A European hub for around 60 million items of online retail per year is being built in Dettelbach in Lower Franconia, Bavaria. The German clothing company s.Oliver would like to locate the entire logistics processing of its B2C business at this site and integrate the reorder process for the B2B sector as well as the supply of self-managed areas, according to a company press release.

Process reliability thanks to fully automatic connection

A key project for Ferag AG began at the start of January 2022. Several teams will work exclusively on this project for almost two years. More than 16 km of conveyor technology will be supplied. They run on three levels, connect several halls with each other and ensure process handling. The Skyfall bag sorter system from Ferag will be equipped with 125,000 bags and will ensure all steps in the ordering and returns process: transfer of goods from the hanging goods warehouse; fully automated bag loading with prepared returns; dynamic buffering for an efficient material flow and prompt availability of goods; automatic emptying of bags and distribution of picked and sorted goods to the packing stations; delivery of goods to the shipping area.

In order to ensure the success of the project, the coordination of all parties involved is a key task. Ferag assumes responsibility here as integrator and organizes the cooperation with the suppliers, including major companies such as Heber Fördertechnik GmbH & Co KG (container conveyor technology, outgoing goods sorting), MHart Srl (overhead conveyor technology) and Westernacher Business Management Consulting GmbH (SAP system). When asked about the biggest challenges, Ferag project manager Fabian Schulz mentions the sophisticated assembly planning and the timely provision of all components. The final phase of the project then involves integrating all mechanical and digital components, including some new developments, into a functioning overall system.

The logistics center is scheduled to open in February 2024.