Kardex Mlog Delivers Racking Systems for Weleda’s Logistics Campus

Kardex Mlog has delivered six automatic storage and retrieval systems for the high-bay warehouse and shipping buffer at the new logistics campus of Weleda AG in the Gügling industrial area of Schwäbisch Gmünd. The associated conveyor technology for connecting incoming goods, order picking, shipping buffer, and outgoing goods was also part of the contract completed in September.

(Schwäbisch Gmünd) Among the special features of the building project, which is pre-certified in platinum according to DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council), are the racking systems painted in yellow, green, pink, and blue, equipped with energy storage systems. Weleda is the global market leader in certified natural cosmetics and anthroposophical medicines. With the new logistics center, the company centralizes its international and national distribution as well as parts of its production logistics.

In constructing the new logistics center with a high-bay warehouse, functional, and administrative buildings, Weleda places the utmost importance on sustainability. The high-bay warehouse is made of wood, while the walls and facade are partially constructed from regional rammed earth. The entire lifecycle of the buildings, including disposal, has been incorporated into the planning. The energy supply for the facility, which will operate in a single shift for five working days, will be fully provided by geothermal energy and photovoltaics. The pre-certificate for the DGNB platinum standard has already been awarded to the construction project. This award represents the highest rating level of the German Sustainable Building Council.

Five-Aisle High-Bay Warehouse

For the five-aisle automatic high-bay warehouse with 17,160 pallet spaces, Kardex Mlog supplied five storage and retrieval systems (RBG) of the type Kardex MSingle B – 1200/29-ZT with energy storage systems from SEW. “We chose Kardex Mlog for several reasons. On the one hand, it is the most sustainable solution for us to cooperate with a supplier that produces with a high level of manufacturing depth here in southern Germany. On the other hand, Kardex Mlog, like Weleda, has more than 100 years of experience – that builds trust,” explains project manager Daniela Trah.

The four outer RBGs were painted by Kardex Mlog in yellow, blue, pink, and green at the customer’s request. The precisely defined color shades represent the natural fragrance notes Energy, Relax, Love, and Harmony for Weleda. The double-deep storage and retrieval in the connected buffer warehouse is handled by another RBG of the type Kardex MTwin A – 1200/18-ZT.

The conveyor technology supplied by Kardex Mlog connects the areas of incoming goods, order picking, shipping buffer, and outgoing goods and includes 308 drives. The scope of supply includes continuous conveyors, roller and chain conveyors, vertical transfer units, as well as rotary and lifting tables. Thirteen automatic barcode readers near the conveyor technology handle the identification of the transport units. Two barcodes are attached to each pallet for this purpose. Special pallet inspection stations take care of automatic contour and overload control. The facility visualization Kardex MVisu, also realized by Kardex Mlog, includes not only the pallet conveyor technology but also the container conveyor technology supplied by AM Logistic Solutions. With Kardex MVisu, automatic conveyor systems and storage and retrieval systems, as well as their operating states, can be graphically represented. The visualization allows for interactive handling of the material flow system. Fencing, overpasses, fire protection gates, high-speed doors, barriers, and empty pallet magazines complete the scope of supply from Kardex Mlog.

The New Logistics Campus is Intended for Versatile Use

The new logistics campus of Weleda is intended for versatile use. It serves, among other things, for the storage, order picking, and worldwide shipping of finished goods, semi-finished products, as well as auxiliary and raw materials for the product areas of natural cosmetics and medicines. Promotional material shipments and campaigns are also to be carried out through the new logistics center.

Photo: © Kardex Mlog