Insights

At Van Marcke, we were faced with an increasing challenge: safely transporting larger and more fragile sheet materials. 

Traditional transport methods were no longer sufficient, resulting in frequent breakages and damages during transit. 

This led to unnecessary costs and delays, making it clear that an innovative, long-term solution was needed.

The Approach

In close collaboration with Deltarack, we started by conducting a thorough analysis of our transport processes. This led to a co-creation process, where we jointly developed a fully customized version of the SR80 transport rack.

This new solution had to meet several critical requirements:

1. Strength and Stability: The rack had to be sturdy enough to withstand the weight and fragility of large glass panels and other breakable materials.

2. Ease of Handling:  It needed to be easily maneuverable by both forklifts and manual transpallet for smooth and safe handling.

3. Ergonomics:  We opted for rounded corners on the base plate to prevent damage to cardboard packaging and facilitate easier loading.

4. Traceability:  Each rack was assigned a unique number for easy tracking between the distribution center (EDC), retail stores and customers.

5. Branding:  Each rack was branded with the Van Marcke logo, providing a professional and recognizable appearance.

Implementation and Results

We implemented over 120 of these custom racks, creating an efficient rotational system. Full racks with new products would leave for the stores while empty racks were returned to the DC. 

This smooth rotation process significantly reduced downtime and boosted overall logistical efficiency.

The Impact

The results speak for themselves:

1. Reduced Damage – The sturdy and thoughtful design significantly reduced transport damage.

2. Increased Efficiency – Improved traceability and ease of handling saved time and labor costs.

3. Stronger Brand Presence – The custom branding on the racks reinforced our brand identity all the way to the retail floor.