Footwear giant Skechers is taking its distribution centre in Liège up a notch. To be prepared for continued growth in Europe, the brand is betting on further automation.
Automation Inther Group
For the expansion, the US company is working with Inther Group, its current intralogistics partner. 3.5 kilometres of new conveyor technology will be installed in the distribution centre. This will create a total of 8 kilometres of roller conveyors.
Inther is also implementing a double-sided Natrix shoe sorter (with a capacity of over 6,700 cartons per hour), two Inther Conveyor Equipment scales with dimensioner and two High Performance Transfer changers with a capacity of around 2,600 cartons per hour.
Growth Skechers
Skechers has operated the Liège DC since 2002. The brand started on 25,000 square metres. In recent years, real estate partner Prologis expanded that area to 128,000 square metres.
From the European distribution centre, the company serves all channels: online shoppers, the physical shops and wholesale customers. "Skechers Europe, but also worldwide, foresees further growth in the coming years, which is why it opted for an expansion of automation in the distribution centre," said Sophie Houtmeyers, VP Distribution Operations.
The expansion is expected to be commissioned by Skechers in November 2019.
