Both retailers and customers agree that shipping processes must be handled quickly and in an orderly manner. To make this possible, ever denser and more efficient delivery networks are required. Fully automated high-bay warehouses are at the heart of this modern logistics system. Large distributors such as Avnet are facing a challenge here. The company relied on Voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik to implement its new distribution center.

Focus on three continents

Avnet is a global technical distributor offering electronic components such as semiconductors, circuitry, passive and electromechanical components from leading manufacturers. The company attaches great importance to a reliable technical and logistical supply chain service. From 2025, it will therefore also be supplying its customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) from what is now its third European shipping hub in Bernburg (Saale).

The expansion of capacity through the new hub in Saxony-Anhalt was necessary due to the rapidly growing demand for electronic components. From toothbrushes to industrial equipment - electronics in products of all kinds are increasing dramatically. "The existing hubs in Belgium and Germany play a key role in supporting this growth in Europe," confirms Roswitha Heiland, Vice President Avnet Logistics EMEA. "Our third European warehouse in Bernburg is at the cutting edge of technology and, with its expansion options, can also meet future requirements and needs." In order to meet the technical requirements of automated pallet storage, Avnet opted for the Voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik offer. The Austrian company's experience will ensure the necessary precision in production and assembly.

Enjoying order and safety

The forecast figures for the movement of goods speak for themselves: when the new hub is fully operational in 2025, 19,000 consignments are to be dispatched from Bernburg (Saale) to more than 30,000 global customers every day. A volume that requires smooth logistics as well as orderly and reliable technology. Michael Misek, Project Manager at Voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik, is certain that the foundations for this have already been laid during the construction phase: "We attach great importance to optimum cooperation with the trades on site, from the preparation of the site to the actual assembly.

A logistical challenge in itself: during the construction phase, 125 truckloads with 2,500 tons of material were delivered and assembled for the high-bay warehouse. Misek: "Order on the construction site is not just a question of delivery and construction choreography, but also of the safety of everyone involved. Perfect logistics and efficient, clear action are therefore a matter of course on our construction sites." Roswitha Heiland agrees with this principle: "In Voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik, we have found a partner who has internalized this maxim". From her point of view, Avnet has enjoyed the smooth cooperation with the Krems-based voestalpine company. Both partners confirm that the processes, from delivery to handover, impressed with their exceptional reliability and adherence to agreements.

Protective measures for valuable storage contents

To ensure full and safe functionality, Voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik has planned precautions on site for the valuable contents of the warehouse. In addition to push-through protection, which prevents deformation of the rack frame, smoke separator plates are also used. "Installed between the storage levels, they dam up rising heat and allow fire alarms to be triggered at an early stage," says Misek, explaining how they work. Details such as this or the statics were always discussed with the customer. "The atmosphere was always characterized by mutual understanding and respect," says the project manager, looking back. An atmosphere that helped the project progress according to plan.

We are delighted that the construction is progressing so quickly and on schedule," explained Slobodan Puljarevic, President Avnet EMEA, at the topping-out ceremony. "For us as a company, this means that the Bernburg site will enable us to meet the growing needs of the market and implement our growth strategy in Europe."