Chaussea selects SSI Schaefer to automate its new distribution centre

To support its strong growth in France and across Europe, footwear and fashion accessories retailer Chaussea has selected SSI Schaefer to automate its new distribution centre in Trémery, Moselle, France. The new logistics facility will enable the retailer to increase its storage capacity and optimise its order-picking operations.

Founded in 1984, Chaussea is a family-owned retailer specialising in the distribution of footwear and fashion accessories. The company operates nearly 650 stores across France, Belgium and Luxembourg. To support the continued growth of its e-commerce business and its expansion across Europe, the company is investing in its logistics infrastructure, including the construction of a new 48,000 m² distribution centre in Trémery, France. This new facility will strengthen the retailer’s storage capacity and operational performance, while providing the flexibility needed to support its long-term growth.

To design and implement a tailor-made automated solution for this new warehouse, Chaussea has selected SSI Schaefer, a global specialist in intralogistics. “One of the key factors behind our decision was SSI Schaefer’s ability to seamlessly integrate several technologies while ensuring the efficient handling of 90% of cartons without the need for totes. Beyond its technical expertise, the quality of our discussions and the shared values of our two family-owned businesses also played an important role in our choice of partner,” says Philippe COLLARD, Supply Chain Logistics Director at Chaussea.

A state-of-the-art logistics platform

The solution implemented by SSI Schaefer will incorporate several state-of-the-art automated systems. At its heart will be a high-bay warehouse with a capacity of 45,000 pallet locations, served by 12 SSI Exyz storage and retrieval machines (SRMs). This will be complemented by an SSI Flexi Shuttle system comprising six aisles, each equipped with 33 shuttles, providing a total of more than 126,000 storage locations for cartons, trays and totes.

The installation will also incorporate the SSI Case Picking solution, including palletising and depalletising robots, three Sequence Towers, conveyor systems for pallets, cartons and totes, as well as ergonomically designed workstations. The entire warehouse will be managed by WAMAS, SSI Schaefer’s intralogistics software, which will oversee the management, control and monitoring of all logistics flows.

By combining these technologies, Chaussea will benefit from a high-performance logistics platform capable of handling large volumes, optimising order picking, reducing operational lead times and supporting the growth of its business.

To ensure system availability and optimal performance, around ten SSI Schaefer Resident Maintenance technicians will be permanently based at Chaussea’s site. They will carry out preventive and corrective maintenance operations and provide the support required to ensure the smooth operation of the equipment.

“We are proud to support Chaussea in this major logistics project. By combining our hardware and software solutions with our on-site maintenance services, we are providing Chaussea with a system designed to support its long-term growth,” says Philippe Dugougeat, Managing Director of SSI Schaefer France.

The system is scheduled to go live in 2028. The new distribution centre has also been designed to accommodate future changes in Chaussea’s business requirements and allow for further expansion.

Crédit photo - © SSI SCHAEFER