Geis Consolidates Logistics Processes for Kneipp

At the beginning of April, the Geis Group put the second building of its logistics and technology center in Gochsheim near Schweinfurt into operation. The main part of the 20,000 square meter facility is used by Geis for the Kneipp Group: From now on, all logistics processes will be consolidated in the new facility and handled with innovative technology and infrastructure – up to 120,000 orders per year, with a rising trend.

(Gochsheim / Bad Neustadt / Nuremberg) Since its founding over 130 years ago, more and more people have trusted the products of Kneipp. Whether bathing, showering, caring, health, or lifestyle – more than 1,200 different items are distributed by Kneipp worldwide. Until now, the company distributed its products independently. This is now changing, as Kneipp has ambitious growth targets and wants to offer its customers even more service, especially in shipping.

This is where Geis comes into play: “We have a long-standing partnership with Kneipp,” explain Dr. Johannes Söllner, Managing Director of Geis Holding, and Henry Portisch, Branch Manager of Geis Würzburg. “We operate a large external warehouse for the customer and also act as a freight forwarder for them. Now we were able to convince with our future-oriented logistics concept.”

Demand-Oriented New Construction

The focal point is the new logistics and technology center in Gochsheim, which Geis has built on a plot of land of around ten hectares. It is located directly next to the already existing logistics facility.

This allows Geis, in combination with other logistics projects on site, to respond highly flexibly to seasonal fluctuations – both in terms of personnel and technically and spatially.

Even during construction, Geis took into account the special needs of Kneipp. The building is approved for the handling and storage of pharmaceuticals through structural and organizational measures. In addition, Geis has set up two hazardous materials storage areas that together cover around 5,000 square meters. Here, products such as bath oils or arnica ointments are stored.

Wide Range of Tasks

The tasks of the Gochsheim team include shuttle transports from the Kneipp plant in Ochsenfurt-Hohestadt, goods receipt processing, storage and order picking, creation of freight documents, shipping processing, and partially also freight forwarding services. Value-added services such as customs management, returns handling, and display construction are also part of the service portfolio.

For efficient processes, Geis uses technical innovations in Gochsheim. For example, employees pick orders using smartphones in conjunction with glove scanners. And when picking and packing online orders, a fully automated conveyor system with ten picking stations provides support.

Over 120,000 Orders Per Year

It is planned that Geis will process more than 120,000 orders for Kneipp per year and can potentially take on further shipments. “The expansion possibilities on site are an integral part of our joint logistics concept,” says Christian Kempf, Head of Materials Management & Logistics International at Kneipp Group. “After all, we want to grow continuously – together with Geis in Gochsheim.”

Photo: © Geis Group