EOL revolutionises logistics operations for bottled oil in its UK warehouse

EOL: Leading the production and distribution of bottled oils in Europe

Edible Oils Limited (EOL) is a producer and distributor of bottled oils and food fats, supplying both branded and private-label products to major distributors in the UK and across Europe. EOL is a joint venture between Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and Princes Group plc. Founded in 2005, EOL has a team of 80 employees and 3,800 m² of storage area.

Edible Oils Limited (EOL) is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of bottled oils and food fats, responsible for well-known brands such as Crisp ‘N Dry, Mazola, Iliada, Flora and Olivio. The company recently upgraded its logistics centre in Erith (south-east London) by combining two Mecalux storage systems: the semi-automated Pallet Shuttle and selective pallet racking. This solution provides a capacity of 5,000-plus finished-product pallets, increases productivity and optimises available space.

“We were looking for a solution that offered us the best balance between efficiency and cost,” says Matt Loft, Logistics Manager at EOL. “Mecalux presented the option that best met our needs, while also offering a competitive price.”

Before implementing the project, EOL had limited space to manage 2,500 pallets on conventional pallet racking. “We needed a setup that would allow us to make better use of space, manage around 80 SKUs and streamline order picking to satisfy growing demand,” says Loft.

The solution involved installing a system that combines high-density storage with faster access to unit loads: the semi-automated Pallet Shuttle. In this area, EOL houses approximately 2,500 pallets of bottled oil in two racking blocks. Standing up to 13 m high, they feature six levels and hold 13 pallets deep. One block operates in line with the FIFO method (first in, first out), while the other is LIFO-based (last in, first out).

EOL warehouse operators run Mecalux’s warehouse control system from a tablet to send commands to the motorised shuttles. These vehicles move pallets autonomously within the storage channels, freeing staff to focus on higher-value tasks, such as order picking and dispatch.

To complement the area operated with the Pallet Shuttle system, Mecalux installed selective pallet racking up to 10 m high, providing capacity for an additional 2,903 unit loads. This system facilitates direct access to goods, making order picking fast and organised. According to Loft, the new racking area helps EOL “maximise capacity and fully leverage warehouse space. It also enables quick access to the widest range of products.”

Higher daily productivity

“We handle around 1,000 pallets per day: 500 come from our production lines, and the other 500 are shipped, mainly to UK supermarkets,” says Loft. “Semi-automation gives us greater agility because it allows pallets to be moved automatically, speeding up storage and dispatch operations for bottled oil.”

By combining the throughput of the motorised shuttles with operator-led tasks, EOL’s workflow has become more dynamic and efficient. Loft also notes that the new storage systems “have reduced EOL’s reliance on external warehouses, resulting in significant cost savings and faster service for customers.”

A more agile, cost-efficient facility

Pairing the Pallet Shuttle with selective racking has increased EOL’s capacity to meet growing demand for its bottled oil. The solutions have optimised space, accelerated pallet handling and enabled a continuous workflow. Moreover, inventory control is more accurate, and order fulfilment times are shorter, contributing to more efficient service and lower operating costs.

“We’re very satisfied with the performance of the new storage setup. It fully meets our expectations,” says Loft.

Mecalux presented the option that best met our logistics needs