Hänel Lean-Lift® — Vertical Lift Module Storage System

A vertical lift module (VLM) storage system that maximises storage capacity without expanding your floor footprint. By utilising full ceiling height and storing goods in height-optimised positions, it helps save up to 60% of floor space, speeding up operations by up to 80%, and reducing picking errors by up to 99.5%.

What Is a Vertical Lift Module Storage System?

A vertical lift module system is an enclosed, automated storage system built on the goods-to-person principle. Rather than sending operators to locate items, a built-in extractor retrieves the correct tray from a vertically arranged column and delivers it directly to an ergonomic access point. Operators remain at a fixed workstation throughout, eliminating aisle walking, reducing manual handling, and speeding up both picking and put-away.

The Hänel Lean-Lift applies this principle within a compact, enclosed unit that makes full use of available ceiling height. By storing goods in height-optimised positions, it significantly increases storage capacity without expanding your floor footprint, making it well-suited for facilities where floor space is limited but vertical space is available.

It is one of the most widely installed vertical lift module systems globally, deployed across manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, and warehouse environments. The Lean-Lift accommodates a wide range of item sizes, weights, and storage profiles, from small electronic components and precision tools to heavy industrial parts weighing up to 1,000 kg per tray.

Key Benefits of the Hänel Lean-Lift Vertical Lift Module System

Save Over 60% of Floor Space

The Hänel Lean-Lift uses the full available room height, storing items in height-optimised positions so that no vertical space goes to waste. Facilities that replace conventional shelving with one or more vertical lift storage systems regularly recover over 60% of the floor space they were previously using for storage. That recovered area can go back to production, assembly, or whatever your operation needs most.

Faster Picking: Goods Come to You

The vertical lift module system brings the requested item to the operator automatically, in seconds. Working on a goods-to-person principle, the system eliminates walking, searching, and the physical strain of retrieving items manually.

Hänel’s Pick-o-Light system guides the operator to the exact compartment, ensuring fast, error-free retrieval. Operations running 2 or 3 shifts with high pick volumes see a quick difference in daily throughput.

Accurate Inventory Management

The Hänel microprocessor controller can run as a standalone inventory management system or connect to your existing ERP or warehouse management software. Every storage and retrieval transaction is logged, and stock levels are updated in real time. Your team always has a current view of what is in stock, where it is, and how much is left, without manual counting.

Ergonomic and Safe by Design

With vertical lift storage systems, items arrive at the operator at an ergonomic height. No bending, stretching, or climbing required. A safety light curtain protects operators during picking and put-away, and the enclosed design keeps stored goods secure from dust, dirt, and unauthorised access. The result is fewer handling injuries and more consistent output across shifts.

Energy-Efficient Operation

The Hänel Lean-Lift Vertical Lift Module (VLM) is available with EcoDrive, an energy recovery feature. When the extractor descends, EcoDrive captures the kinetic energy, converts it to electrical energy, and feeds it back into the supply network.

Depending on the traversing rate, up to 40% of the energy used during the upward run can be recovered. That lowers both your energy bill and your carbon footprint over the system’s lifetime.

How the Vertical Lift Module System Works

The Hänel Lean-Lift operates on a straightforward retrieval cycle: the operator requests an item, the system locates and delivers it, and returns it to the most space-efficient position automatically. Here is what happens at each stage.

• Step 1 – Items Are Stored in Trays: Items sit in multifunction containers or trays on both sides of the vertical column inside the enclosed unit. Each tray can be fitted with dividers and inserts to suit the goods being stored.
• Step 2 – The Operator Requests an Item: The operator requests an item through the control panel, barcode scanner, or connected software system.
• Step 3 – The Extractor Retrieves the Tray: The central extractor locates the correct tray and retrieves it from its storage position.
• Step 4 – The System Measures and Optimises Storage: As the tray enters the access point, height-measuring sensors scan the contents and record the exact profile. When the tray returns, the Hänel microprocessor controller assigns it to the most space-efficient available location, so vertical space is used properly.
• Step 5 – The Operator Picks and Confirms: The tray arrives at the access opening. The operator picks the required item, confirms the transaction, and the tray returns to storage.

The system handles positioning and storage optimisation automatically. Operators pick. The machine does the rest.

Hänel Lean-Lift System Features

Multifunction Containers

Hänel Lean-Lift Vertical Lift Module containers are fully configurable to match the items you store. From small precision components and antistatic containers for electronics and sensitive components to heavy industrial parts weighing up to 1,000 kg per container.

Containers Available Sizes

Accessories & Internal Configuration

A wide range of accessories allows you to organise each container to your exact requirements, including:

• Tool inserts and holders for milling cutters
• Moulded trays for small parts
• Customisable internal dividers
• Variable-height attachments

Electronics & ESD Applications

For sensitive components, containers can be:

• Fitted with an antistatic coating for ESD-safe storage
• Equipped with an electronic plug-in contact at the rear

Container Specifications

• Distortion-free and shape-retaining
• Smooth running via modern plastic slide technology
• Integrated grips for easy handling
• Payload capacity of up to 1,000 kg per container
• Slots punched around the inside for customised dividers on request
• Galvanised, with an environmentally friendly powder-based finish on request

These options complement the Hänel Lean-Lift®, turning it into a complete intralogistics system that reduces costs, makes optimal use of space, simplifies work, and minimises distribution times.

The Access Point

The Hänel Lean-Lift Vertical Lift Module access point is designed for safe, accurate, and efficient picking from a comfortable working position. It protects the user during storage and retrieval, while supporting key functions such as weighing, measuring, photographing, and identifying stored items.

Key Features

• Safety Light Curtain — Protects operators during pick and put operations
• Interior Lighting — Keeps the access area clearly visible during each transaction
• Smooth-action Rollers — Makes storage and retrieval easier; shelf put-away can also be performed automatically
• Pick-o-Light® System (Compartment Sublevel Indicator) — Guides operators to the correct item for accurate, error-free retrieval

Drive System

SPEED IS OUR DRIVING FORCE. FAST, EFFICIENT AND QUIET.
High traversing speeds, low noise levels and accurate positioning are characteristics of the Hanel Lean-Lift Vertical Lift Module (VLM)

The Hänel Lean-Lift drive system is built for consistent performance under load, using a vertical carriage (extractor) with 4-point suspension for stable, reliable movement. This design is especially useful when handling heavy loads or unevenly distributed weight inside the container.

Vertical Lift Storage Systems Expansion Flexibility

Each Hänel Lean-Lift Vertical Lift Module works as a standalone system. Additional units can be added at any time to expand or adjust capacity.

Units can sit side by side, span multiple building levels with access points on different floors, or dock onto the exterior of a building to preserve internal production space. This creates the maximum possible storage space on a minimal footprint. 

Height changes can be made post-installation using solid slot-in joints with plug welds. Our experienced service team also handles relocations quickly and reliably. 

The Hanel Lean-Lift Vertical Lift Module Benefits

• Every square meter is optimally used
• Easy adjustment to operational requirements
• More than one person at a time can operate the lift and process jobs
• Improvement in storage management
• Greater flexibility with step-by-step expansion
• Clearly definable and manageable investment

Who Should Use a Vertical Lift Module Storage System?

The Hänel Lean-Lift suits any operation where storage density, picking speed, and inventory accuracy are under pressure. It is especially useful for:

• Manufacturers and Production Facilities: For operations with high SKU counts that need fast, organised access to parts, tools, and components.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centres: For facilities where floor space is tight and conventional shelving can no longer keep up with storage or picking demands.
• Electronics and Semiconductor Operations: For environments that need antistatic storage to protect sensitive components from electrostatic discharge.
• MRO Environments:  For maintenance, repair, and overhaul teams managing large inventories of regulated parts with strict traceability requirements.
• Facilities Still Using Traditional Shelving or Racking: For businesses struggling with space constraints, slow picking, inventory errors, or excessive manual handling.

Why Choose TYT Corporation for Your Vertical Lift Storage System?

TYT Corporation is the sole distributor of Hänel in Singapore, the direct point of contact for system specification, installation, and ongoing support. We work directly with Hänel on installation standards and ongoing support. Our clients get proven global technology backed by a local team that knows the product inside and out.

We have more than 35 years of experience providing storage solutions across Singapore and the region, with clients in manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals, distribution, and government. Our team understands what it takes to operate in Singapore’s environment, from limited industrial footprints and high land costs to the regulatory standards different sectors need to meet.

After installation, we handle ongoing maintenance, spare parts, software integration support, and technical service. We configure every vertical lift storage system to match the client’s storage requirements, item profiles, and daily workflow, so the system fits the operation rather than the other way around.