MS Direct successfully transforms logistics center
Feb 23, 2026 at 3:29 PM
TGW Logistics is establishing a highly automated fulfillment center for dm drogerie markt in Kronstorf, Upper Austria. The project, which is set to commence operations in the summer of 2028, will centralize the supply of all the company’s markets in Austria, Italy, and Slovenia, thereby creating a cross-border logistics solution for the first time. This investment represents the largest single investment in the history of the dm countries group and aims to reduce lead times and increase efficiency.
dm drogerie markt was founded in 1973 in Karlsruhe and is now active in 14 European countries. The company has been present in Austria since 1976 and operates 381 markets. With a revenue of 5.85 billion euros, dm is the leading drugstore chain in Central and Southeastern Europe.
Collaborative Partnership
Patrick Aichinger, Head of the International Logistics Division at dm, emphasizes that TGW Logistics has developed a tailored solution that meets the specific requirements of the company. „This also prepares us optimally for future assortment adjustments or changes in quantities,“ says Aichinger. Martin Waldenberger, Chief Sales Officer of the Customer Unit Central Europe at TGW Logistics, highlights the importance of collaboration: „The project in Kronstorf is intended to mark the beginning of a close partnership between our two companies.“
Automation and Intelligent Technologies
The fulfillment center will include a shuttle warehouse with approximately 260,000 storage locations, operated by more than 200 robots. These robots are responsible for the efficient storage and retrieval of goods. Market orders will be assembled at 16 manual and two robot-assisted PickCenter workstations. The picking robot RovoFlex, based on insights from machine learning, can switch between manual and automated picking and learns with each pick, enhancing performance.
A fleet of 80 mobile robots will autonomously handle the transport of goods. Control is managed through a material flow computer and a Warehouse Control System (WCS), both provided by TGW Logistics.
Focus on Energy Efficiency
A central element of the project is the enhancement of energy efficiency to achieve the planned ÖGNI certification in the GOLD category. The facility’s eco mode automatically adjusts speed according to current demand, while the standby function temporarily shuts down unused modules. During lower utilization, the entire system can be powered down at the push of a button.
