Klinkhammer Intralogistics Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Just in time for the 50th anniversary, the new building of the Klinkhammer headquarters, including a technology center, has been completed, creating optimal conditions for further growth of the intralogistics specialist. The investment amounted to 10.5 million euros. Over the past half-century, Klinkhammer has made a name for itself across Europe. The company is regarded as a modern, creative solution provider and independent system integrator in the industry when it comes to planning and implementing automated logistics centers.

(Nuremberg) The company plans and implements automated storage and picking systems, including software and lifetime service. Another very successful pillar is the area of logistics planning and consulting. More and more customers are seeking sustainable planning and investment security in advance. Klinkhammer has been able to significantly expand its business here, combining years of experience with innovation. In the past 50 years, Klinkhammer has realized over 1,000 projects in more than 15 countries. Even after the completion of a project, the company usually remains connected with its customers through a lifetime service24. The company focuses on medium-sized businesses, particularly in the German-speaking region and neighboring countries. In addition to its location in Nuremberg, Klinkhammer is also present in Poland.

Vision of an Innovative Working World Realized

In addition to the existing company premises on Wiesbadener Straße, a new office building and technology center have been constructed and recently occupied. Frank Klinkhammer, Managing Director of Klinkhammer Intralogistics GmbH, has turned his vision of an innovative working world into reality. The energy-efficient building fits perfectly into Klinkhammer’s sustainability strategy and provides space for development and creativity. Modern building materials, an active floor for heating and cooling, a heat pump that uses outside air to generate heat or cold, and a photovoltaic system on the roof of the technology center enable an optimal energy balance and a perfect room climate. Of course, parking spaces have also been equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles.

Comfortable Climate for Employees

A large rooftop terrace with a winter garden, the Skylounge, can be used for events as well as for creative exchanges of ideas among employees. Additionally, the outdoor terrace directly connected to the casino offers the opportunity to enjoy breaks in the fresh air. With the new headquarters, Klinkhammer is setting a sign to enable work in an inspiring, creative environment. The focus of the new building is on a modern working environment, flat hierarchies, and open communication, which is already being practiced today. Frank Klinkhammer, Managing Director of Klinkhammer Intralogistics GmbH since 2000, states: “We have grown significantly in recent years, and work areas and structures have changed. We could hardly implement this in our old company building. Moreover, we still have plenty of potential for the future in the new headquarters. A number of open positions, especially in software programming, are waiting to be filled by motivated and dedicated colleagues.”

Experience the Latest Technology Live in the Technology Center

The technology center serves as a testing and demonstration center for innovative storage technologies such as AI-supported shuttle systems and picking robots that are integrated into automated warehouses. The administrative building with the technology center includes 3,655 square meters of office and usable space. “In addition to our new headquarters, the technology center is particularly close to our hearts. Here, our customers can experience the latest technology live, and we can also test and further develop here. Because innovation is a crucial growth driver in intralogistics,” emphasizes Hagen Schumann, Managing Director of Klinkhammer Intralogistics GmbH.

Innovations in Warehouse Software

The anniversary company is not only moving into a new building but is also treating itself and its customers to innovations in its warehouse management software KlinkWARE. The software is the heart of every Klinkhammer logistics system. With KlinkWARE 11, the software receives a new graphical user interface and a flexible dashboard, the Klinkhammer Flexboard. Additionally, the latest programming technology is being used through the web framework Blazor. This makes user interactions easier than ever, and every user can utilize the warehouse management software without extensive training.

It All Started in the Basement of a Row House

The family business was founded in 1972. In the basement of his row house in northern Nuremberg, Adolf Klinkhammer started as an engineering office with innovative logistics planning. In 1977, he established a second pillar with the production and assembly of conveyor technology components and moved his young company to Wiesbadener Straße in 1980. Klinkhammer was already planning not only complete central warehouses back then but also continually surprised with new and proprietary developments. Examples included a multi-order picking system for fast and slow movers, autonomous pallet shuttles, or KlinCAT, the multi-level shuttle for containers. The company looks back on a history full of technological milestones, from logistics planning to electrical control technology and system visualization to GUI-tested software, the digital twin, or the use of product innovations such as shuttle robots and robotic piece picking. In 2021, the company focused on optimizing and further developing its warehouse management software, thereby strengthening its reputation as an IT and digitalization specialist for intralogistics.

Getting the Best Out of Logistics for Customers

Over the past five decades, Klinkhammer has made a name for itself as a partner for future-proof solutions in automated logistics. Today, the company usually supports its customers holistically, from consulting and logistics planning to timely commissioning and software to service24. Klinkhammer always takes a manufacturer-neutral view of the most economically sensible and effective solution. “Under the motto ‘We make Logistics simple,’ we make complex processes transparent and simplify logistics tasks,” explains Frank Klinkhammer. “We offer companies solutions for their future warehouse technology and software without building unnecessary overcapacities or constantly operating at the limit. With our know-how from 50 years of intralogistics, we support our customers in getting the best out of their logistics.” Frank Klinkhammer reflects: “We look back on exciting and thrilling years and automation projects. I would like to thank all employees for their outstanding contributions.”

Now a Group

The Klinkhammer Group includes, in addition to the Polish branch, Klinkhammer Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG in Nuremberg and Klinkhammer Förderanlagen Stahl- und Montagebau GmbH in Halle/Saale. The management of the last two companies is in the hands of Detlef Klinkhammer. While Klinkhammer Intralogistics GmbH is the logistics specialist in the group, Klinkhammer Förderanlagen Stahl- und Montagebau GmbH focuses on laser cutting and welding technology as well as assembly manufacturing.

Photo: © Klinkhammer Intralogistics