Argos

​The Challenge

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A major UK retailer needed a safe, reliable way to move customer orders between a mezzanine storage area and the ground floor shop area. The existing process relied on manual handling, which limited throughput and tied up staff who could otherwise be serving customers. The retailer required a compact, automated solution capable of handling fluctuating order volumes and providing short-term storage on both levels.

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The Solution

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Central Conveyors designed, manufactured and installed four inclined mezzanine floor conveyors to transfer goods between the upper storage floor and the ground floor shop area. Once an order is placed in the store, staff located at a high level load the conveyor with the customer’s goods, which are then conveyed down to the shop area for processing and collection.

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The system includes built-in accumulation zones at both the upper and lower levels, allowing goods to queue safely while awaiting pickup or handover to the customer. This provides a controlled flow of product and helps the team manage busy periods more efficiently.

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How it Works

 

• Orders are picked and loaded onto the inclined conveyor at the mezzanine level

• Goods are transported automatically down to the ground-floor shop area

• Accumulation at the top and bottom of the conveyor allows temporary storage of queued items

• Staff at the ground level process and dispense orders to waiting customers

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By automating the movement of goods between floors, the system reduces manual handling, improves safety and maintains a steady flow of orders to the shop floor.

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The Results

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The new mezzanine floor conveyor system has streamlined order handling between the upper storage area and the shop, supporting faster processing and more consistent customer service. The accumulation capability at both levels gives the retailer additional buffer capacity, helping them manage peaks in demand without relying on extra manual labour.

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Central Conveyors continues to support the system and can adapt the design for other retailers and warehouse environments needing efficient floor-to-floor product movement.