Storage tower – Automated storage space where it is needed

More storage space rarely solves the problem – the key is to bring the storage to where the work is being done. Those who hoard materials and tools in a remote central warehouse slow down processes and waste valuable time. The storage tower brings the storage space exactly where it is needed in the process – directly at the workplace. It optimally utilizes the available floor space and the full height of the hall as a fully automated high-bay warehouse. This way, you achieve maximum storage space on minimal ground area – for shorter paths, faster access, and smoother workflows.

The most important advantages at a glance

When space in production becomes a bottleneck

Long distances instead of short actions

Your employees walk through the hall to the storage instead of working productively at their workplace.

Storage chaos

Employees store materials in various places and waste time searching every day.

Wasted space

You do not use the available hall height and block valuable space that you need directly at the workplace.

Physical strain

Employees often have to unnecessarily lift and reposition heavy parts – this costs energy and endangers their health.

LTK Storage Tower: The right material in the right place - at the press of a button

Bring your storage to where it is needed – directly into the process. Like in the kitchen: no one expands the basement for food storage to cook faster. Access must be direct – that’s why the fridge is in the kitchen. Why aren’t the relevant tools and materials stored directly next to the machines where they are needed? Because that way, storage space becomes a real productivity advantage.

Unlike traditional warehouses and central material storage, the storage tower, also known in the market as a storage lift, makes optimal use of the available ceiling height at the action site. For this, Apfel builds storage towers up to 20 mm below the hall roof and, if necessary, even beyond. Whether in manufacturing, at assembly workplaces, in dispatch, or in the maintenance of automotive workshops and airports – everywhere where space is limited but maximum availability is required, the storage tower creates order in the tightest space.

In the storage tower, the individual trays are intelligently stored on both sides by a centrally running extractor in a 25 mm grid.
In comparison: A carousel shelf is an automated revolving shelf, where the carriers circulate in a closed loop. While the carousel shelf is ideal for uniform containers, the storage tower adapts flexibly to the stored goods through the integrated height measurement grid and stores them intelligently.

Anyone who not only wants to store but also wants to optimize processes will not get past the storage tower from Apfel!

Overview of LTK storage towers from Apfel

Thanks to modular construction, height, width, and depth can be configured individually – in the following overview, we show the two most chosen variants.

In all configurations, there is a choice between a stand-alone solution, a classic ERP, LVS, WHM connection, or the intuitive iPad control from Apfel.
With iPad control, Apfel offers a unique combination of intuitive warehouse management software and visual real-time control via a camera,
which provides a current image for each tray movement.

LTK 1280

Footprint of 1,580 mm (W) x 2,921 mm (D), equivalent to 4.61 m²
Tray dimensions of 1,250 x 813 mm, exactly matching a Euro pallet
Standard load capacity of 500 kg per tray and max. 70 t in the entire system
Automatic storage in a 25 mm grid, flexible to the stored goods
Housing powder-coated in RAL color of choice
Optional intuitive iPad control and camera capture

LTK 2480

Footprint of 2,780 mm (W) x 2,921 mm (D), equivalent to 8.12 m²
Tray dimensions of 2,450 x 813 mm, exactly matching two Euro pallets
Standard load capacity of 500 kg per tray and max. 70 t in the entire system
Automatic storage in a 25 mm grid, flexible to the stored goods
Housing powder-coated in RAL color of choice
Optional intuitive iPad control and camera capture

Individual LTK configuration

Tray

Width from 1,250 – 4,050 mm
Depth from 610 – 1,270 mm
Load capacity from 250 – 1,000 kg

Storage tower

Height from 2.5 – 15 m in 100 mm increments
Load capacity from max. 70 – 127 t
Up to 10 extractions at front and back
Housing powder-coated in RAL color of choice
Connection to almost all ERP, LVS & WHM systems or Apfel’s intuitive iPad-control with camera capture
Combination with robotic systems possible

Intuitive iPad control as warehouse management software

Control your storage tower through the intuitive app – either with the iPad mounted directly on the outlet or mobile with the iPhone.
The simple yet clever warehouse management software saves employees any search times and prepares the stored goods in advance when needed.

An integrated camera documents each tray handling procedure in real-time – the images are digitally retrievable in the app. This way, the current load status of the trays, including exact removal times and user logins, is recorded and accessible at any time.

Your added value:

Intuitive operation via the iOS app
Time-efficient goods issue
Logging of all withdrawals
Maximum transparency at all levels

Accessories

Trays
Tray trolleys & extensions
Tool holders for machining
Tool holders for bending
Tool holders for punching (including setup cassettes)
Insert blocks for collets & special tools
Slot grid tubs & frames
Screwed partition systems
Metal storage bins
Storage view boxes & euro norm containers

Customer solutions

Feel free to approach Apfel’s specialists with individual requests to find the perfect solution for your requirements
A selection of already implemented customer solutions can be found in the corresponding section

Technical data comparison

Technische Daten	LTK 1280	LTK 2480	Individuelle LTK-Konfiguration
Ground area	1,580 mm (W) x 2,921 mm (D) (4.61 m²)	2,780 mm (W) x 2,921 mm (D) (8.12 m²)	1,580 – 4,380 mm (W) x 2,312 – 4,380 mm (D)
Height (available in 100 mm increments)	2.5 – 15 m	2.5 – 15 m	2.5 – 15 m
Tray dimensions	1,250 mm (W) x 813 mm (D) (1.01 m²)	2,450 mm (W) x 813 mm (D) (1.99 m²)	1,250 – 4,050 mm (W) x 610 – 1,270 mm (D)
Standard load capacity per shelf	500 kg	500 kg	250 – 1,000 kg
Total load capacity	70 t	70 t	70 – 127 t
Minimum distance between shelves	75 mm	75 mm	from 75 mm

Learn more in our product video

Your contact for storage towers

Dirk Böcker

Phone +49 (0) 6221 8761-15

Mobile: +49 (0) 173 6768268

d.boecker@apfel-gmbh.de

Here's how you and your team benefit from the Apfel storage tower

Maximum surface utilization

Thanks to vertical storage, you can optimally utilize your available space. This creates more capacity in a small area and frees up floor space for value-adding processes.

Overview & Order

Automatic storage and retrieval reduce search times to a minimum. With the suitable warehouse management software, you keep track of where each material is located.

Transparency with our app

In combination with camera capture and app control, you can see in real-time what is located where in the storage tower, how much space is free, and what has been removed by whom.

More Safety

Closed systems with access control protect your inventory from loss, damage, or unauthorized access.

Ergonomic goods retrieval

Materials are provided at an ideal gripping height. This protects backs and joints, increasing the satisfaction and health of your employees.

Cost and time savings

Fewer routes, fewer errors, less downtime – but more speed, transparency, and process clarity.

Contact

Do you want to know how you can use the storage tower in your company, take advantage of a free consultation, or even receive an offer directly? Then contact us now with your request.

FAQ: frequently asked questions

How high can storage towers be built?

The towers are modular and delivered in 100 mm increments. They range from 2.5 m to 15 m high (higher if needed).

What load can a shelf carry?

The shelves carry between 250 and 1,000 kg, depending on the version. The most common shelf version carries 500 kg. The total system load capacity is thus between 70 and 127 tonnes.

How close are the shelf spacings in the grid?

The shelves are stored in a 25 mm grid with a minimum distance of 75 mm. This ensures maximum height adjustment for different storage goods.

What techniques ensure secure storage?

A height measurement grid detects the fill height, while the system automatically checks if the permissible weight is not exceeded. Additionally, a safety light barrier protects the operating personnel.

Can I integrate the system into my IT landscape?

Yes, it is possible. The optional interface can communicate with almost all ERP, WMS, and WHM systems via the standard Ethernet port. Alternatively, the intuitive warehouse management software with photo capture from Apfel can be connected to the storage tower in the form of an iPad control and integrated into your IT landscape.

What distinguishes the storage tower from a Paternoster?

A Paternoster moves standardized containers in a fixed cycle. The storage tower adjusts individually to the storage goods through the height measurement grid and intelligently stores them in a 25 mm grid.