Modernizing Vertical Pallet Transport in Beverage Manufacturing

Automated material handling provider Lödige Industries partnered with Swire Coca-Cola HK to modernize the logistics infrastructure at a major Hong Kong beverage distribution hub. The custom smart logistics backbone deployment resolves the spatial and operational constraints inherent in multi-story manufacturing applications.

Operational Bottlenecks in High-Volume Production
Swire Coca-Cola HK's Shatin manufacturing facility required an infrastructure update to support newly renovated, high-throughput production lines. Operating since 1991, the site relied on a material transportation network consisting of 11 legacy hoists and a conveyor system over 20 years old. This outdated equipment restricted throughput and created logistical bottlenecks across the multi-level plant. The primary goals for the facility upgrade were to increase transport speed, expand floor coverage, reduce reliance on manual material handling, and improve energy efficiency.

Customized Vertical Transport Solution
To address the physical limitations of the existing hoist shafts and facility housing, Lödige Industries engineered a tailor-made Bin Hoist System (BHS) to completely replace the legacy infrastructure. The technical overhaul involved the removal of an obsolete hoist and the installation of 11 new hoists, precisely calibrated to fit the site's constrained architectural conditions. The deployment also introduced new bidirectional conveyors, interface stations, and an advanced control system designed to synchronize material flow between different production levels.




Performance and Facility Impact
Completed in March 2026, the upgraded automated material handling system expanded service coverage from the original span of floors 3–13 to encompass floors G–16. By implementing higher traveling speeds for both hoists and conveyors, the bidirectional setup enables the continuous automated movement of up to 100 pallets per hour.

The enclosed, sensor-equipped system improves facility safety by significantly reducing internal forklift traffic and integrating dedicated fire protection mechanisms. Furthermore, the infrastructure utilizes smart standby modes to decrease power consumption during idle periods, aligning the high-throughput facility with modern supply chain standards. The new automated transport network is also structured to integrate with future digital transformation initiatives.

Engineering and Operational Perspective
Nicholas Tripptree, Managing Director of Asia-Pacific for Lödige Industries, highlighted the functional impact of the installation: "Integrating a vertical transportation system into such a high-throughput facility demonstrates how advanced material handling can be applied in demanding, space-constrained environments. Beyond boosting efficiency, these systems optimize modern supply chains aiming to reduce energy consumption, minimize forklift traffic, and improve worker safety." Following the final handover ceremony in May 2026, the system provider continues to support the site's ongoing performance through an established long-term service contract.

Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.

www.lodige.com