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LAYOUT CONSIDERATIONS 



In developing the layouts discussed in this report, several factors were 

 considered as a basis for an efficient warehousing operation. Space require- 

 ments were based on the volumes of fruits and vegetables to be handled and the 

 types of materials-handling equipment to be used. The tonnages of each 

 commodity to be stored determined the number of loaded pallets for which 

 storage space was required. The pallet size (40 by 48 inches) plus clearances 

 for ease in movement and positive air circulation established the storage 

 areas needed. In addition, aisle widths were made great enough to provide 

 quick, easy access to all commodities. 



The various warehouse components were arranged in such a way that 

 commodities could be moved over short, direct paths to their storage places. 

 Conveyors for truck loading were centrally located so that movement from 

 storage to the conveyor line would be short and direct. Enough space was 

 provided along the conveyors to permit the temporary storage of complete 

 pallet loads of commodities required to satisfy customer orders. 



Pallets loaded on the receiving platform would not be unloaded until they 

 were placed in the conveyor area for delivery-truck loading. Warehouse doors, 

 aisles, and storage areas were arranged so that these materials-handling 

 systems could be used in the most efficient manner. Adequate provision was 

 made also for supplementary handling systems for bananas and for other ware- 

 house operations. 



Large, open areas were provided for general storage, to permit easy, 

 rapid adjustment for different pallet storage patterns and modified handling 

 systems. 



Provision for expansion was made, since all new warehouses should be 

 constructed so as to permit their orderly expansion. The layouts shown in 

 figures 1 and 2 were developed so as to permit the expansion of the buildings 

 to handle efficiently 2,000 carload equivalents, or double the initial volume. 

 Figure 3 shows the suggested layout of the square building (fig. 1) after its 

 expansion for handling 2,000 carload equivalents, including the handling and 

 ripening of tomatoes. Figure 4 shows the suggested layout, after expansion, 

 of the building shown in figure 2. 



ARRANGEMENT AND FUNCTIONAL USE OF WAREHOUSE COMPONENTS 



Receipts palletized on the railroad or truck platforms would move over 

 short, direct paths to their designated storage areas. During the assembly 

 operation, unit loads on pallets would be withdrawn from their respective 

 storage areas. Palletized loads of packed boxes of bananas would be picked 

 up from the banana-cutting room or from a holding room. All loads would move 

 directly to the order assembly area. The paths of commodity movement into, 

 through, and out of the warehouse are indicated by flow lines. 



