Swisslog awarded major order by dm-drogerie markt
Jan 28, 2008
The contract was signed by dm-founder Professor Gtz W. Werner, Executive Vice President of dm in charge of logistics Michael J. Kolodziej and the representatives of Swisslog AG Francis Meier (Managing Director), Frank Obschonka and Hans Buser (both Sales Manager).The new logistics center will assume the functions of the existing distribution centers in Weilerswist (carton goods) and Meckenheim (small goods). By combining the two locations while adding capacity we fulfill the logistic preconditions for the continuous expansion of our retail network, Michael J. Kolodziej explains the largest single investment in company history.
A logistics center of 50 000 m2
Swisslog will be in charge of building the various logistics areas, of integrating all warehouse and conveyor equipment, and it will be responsible for the control systems of the 50 000 m2 distribution center. Construction work accounts for about half of the project volume. We are pleased to carry out a major strategic order for dm-drogerie markt once again, thereby being able to prove our competence and experience in the realization of complex logistics projects, Swisslog CEO Remo Brunschwiler comments on the order. During 2003-2004, the Swiss company had already implemented the dm-distribution center in Waghusel in the Baden region.
State-of-the-art technology
With a picking warehouse for carton goods and small goods, respectively, as well as a high-bay warehouse, the logistics center will comprise of three parts. The picking warehouse for carton goods accommodates 20 000 pallets and features 13 stacker cranes. Just like at the Waghusel facility, the picking solution in Weilerswist is Swisslogs CaddyPickTM system which is based on an electrical monorail system. The picking warehouse for small goods has a capacity of 140 000 locations. 52 stacker cranes handle the warehousing from the goods-in area, the supply to the picking zone, and the conveyance of the bins to the goods-out area. A high-bay warehouse of 30 meters altitude with 14 000 pallet locations will be used for the temporary storage of still palletized small goods. Seven stacker cranes ensure the supply to the picking warehouse. The co-ordination of all the goods flows in the respective functional areas is provided for by the Swisslog material flow solution, which includes an interface to dms warehouse management system. Construction work is scheduled for beginning of 2008 and the new facility is planned to be operational by the end of 2009.
