Jungheinrich Automates Logistics Center for Wacker Neuson

The intralogistics provider Jungheinrich is automating the new logistics center in Reichertshofen for the construction machinery manufacturer Wacker Neuson. An optimal interplay of fully automated and manual logistics processes is being created in a 24-meter high pallet high-bay warehouse built in silo construction. The continuous material flow control is managed by Jungheinrich WMS.

(Hamburg) Jungheinrich is building a new logistics center at the site of Wacker Neuson, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality construction equipment and compact machines, in Reichertshofen. With a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony, Stefan Pfetsch, Managing Director of Wacker Neuson Produktion GmbH & Co. KG, today initiated the official start of construction. The new logistics center, covering approximately 10,000 square meters and located close to production, will significantly shorten internal transport routes and create capacity for further growth. The completion and commissioning of the facility is planned for summer 2022.

Dr. Tobias Harzer, Head of the Jungheinrich Sales Center South, explains: “Jungheinrich provides Wacker Neuson with a comprehensive automation solution from a single source – from material flow analysis to concept development and implementation. The logistics center includes an automatic high-bay warehouse, a manual storage area with automated picking stations, and a storage lift for small parts. The overall system is designed for higher throughput, increased speed, and greater safety in material flow, making it Jungheinrich’s response to Wacker Neuson’s need for modern and efficient intralogistics.”

Increased Market Demands Made New Construction Necessary

Increased market demands due to shorter order cycles and delivery times had brought Wacker Neuson’s existing warehouse to its capacity limit. In search of more efficient logistics processes, the construction equipment manufacturer turned to Jungheinrich. As part of a comprehensive material flow consultation, Jungheinrich experts analyzed the existing structures and processes and identified optimization potentials. The resulting material flow concept formed the basis for Wacker Neuson’s investment decision. Together, they decided to build a new automated logistics center, as this is the most economically sustainable and best solution. The new construction and the associated modernized processes will increase the efficiency of logistics operations and lead to long-term savings for Wacker Neuson.

The centerpiece of Jungheinrich’s new automation solution is a 54-meter-long high-bay warehouse. Pallets can be stored up to 24.5 meters high in the hall built in silo construction. Jungheinrich stacker cranes ensure high-speed loading and unloading around the clock. The control and visualization of the conveyor technology and stacker cranes are also implemented by Jungheinrich. Picking and provision take place at ergonomic workstations equipped with handling tools.

Forklift Guidance System Ensures Optimal Material Flow

The Jungheinrich WMS is used to control the high-bay warehouse and other storage areas. The integrated forklift guidance system ensures optimal material flow between the various storage areas and workstations from goods receipt to goods dispatch. In the manual storage areas, the Jungheinrich lift navigation supports the forklifts during loading and unloading. The WMS system also supports the individual printing and reconciliation of the necessary machine documentation, serial number and batch management, up to the creation of shipping documents via the connected shipping system.

Since all trades come from a single source, this enables quick integration of the connected device controls as well as smooth communication between the systems.

New Construction is Designed for Future Growth

The logistics center is designed for further future growth, and the later expansion of the high-bay warehouse by two additional aisles is possible. After completion at the end of July 2022, the new logistics center is expected to handle the picking and shipping of light equipment at the highest level. The anticipated growth can thus be realized under optimal conditions, and the delivery capability for Wacker Neuson’s customers, including those from the construction industry, gardening, and landscaping, will be further enhanced.

Photo: © Jungheinrich / Image Caption: Groundbreaking for the new logistics center: Johannes Hofner, Board Member of the Economic Development of the District of Pfaffenhofen (3rd from left), Michael Franken, Mayor of Reichertshofen (4th from left), Stefan Pfetsch, Managing Director of Wacker Neuson Produktion GmbH & Co.KG (5th from left), Harald Günthner, Project Manager at Wacker Neuson (1st from right), and Dr. Tobias Harzer, Head of Jungheinrich Sales Center South (6th from left), together with representatives of the executing construction companies.