A tailored end of line strapping solution supplied by sector leader Strapex is helping to ensure prompt delivery of a wide variety of goods to Asda stores across the UK.

Asda's Integrated Distribution Centre, one of four Asda sites at Lutterworth in Leicestershire, is responsible for the distribution of a wide variety of stock - ranging from toys and balloons to seasonal goods - to both regional centres and stores. Although many of the goods handled at the IDC are relatively slow moving, there is still a need to get them on the way to stores as soon as they are requested to ensure there is no disruption to availability to customers. The smaller items are picked and packed into totes which then need to be rapidly and firmly secured to wheeled dollies for safe handling.

This task is undertaken by two Strapex VSS30.357 semi-automatic vertical strapping machines which are operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week, strapping around 3,600 loads each day between them.

The dollies are pushed into the machine, positioned, and the strap applied, tensioned, sealed and cut.

They are then transported to the despatch area.

On arrival at the store, the plastic strap can simply and quickly be cut off and safely disposed of.

Scott Macpherson of Strapex added: 'This application shows clearly the robustness and reliability of our strapping equipment, which continues to help us secure major commissions from big-name players such as Asda.' Strapex is one of the world's leading suppliers of end of line strapping and stretchwrapping equipment.

A wide range of fully and semi automatic machinery, hand tools and consumables is available, along with full training and ongoing product support.

The company's UK headquarters are in Aldridge, Walsall.