Overview
Baird Group, one of the UK’s largest menswear companies, approached North Automation Group to help modernise a critical part of their warehouse operation: the unloading process at their historic factory. Despite the building’s heritage charm, structural limitations were causing inefficiency, unnecessary manual handling, and increased labour demands.
As a UK supplier of intelligent warehouse automation, we designed a bespoke solution that transformed their workflow – improving speed, safety, and overall productivity using a gravity-based unloading container conveyor.
The Challenge
Founded in 1894, Baird Group operates across wholesale, retail, and e‑commerce, distributing high‑volume goods daily. However, the layout of their longstanding factory posed several operational barriers:
- Low ceilings and a high loading dock restricted movement and equipment choices.
- Goods arriving in boxes had to be palletised at dock height, then manually moved down a long ramp.
- The process was slow, labour‑intensive, and ergonomically risky for staff.
- Limited space required careful coordination, increasing time per delivery and reducing daily throughput.
Baird needed a solution that would integrate seamlessly into their unique building while delivering modern efficiency.
Our Solution
North Automation Group engineered and installed a customised gravity conveyor system designed specifically for the constraints of Baird’s site.
Key Components of the System
- Ramp: Bridged the gap between dock and vehicle to create a smooth handover point.
- Impact Table: Positioned inside the trailer to absorb initial impact and protect the conveyor.
- Flexi‑Conveyors: Two extendable sections that adapt to varying trailer lengths and configurations.
- Skate Wheel Bend: Allowed boxes to change direction effortlessly around a corner.
- Adjustable Legs: Enabled a precise gradient for reliable gravity‑fed box movement.
Together, these components created a continuous, low‑effort flow of goods from the delivery vehicle straight down to ground level for palletising – effectively performing as an unloading container conveyor solution tailored to their building.
The Outcome
✔ Dramatically Improved Efficiency
Boxes now move seamlessly from dock to ground without manual lifting or repositioning, reducing unloading times and boosting throughput.
✔ A Safer Working Environment
The system eliminates repetitive lifting, long walking distances, and awkward postures. This reduces strain on staff and supports compliance with workplace health and safety standards.
✔ Cost Savings
With less manual handling and fewer staff required per unload, Baird achieved measurable labour savings while unlocking higher productivity.
Client Feedback
“The gravity conveyor system has completely changed how we unload. It’s simple, effective, and perfectly suited to our warehouse.”
– Baird Operations Team
Inspired by Baird Group’s Transformation?
If your operation faces similar legacy‑building challenges, North Automation Group can help you modernise with intelligent, practical automation solutions – including tailored unloading container conveyors – designed for real‑world constraints.
Contact us:
📧 sales@northgroup.tech
📞 07547 686907
