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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 centre 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 Götz 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 centre 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 will be responsible for the control systems of the 50,000m2 distribution centre. 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 Waghäusel 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 centre will comprise three parts. The picking warehouse for carton goods accommodates 20,000 pallets and features 13 stacker cranes. Just like at the Waghäusel facility, the picking solution in Weilerswist is Swisslog's CaddyPick™ 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 metres 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 dm's warehouse management system. Construction work is scheduled for early this year and the new facility is planned to be operational by the end of 2009.
Contact Information
For further information please contact:

Swisslog UK Ltd
Tel: 0844 800 2752 (UK)
www.swisslog.com