In 2012, 2015 and most recently in 2019, WAGNER developed a customized fire protection solution for the automated compact storage systems of Competec Logistik AG in Willisau (Switzerland), consisting of active fire prevention in combination with early fire detection using aspirating smoke detectors. The fire protection systems were designed according to the Swiss guidelines SN 123456 and SES.
Competec Logistik AG, the logistics service provider for the popular Swiss online store BRACK.CH, has experienced an increase in order volume as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. In order for the Competec Group to continue to meet its delivery promises to its customers, it was necessary to ensure uninterrupted operations and all related business processes. When it comes to fire protection, Competec relies on WAGNER's expertise and innovative fire protection solutions to provide comprehensive protection for its automated compact storage systems.
The original plan was to partially expand the existing warehouse in Willisau. However, due to the high volume of orders, Competec decided to build a new facility that will significantly increase the storage and shipping capacity for medium and large parts. The new warehouse building has a total height of 31 meters and became operational in 2021.
The logistics service provider Competec Logistik AG is part of the Competec Group. It also includes the trading companies Alltron AG, Jamei AG, Schoch Vögtli AG and MEDiDOR AG. BRACK.CH AG is also part of the group and is one of the largest independent national retailers of consumer goods of all kinds, delivering more than 200,000 items directly from stock to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
RISK ANALYSIS
Electrical components are a particular fire hazard: Battery-powered robots can cause short circuits and other technical failures. In addition, the small load carriers in the warehouse are made of plastic (polypropylene), which drips like a burning liquid in the event of a fire. The high and compact storage favors the rapid spread of fire and prevents targeted firefighting.
PROTECTION GOALS
SOLUTION
Like the existing Competec buildings, the automated compact container warehouse in the extension building is protected by OxyReduct® active fire prevention in combination with TITANUS® aspirating smoke detectors for early fire detection.
The OxyReduct® oxygen reduction system introduces nitrogen into the high-bay warehouse in a controlled manner, reducing the oxygen level in the protected area to a predetermined level.
Since the risk of a smoldering fire or a fire on the electrical cables, such as the robots charging stations, cannot be completely eliminated, even in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere, TITANUS® aspirating smoke detectors are used for early fire detection. These smoke detectors detect even the finest smoke particles at a very early stage.
Impressions of the automated compact container warehouse in Willisau, Switzerland
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
Ensure 24/7 delivery of goods for e-commerce.
No fire damage to merchandise, warehouse or equipment.
The fire protection systems are installed outside the warehouse and therefore do not take up any space in the protected area itself.
The fire protection solution can be easily expanded as the warehouse changes.
"A building like this is not built every day in Switzerland. All the companies involved are under enormous pressure," says Roland Brack, founder and owner of Competec. From a technical point of view, the highly complex extension is state of the art, explains the Competec founder. For example, the company is breaking new ground in fire protection by inerting the two high-bay warehouses: "A fire is actively prevented by reducing the oxygen content in the air."
WAGNER is an expert in fire protection for warehouse and logistics applications. Many well-known customers rely on our innovative fire protection solutions.
