Simon Brunner, CEO of Denkinger: "We are delighted that our Denkinger Rail. Hub convinced the jury and won first place. With our Rail. Hub, we have created a modern logistics center in which we have succeeded in combining sustainability, digitalization, regional responsibility and our passion for logistics in equal measure. We would like to thank our entire Denkinger team, our project team and our partners. Something like this is only possible as a joint effort."

Disused siding repaired on own initiative

The project's approach was to increase efficiency and transfer as much steel as possible to rail. Denkinger found the location with a disused siding in Rottenacker through his own research. Deutsche Bahn AG did not want to start construction work on the site and repair a switch for another two to three years. Without further ado, Denkinger therefore repaired the siding on his own initiative and replaced the points at his own expense. This meant that the commissioning of the Rail. Hub could be brought forward by one and a half years.

The in-house developed OCR-supported incoming goods inspection plays an important role in terms of efficiency and process optimization. The company avatar "Pepe", which provides all important information at the site, is another part of the digitalization concept. Another exciting approach is the pilot project with remote crane operation using camera technology.

The fleet of e-trucks stationed at the Rail. Hub is ready for onward transportation and is powered by the 1.5 megawatt photovoltaic system. The site is surrounded by fruit trees, which are irrigated by collected rainwater. The site forms the basis for intermodal transportation and combined transport, reducing traffic congestion in the region and cutting carbon dioxide emissions.

Jury: "Lighthouse for SMEs and larger companies"

The 16-member jury of the German Logistics Award, chaired by journalist Dr. Ursula Weidenfeld, voted for the winning concept after evaluating the four finalists. "We have seen a beacon for SMEs and larger companies in which all individual measures mesh like the wheels of a gearbox. We award top marks for vision, corporate development and sustainability implementation. Chapeau!" reads the auditing report to the jury.