Swisslog awarded major order by dm-drogerie markt

One of the most modern logistics facilities in Europe to be built for MEUR 130

dm-drogerie markt (dm) has commissioned Swisslog, a provider of integrated logistics solutions, to design and implement a new dm-distribution center near Cologne, Germany. Swisslog will act as general contractor for this project, the value of which amounts to about MEUR 130.

The contract was signed by dm-founder Professor Gtz W. Werner, Executive Vice President of dm in charge of logistics Michael J. Kolodziej and the representatives of Swisslog AG Francis Meier (Managing Director), Frank Obschonka and Hans Buser (both Sales Manager).The new logistics center will assume the functions of the existing distribution centers in Weilerswist (carton goods) and Meckenheim (small goods). By combining the two locations while adding capacity we fulfill the logistic preconditions for the continuous expansion of our retail network, Michael J. Kolodziej explains the largest single investment in company history.

A logistics center of 50 000 m2

Swisslog will be in charge of building the various logistics areas, of integrating all warehouse and conveyor equipment, and it will be responsible for the control systems of the 50 000 m2 distribution center. Construction work accounts for about half of the project volume. We are pleased to carry out a major strategic order for dm-drogerie markt once again, thereby being able to prove our competence and experience in the realization of complex logistics projects, Swisslog CEO Remo Brunschwiler comments on the order. During 2003-2004, the Swiss company had already implemented the dm-distribution center in Waghusel in the Baden region.

State-of-the-art technology

With a picking warehouse for carton goods and small goods, respectively, as well as a high-bay warehouse, the logistics center will comprise of three parts. The picking warehouse for carton goods accommodates 20 000 pallets and features 13 stacker cranes. Just like at the Waghusel facility, the picking solution in Weilerswist is Swisslogs CaddyPickTM system which is based on an electrical monorail system. The picking warehouse for small goods has a capacity of 140 000 locations. 52 stacker cranes handle the warehousing from the goods-in area, the supply to the picking zone, and the conveyance of the bins to the goods-out area. A high-bay warehouse of 30 meters altitude with 14 000 pallet locations will be used for the temporary storage of still palletized small goods. Seven stacker cranes ensure the supply to the picking warehouse. The co-ordination of all the goods flows in the respective functional areas is provided for by the Swisslog material flow solution, which includes an interface to dms warehouse management system. Construction work is scheduled for beginning of 2008 and the new facility is planned to be operational by the end of 2009.

About Swisslog

Swisslog is a global provider of integrated logistics solutions for warehouses, distribution centers, and hospitals. Its comprehensive services portfolio ranges from building complex warehouses and distribution centers to implementing Swisslogs own software. In addition Swisslog provides intra-company logistics solutions for hospitals as well as software and consulting services in the field of supply chain management. Swisslogs solutions optimize customers production, logistics and distribution processes in order to increase flexibility, responsiveness and quality of service while minimizing logistics costs. With years of experience in the development and implementation of integrated logistics solutions, Swisslog provides the expertise that customers in more than 50 countries around the world rely on.