Logistics and service centre in Rednitzhembach opened
Fürth, 22 July - On Monday morning, the uvex group’s logistics and service centre in Rednitzhembach in the metropolitan region of Nuremberg was officially opened. Following a construction period lasting 2.5 years, the commissioning process got underway at the beginning of July as part of a trial operation involving the first partial volumes of goods. At the end of the year, live operations will commence at the logistics centre of the Fürth-based family business. The workforce from the previous logistics site in Schwabach will relocate to the new building complex, as a result of which around 120 employees will be based on-site by the end of the year.
“This major investment made 2.5 years ago in the future viability of our business group came at an inopportune moment right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. But we simply had no alternative. We are delighted to now be in a position to exploit the calculated potential and commence live operations in the near future”, comments Michael Winter, Managing Partner and CEO of the uvex group, who adds: “The first test package was already sent at the beginning of July”.
The site covers an area of 35,000 square meters and the building itself measures 30 metres in height. In addition, there is space for more than 30,000 pallets and 286,000 containers. As a result, the uvex group has created scope for future growth through what is the company’s highest ever investment in a new building. “With a high degree of automation and homogeneous process solutions, we ensure cutting-edge and highly efficient service and logistics solutions for our customers over the long term”, as Michael Winter explains. Previous warehouse locations, including in Schwabach, had hit the limits of their capacities with no options for expansion. In addition, the somewhat outdated buildings and incongruent IT infrastructures were no longer able to meet the demands for uniform, modern warehousing technology.
Hand in hand with the community, trades and partners
“The fact that we have been able to build our logistics site in the immediate vicinity of our Fürth headquarters is down to the community of Rednitzhembach”, Michael Winter explains. "It is the perfect place for us to relocate: we and all our employees have simply moved down the road from the previous uvex safety warehouse in Schwabach. This location represents the future of logistics for the entire uvex group”. With this investment, which ran to several millions of euros, the uvex group has underscored its commitment to operating within the Nuremberg metropolitan region.
The Covid-19 pandemic posed a series of problems to logistics project manager Thomas Heinicke in terms of planning and implementation, including price developments on the raw materials markets and the availability of materials and personnel. “In this challenging environment, for the most part we were still able to come in on time and on budget”, comments Thomas Heinicke. “However, this was only possible due to the considerable efforts of all parties and our highly effective cooperation with the community, general contractors and all companies involved in the project”, he adds.
Sustainable certification
At the new logistics and service centre, the uvex group brings together modern logistics technology with sustainable building components. “Every solution begins with the responsibility of protecting both people and the natural world”, Michael Winter states. “Our mission protecting people obliges us to operate sustainably and in a socially responsible manner”.
The logistics building has been pre-certified in line with the DGNB Gold Standard (German Sustainable Building Council). It was constructed in accordance with the KfW 40 standard and, rather than relying on fossil fuels, the new facility is heated by a wood chip heating system, which is powered on the basis of sustainable forestry practices by regional suppliers, and heat pumps. A PV system with modules covering an area of 4,500 square meters generates more than 760 kWp peak output of electricity, equivalent to the average consumption of around 200 four-person households. In addition, measures have been put in place to promote biodiversity, such as a green roof and a planting plan on the site.
Logistics centre officially presented
On Monday, 22 July 2024, the Fürth-based family business presented its new building complex in front of approximately 40 invited guests. Among those present were Jürgen Spahl, Mayor of the municipality of Rednitzhembach, Klaus Helmrich, Treasurer of the municipality of Rednitzhembach, and District Administrator Ben Schwarz.
Schwarz paid tribute to the company for its well thought out and successful blend of logistics and sustainability. “This is regional value creation par excellence”. As District Administrator, he is naturally delighted that uvex opted to locate its new facility in Rednitzhembach. Due to the proximity to the group headquarters, Schwarz is confident this was a good choice and that uvex will “feel at home here”.
Mayor Jürgen Spahl expressed his delight that the most important employer in Rednitzhembach has now commenced operations, emphasising the local area’s pride in having gained a global player that also remains true to its origins as a family business.
Michael Winter, Managing Partner and CEO of the uvex group, Georg Höfler, CFO/COO of the uvex group, and logistics project manager Thomas Heinicke discussed aspects of the construction project and were on hand to answer any questions from the audience. Guests then had the opportunity to find out about future processes during personal talks and a tour of the logistics centre.
The planning process for the new facility got underway in the spring of 2020. Partners for construction and logistics were selected before the groundbreaking ceremony in September 2021. After the construction project had largely been completed by March 2024, the official opening today marks another important milestone. At the beginning of July, the logistics centre was put through its paces as part of a trial operation involving the first partial volumes of goods. Live operations are then finally expected to commence towards year-end. Over the next few months, additional internal and external warehouse sites are to be relocated to Rednitzhembach. Current plans envisage the site employing 250 to 300 staff upon completion of the final expansion stages.
