Intelligent, automated lifts have been installed at Vanilla Electronics as part of a £200,000 investment in the Thetford-based distributor and manufacturer’s technology centre.

The company supplies manufacturing services, such as customised design, component supply, kitting, box-build manufacturing and supply chain services.

The company has installed two 9.6m tall intelligent automated tower storage units (Lean lifts) which automatically pick components for a specific product. This frees up time for the operator to focus on the main product or kit assembly rather than picking individual materials. The new equipment has also eliminated traditional rack storage, freeing up floor space and improving the work flow, productivity and increasing capacity to take on more work, reports the company.

Dan Croft, managing director of Vanilla Electronics, said: “The lifts have sped up the overall component picking process . . . It has resulted in happier staff, higher quality output, higher throughput, quicker delivery and the capacity to increase volumes. All of this will . . . appeal to those customers who do not have the same warehouse capacity, automation or as efficient in-house systems.”

Originally a family start-up business, Vanilla Electronics has grown over the last 17 years. Last year, it increased revenues by 23%, taking its total turnover to £11.55m. The upgraded technology centre is expected to continue this financial trajectory and increase local jobs.