Swisslog bags €85 million retail logistics centre deal

Swisslog has been awarded an order worth €85 million to act as general contractor for the building of a logistics centre for Gries Deco Company in Germany.

Gries Deco Company, a retailer focusing on living accessories, gifts and furniture, has commissioned Swisslog as general contractor to design and implement its new “VZ Greenfield” logistics center.

The logistics centre is aimed at creating the logistics preconditions for GDC's expansion plans and will replace the existing distribution center in Niedernberg (Bavaria).

As general contractor, Swisslog will provide a turnkey, expandable facility on a surface area of 150,000m2 that includes a 40m high-bay warehouse with 12 aisles and approximately 110,000 pallet locations.

Swisslog's services encompass the design, realisation, and start-up support of the new facility, including its construction and the installation of all materials handling equipment.

Swisslog will implement the CaddyPick monorail concept (with 120 caddies), conveyor systems and pallet stacker cranes as well as the software and control systems. Moreover, Swisslog will be responsible for the overall integration of the systems.

“This order is testimony to Swisslog's capability of delivering ideal solutions for its customers' current and future needs,” explains Daniel Fink, president of Swisslog's Warehouse & Distribution Solutions division.

Gries Deco Company was also impressed by Swisslog's strong planning and realisation expertise in both the construction and logistics areas. Construction is expected to start in September 2011 and the logistics center planned to be operational by spring 2013.