OKIN is one of the leading bread manufacturers in Spain. Based in the Basque Country, the company combines a strong baking tradition with a strong spirit of innovation. They have developed a production process with five production lines operating according to LEAN principles, optimising the quality of their products while delivering up to 80% of their orders through a just-in-time flow (within less than 24 hours) across Spain.
Circular economy is part of OKIN’s DNA. That is why their experience working with a pooling system has been very positive. After previously working with a pallet exchange model, OKIN highlights the simplicity of pooling as a source of quality and peace of mind for their business. A system that standardises pallets and provides control over their recovery significantly facilitates their daily operations.
Having pallets in perfect condition is a key advantage of the pooling system. For a manufacturer like OKIN, with automated storage systems in its warehouses, this is particularly important. Ensuring that the equipment is inspected beforehand and delivered in the required quality means that the flow of goods through their warehouses never stops.
“For me, as for many other customers, pallets are critical. In a fully automated factory with an automated storage system, if I don’t have pallets, the entire factory stops. It’s absolutely critical.” María Abad Aranzábal, Operations Director at Grupo Gourmet OKIN
At OKIN, sustainability is a core commitment. The company has been working on sustainable initiatives for years, including the use of green energy, involvement in carbon footprint reduction projects, and a strong focus on local, zero-kilometre production.
As part of this approach, IPP and OKIN are working together to reduce their carbon footprint to zero. The two companies have established a logistics collaboration with one of OKIN’s customers, where IPP pallets are delivered. The pallets are then quality-checked and sorted at the same location before being delivered back to OKIN. This eliminates empty transport kilometres and creates a seamless, efficient flow. It is a model that could be expanded to include more customers and suppliers.
“We ask our suppliers to use IPP pallets. This allows us to avoid unnecessary transport loops and make our operations more sustainable.”
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