Even closer to the customer

Flying high: a project by Galler Lager- und Regaltechnik. Photo: Galler

Based on these findings and its experience with the existing Compact Shuttle, the intralogistics specialist has developed a storage system for pallets called Multiflex: "A new carrier vehicle was developed especially for our tried-and-tested Compact Shuttle. This enables previously unknown throughput rates paired with new loading and energy storage technology. This means that work can be carried out efficiently even in the harshest environmental conditions, such as in deep-freeze areas. Based on our experience with the development of vertical conveyors and load handling devices, we have also created the possibility of moving both the load and the carrier vehicle including shuttle with just one floor conveyor. The new Multiflex system will be presented at the upcoming LogiMAT 2018 in Stuttgart. "With the expansion of our product portfolio, Dambach Lagersysteme has not only once again proven itself as a driver of innovation, but also offers customers objective advice on the use of storage and retrieval machines and pallet shuttle solutions, depending on the application," explains Benjamin Thumm.

A shelving system from Hahn & Groh at Reisswolf Archivservice. Photo: Hahn and Groh

At LogiMAT 2018, the company plans to present the new Galler competence catalog: It shows the entire portfolio of products relating to warehouse and shelving technology and also presents various supplementary services. The catalog also shows examples of warehouse solutions for a wide range of industries, such as mechanical engineering, retail, food and the furniture industry.

"Galler will continue to pursue its sustainable concept with determination and clarity in 2018."

Frédéric Meyer Galler storage and shelving technology

"With this clearly defined industry focus, as already successfully implemented in the DACH countries, additional services will be offered in 2018 alongside racking and systems for storing pallets and industrial goods," explains Meyer. Last but not least, Galler also wants to strengthen its activities outside the DACH countries in order to further expand its export business.

Bundled expertise for a wide range of customers

For 20 years now, Hahn & Groh has been helping to ensure that small trade businesses and globally active industrial companies always have optimum access to their warehouse stocks and that supply chains function with as few interruptions as possible. "Our recipe for success is simple: as a comparatively small provider, we are more flexible, more cost-effective and closer to the customer than the big players in the warehouse technology sector would ever be able to be. As a member of the LagerTechnik Group, we also benefit from a wide range of synergy effects and the comprehensive expertise of our partner companies in Germany and Austria. Although this cooperation has been working well for many years, we want to further interlink the specific expertise of all participants in 2018 and achieve an even greater customer focus than is already the case today," explains Ole Groh, Managing Director of LagerTechnik Hahn & Groh. This company also wants to revise its website in 2018 and further improve the ordering process.

"As a comparatively small provider, we are more flexible, more cost-effective and closer to our customers."

Ole Groh Hahn and Groh

"Overall, topics such as digitalization and Industry 4.0 will certainly play an important role in warehouse and shelving technology next year. However, the product-related effects will probably be limited. First and foremost, it will be a matter of increasingly incorporating autonomously operating means of transport or assembly options for sensors of all kinds into the design of new applications; however, the shelving itself will remain largely unchanged," says Groh.

Peter Beilenhoff, Head of Sales at META-Regalbau, is positive when asked about 2018: "We are already impressing our customers with our holistic logistics planning. META is ideally positioned for this, as we can offer picking and LED lighting solutions in addition to our warehouse planning - all in close coordination with our partners. Our aim is to develop an optimal and all-encompassing warehouse concept, as we were recently able to successfully implement at Opel's new goods distribution center in Bochum. Here, in addition to our shelving system, we designed and supplied the LED lighting solution to match."

One of several picking solutions on offer - the intelligent picking trolley from META. Photo: META

In addition, META says it is focusing strongly on expanding service quality. The newly created Business Development International department is also "forward-looking" (Beilenhoff). The company has been a competent and reliable partner in the construction of large shelving systems in the e-commerce sector for many years. In the process, META has acquired many skills that can also be used for major projects for other customers. To support the acquisition of these major projects, we have recruited Carsten Brilka, a sales and marketing manager from the industry. According to Beilenhoff, together with our department for large key account projects, we have already been able to convince well-known customers and many e-commerce providers of the advantages of META multi-storey systems.

"Basically, we are very positive about 2018, because META is well positioned."

Peter Beilenhoff Head of Sales at META-Regalbau

"On the other hand, our offensive for shorter delivery times strengthens our position on the market, for which we recently put a new warehouse of over 10,000 m² into operation. In general, we are positive about 2018 because META is well positioned to further develop its trading business on the one hand and to open up new markets in the project business by focusing on other sectors on the other," concludes Beilenhoff.

Martin Schrüfer