K+N to manage contract logistics centre for Wacker Neusen in Germany
Fleet of over 30 robots to take over storage and retrieval as well as transport of containers, bring items from shelves directly to employees at picking stations.
Kuehne+Nagel and Wacker Neuson Group announced the opening of a new contract logistics centre in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
The new centre, a part of Wacker Neuson Group, will be operated by Kuehne+Nagel, according to an official release from Kuehne+Nagel.
With around 55,000 sq. m. of logistics space, Kuehne+Nagel will ensure the worldwide supply of spare parts for the Wacker Neuson Group from Mülheim-Kärlich. The manufacturer of light and compact equipment and Kuehne+Nagel have been collaborating for spare parts logistics solutions for nine years.
The new distribution centre will create 120 jobs, the release added. “Employees will be supported in their work by ‘goods-to-person’ assistants: a fleet of over 30 robots will take over the storage and retrieval as well as the transport of the containers and bring the items from the shelves directly to the employees at the picking stations.”
With the help of sensors, cameras and algorithms, the autonomous mobile robots will work in three dimensions and move independently in dynamic environments by recognising obstacles and adapting their route automatically, the release added.
Over 100,000 spare parts components will be stocked and dispatched from the centre. “The equipment and processes at the site allow the flexible expansion of activities in order to access further volume potential in spare parts distribution in the coming years.”
Gianfranco Sgro, Executive Vice President, Contract Logistics and Integrated Logistics, Kuehne+Nagel says: “Kuehne+Nagel and Wacker Neuson represent two iconic brands in the market with a combined history of more than 300 years. We have taken up our customer's strategic challenge for the coming years and have built the basis for tailored after-market services to support increasing market penetration.”
Andrew Voigt, Managing Director, Wacker Neuson Aftermarket & Services adds: “With our state-of-the-art distribution centre and the operation of our trusted partner Kühne+Nagel, we are setting up our spare parts and service business for the future. We are the partner at our customers’ side for the entire service life of the machines and create sustainable relationships - beyond the sale of the machines and light equipment."
