Display manufacturer Holbox used the move to new premises to modernise its internal logistics. Jungheinrich realised a customised automation solution for this with two automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Both EKS 215a type vehicles are equipped with a multiple fork for handling various pallet types. Holbox deploys them for material flow between production, warehouse, goods receiving and expedition.
Holbox left its former facility in Echt in spring 2025 and moved into new ultra-modern premises in Roermond. The new building offered the family business the opportunity to redesign production and logistics processes and design them in a more sustainable way. "Our new premises enable us to work more efficiently while reducing our carbon footprint," says Martijn Hol, managing director at Holbox.
Automation relieves employees
At the heart of the solution are two AGVs of type EKS 215a, supplemented by conventional trucks with lithium-ion batteries. The AGVs take over heavy and repetitive transport tasks, providing a noticeable relief to forklift drivers. This allows employees to focus on more complex and challenging tasks.
Operation is highly intuitive via a customised and user-friendly web interface on tablets. This makes the system accessible to all employees. Navigation of the AGVs is based on precise laser scanning and intelligent sensor technology. The vehicles move safely in mixed operation with people and manually operated trucks. Standard personal safety scanners monitor the travel path in driving and load direction. As soon as the sensors detect an obstacle, the AGV comes to a controlled stop.
Individual safety concept for maximum protection
Special and a first in the Netherlands is the extra sensor that monitors safety around the custom-made AGVs. This extra sensor supports the standard AGV safety sensor to look higher than the usual maximum 20 centimetres above the roadway. Any obstacles on the route, such as a lifted load or the very diverse other traffic participants in the premises, are thus better recognised after which the AGV adjusts its speed and, if necessary, comes to a safe stop.
Another novelty is the multiple customised fork with which the cantilever AGVs are equipped. In addition to transporting euro and industrial pallets, this also enables the transport of the much larger paper pallets with dimensions of 1,600 × 1,200 millimetres - a key requirement for the production processes at Holbox. "The forklift drivers were a bit sceptical about the arrival of the AGVs at first, but have experienced them as real team players from day one," concludes Martijn Hol. "They support our people and lift our logistics processes to a higher level. So we are ready for the future."
