Development of our logistics centre
Since the commissioning of our logistics centre in Neuenrade-Küntrop in 2002, we have continuously developed the site. With hall and warehouse expansions in 2006, 2011, 2014 and 2017, we were able to successively expand our capacities. These structural measures were supplemented by selective technical optimisations.
In order to keep pace with our future growth, the decision has now been made to comprehensively modernise the logistics centre: Rather than creating more space, we are utilising more modern technology and efficient work processes to make our logistics and logistics services even more efficient. We and our customers will benefit equally from this project.
The decision to modernise comprehensively
In 2022, together with our management and the shareholder family, we made the strategic decision to put our logistics centre on a new technological footing. This decision marks the transition from selective modernisation to a systematic overall overhaul - mechanically, electrically and in terms of software. In this way, we at STAUFF are continuing our commitment to our location in Germany and, in particular, the South Westphalia region.
We are focussing in particular on the storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) in our pallet and container warehouse as well as the container conveyor technology. With viastore SYSTEMS GmbH from Stuttgart, we have a reliable partner at our side for this project.
Our implementation in several project phases
The project began at the end of 2023 with the first modernisation steps, such as replacing the load handling attachments on the stacker cranes and renewing the conductor rails in several aisles. This was followed by the retrofitting of the electrics in the pallet conveyor technology, new operating panels, an additional picking workstation and the expansion of the retrieval section to include buffer spaces.
The central conversion will follow in summer 2025: the renewal of the oldest part of our container conveyor technology and, in parallel, the IEC-compliant modernisation of aisles 1 to 4 in the container warehouse, which was already implemented in the first two aisles of our pallet warehouse at the beginning of this year. The measures will be timed so that we can work at full system capacity again after around ten weeks.
Technological innovations in detail
Our new container conveyor technology, supplied by Interroll, replaces the system that has been in use since 2002. With a new storage location system, we can pick up or remove containers at any point - a great advantage for control and monitoring within the system. The new layout also significantly improves the ergonomics and efficiency of our picking workstations.
At the same time, we are retrofitting the SRMs in aisles 1 to 4 in accordance with the IEC standard. Among other things, we are renewing drives, sensors, distance measuring systems and the software components of the static and travelling control cabinets. Newly installed camera systems will make it much easier to diagnose and rectify faults in future.
Integration of external warehouse processes
During the central remodelling phase, we temporarily do not have access to all warehouse areas. We have already taken all necessary measures in advance to ensure that material availability remains unrestricted during this time. Thanks to forward-looking planning, technical adjustments and temporary alternative solutions, all processes can continue to run smoothly during the remodelling.
Contribution to sustainability
An important part of our modernisation is the sustainability aspect. With the new technology on the storage and retrieval machines, we can recover braking energy. The new conveyor technology consumes less energy, requires less maintenance and supports our goal of operating more sustainably.
This project contributes to all three areas of our sustainability initiative: ecological responsibility, economic efficiency and social improvements, particularly through the ergonomic design of the new workstations.
Future prospects
By modernising our logistics centre, we are creating a strong foundation for the coming years. We are ensuring that our technology is fit for the future and that our workplaces are state of the art. This means we are not only investing in infrastructure, but also in our innovative strength and competitiveness.
The recommissioning of the entire plant is planned for autumn 2025 - on time, efficient and at the cutting edge of technology.
FAQs about the project
What does a retrofit according to the IEC standard mean?
Why are we carrying out the measures at the same time?
By implementing new conveyor technology and IEC retrofits at the same time, we avoid additional downtime and can put the systems back into operation in a coordinated manner.
How long will the central conversion take?
The construction period is scheduled to last around ten weeks - including all tests and system adjustments.
What are the long-term benefits of the new technology for us?
We are reducing susceptibility to faults, securing spare parts, saving energy and designing more ergonomic workstations. We can also continue to fulfil our customers' requirements and respond to orders quickly, easily and at short notice.
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