Swisslog to expand and automate Denner's distribution center in Mgenwil

Denner, the leading Swiss food and beverage discount retailer, has commissioned Swisslog as general contractor, for the expansion and automation of its existing distribution center in Mgenwil and for the implementation of a new warehouse management system.

To satisfy the increasing demand for consumer goods in its stores, Denner is expanding and automating its distribution center in Mgenwil. This will triple the distribution platform in terms of volume and flow rate as well as increase the logistics efficiency. Start of construction is planned for spring 2006, and the expanded facility is scheduled to be operational by autumn 2007.

As general contractor, Swisslog will handle the planning, construction and commissioning of the facility. The project consists of various technical systems for storage, conveying and picking, the construction of the facility and the  implementation of a warehouse management system based on the Swisslog standard software "Warehouse Manager" and "Automation Manager". The project's centerpiece is the commissioning warehouse containing 19'300 pallet locations and equipped with "CaddyPick", a Swisslog in-house product. "CaddyPicks" are automatically controlled vehicles which allow for an efficient commissioning of suitable transport units for each store.

According to Arthur Mathys, head of Logistics at Denner, "The upcoming expansion will generate sufficient storage capacity for the next 12 years and substantially reduce logistics costs due to the resulting increase in efficiency."

"With the large-scale Denner project Swisslog will be able to strengthen its leading position in the retail sector," states Swisslog's CEO Remo Brunschwiler, "It confirms to have chosen the right strategic direction for Swisslog."