Contargo and Ports de l’Escaut inaugurate charging station
Jun 9, 2026 at 12:17 PM
The installation of six Vectura stacker cranes at the new distribution center of Lebkuchen-Schmidt in Nuremberg has been successfully completed. This marks a significant advancement in a major project aimed at the integration and commissioning of automated logistics systems. The new solution is intended to enable the company to maintain high performance even under extreme seasonal demands.
Lebkuchen-Schmidt operates in two distinct phases: during the spring and summer months, the focus is on handling export products. In the pre-Christmas period, however, the picking of over 2,000 cartons per hour for supplying its own stores and the global shipping of packages is crucial.
Automated Solutions for Seasonal Peaks
The Vectura stacker cranes are designed for automated pallet management in both phases. The new high-bay warehouse includes four double-deep and two multi-deep configured Vectura S32, providing a total of approximately 24,400 storage locations at a height of 35 m. Each transport unit can carry up to 1,000 kg.
The warehouse management system SynQ coordinates all manual, semi-automated, and fully automated processes in the logistics center, including the stacker cranes, conveyor technology, and the AutoStore system for the e-commerce sector. This comprehensive integration is intended to enable Lebkuchen-Schmidt to handle seasonal peaks while supporting growth in e-commerce.
Sustainable Logistics Solutions
Kirill Heidt, Logistics and Site Manager of Lebkuchen-Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG, emphasizes the importance of the stacker cranes for the future of the company’s logistics operations. „This system is a central component for securing the future of our logistics operations. It will allow us to make our processes significantly more efficient and powerful,“ explains Heidt.
Markus Kirchhoff, Senior Vice President Sales & Accounts EMEA at Swisslog, highlights that the installation of the stacker cranes demonstrates the company’s strength in delivering integrated solutions for complex logistical requirements. „At Lebkuchen-Schmidt, we combine Vectura for reliable pallet management, AutoStore for high e-commerce throughput, and SynQ to control all processes,“ says Kirchhoff.
The new distribution center consolidates six previously decentralized warehouses at a central location, resulting in more efficient logistics operations and securing jobs in Nuremberg. The Vectura stacker cranes are expected to reduce energy consumption by up to 20 percent compared to conventional high-bay warehouses. Additionally, a highly efficient photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof to enhance the sustainability of operations.
The assembly of the high-bay warehouse is proceeding as planned, despite the challenges posed by the winter months. Following the successful installation of the Vectura systems, the mechanical and electrical components will now be integrated to put the overall system into operation. Further solutions from Swisslog, such as ProMove and QuickMove conveyor systems, as well as an AutoStore system with around 17,000 containers, are also part of the project. The completion of the new distribution center is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
