, we have relied on state-of-the-art technologies, which guarantee the best quality of service and comfort of work," says Jolanta Gałązka, Logistics Manager. Cargo weighing over 10 mln kg is stored in the new part of the warehouse. Through a system of belts and conveyors and 8 pallet stacker cranes, moving at a speed of 3 m/s, the tiles are efficiently distributed to the picking stations. One employee can process up to 4 different orders at the same time. He is assisted by mechanical gripping devices, which enable him to carry a load of 210 kg with one hand, adds Jolanta Gałązka.
The pallets are delivered to the warehouse via conveyors with a total length of 1,000 metres. The operation of the stacker cranes and the transport of the pallets on the conveyors is controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller system, while the Material Flow Control and Warehouse Management systems integrated with it are used to manage the entire process.
A container warehouse, the so-called mini-load, is also located within the facility, which allows decorative tiles, strips and small elements of collections to be placed in 4,500 containers.
WE ARE UNITED IN DESIGN
If it was not for its unique graphic design, transferred onto large format tiles that decorate the façade of the office part of the investment, the Logistics Centre would at first glance be one of numerous similar buildings. Two joined hands are a metaphor of the end of the creative process and a reminder that at the end of technologically advanced processes, there is a beautiful design, which unites all people involved in the creation of Tubądzin Group products. As many as 479 elements were used in this three-dimensional installation - the largest is a 120 x 240 cm tile, and the smallest is a 52 x 45 x 27 cm triangle. Three-dimensional elements of the painting and one of the facade walls were made of Cielo e Terra panels designed by Dorota Koziara.
Tubądzin Group is one of the best recognized manufacturers of ceramic tiles in Poland. For almost 40 years it has been setting design trends, introducing innovative products and solutions. In Poland, it is a pioneer in the production of large-format tiles, up to the size of 120x240cm. The products are manufactured from the highest quality raw materials and can be used in any space, not only in the bathroom. The highest quality tiles resembling wood, marble or concrete, produced on the basis of the most modern world technologies, are the trademark of the Tubądzin Group. In 2020, the company sold its products to 60 countries.
Tubądzin invites outstanding creators of design and culture (including Maciej Zień, Dorota Koziara, Wojciech Siudmak) to cooperation, organizes prestigious competition for young designers and architects – Tubądzin Design Awards and engages in educational, social and ecological activities.
Tubądzin branded tiles are made of natural and precious raw materials and are decorated with natural dyes, which are safe to human health and the environment. While looking after the environment, Tubądzin promotes the principles of sustainable development and invests in innovative solutions - including the Continua+ technology, thus contributing to the reduction of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. The company is also involved in pro-ecological projects and undertakes activities aimed at increasing the local community's awareness in this respect.