High throughput with high-quality goods calls for the best logistics - as is the case with the new distribution center of the electronics wholesaler Avnet in Europe. The high-bay warehouse we built for Avnet in Bernburg (Saale) in Saxony-Anhalt protects semiconductors and other sensitive technology with particular care. The client appreciated the quality of the execution as well as the order/cleanliness and logistics during the construction phase.
Both retailers and customers agree that shipping processes must be handled quickly and in an orderly manner. This requires increasingly dense and even more efficient delivery networks. Fully automated high bay warehouses are at the heart of this modern logistics system. Their builders, such as voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik GmbH, are therefore sought-after experts. Large distributors such as Avnet are happy to draw on the experience and care of these specialists, currently for the latest Avnet hub project in Bernburg (Saale).
Avnet is a global technical distributor that offers electronic components such as semiconductors, circuit technology, passive and electromechanical components from leading manufacturers. The company attaches great importance to a complete technical and logistical supply chain service. From 2025, it will therefore also supply its customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) from its now third European shipping hub in Bernburg (Saale).
The expansion in capacity provided by the new hub in Saxony-Anhalt is necessary due to the rapidly growing demand for electronic components. From toothbrushes to industrial equipment - the electronic parts in products of all kinds are increasing dramatically. "The already existing bases 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 highest technical level and, with its expansion options, can also cover future requirements and needs."
In order to meet the technical requirements of automated pallet storage, Avnet decided to rely on voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik as their execution partner. The Austrian company's experience ensures the necessary precision in production and assembly.
The forecasted figures for the movement of goods speak for themselves: When the new hub is fully in operation in 2025, 19,000 shipments are to be sent daily from Bernburg (Saale) to more than 30,000 global customers. A volume that requires not only perfection in logistics, but also reliable technology. The fundamental basics for this requirement were already laid during the construction phase, says Michael Misek, project manager at voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik: "We attach great importance to optimal cooperation with the involved parties on site, from the preparation of land area to the execution of the actual assembly." During the construction phase, 125 truckloads with 2,500 tons of material for the high bay warehouse were delivered and assembled with precision. Misek: "Order on the construction site is not just a question of delivery and construction choreography, but also of safety of everyone involved. Perfect logistics and efficient, clear actions are therefore a matter of course on our construction sites."
Roswitha Heiland agrees with this principle: "With voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik we have found a partner who has internalized this maxim themselves." From her point of view, Avnet has enjoyed the smooth collaboration with the Krems-based voestalpine company. Both partners confirm that the processes from delivery to handover were exceptionally reliable and adhered to agreements.
To ensure full and safe functionality, voestalpine Krems Finaltechnik has precautionally scheduled on-site measures for the valuable contents of the warehouse. In addition to a push-through guard that prevents deformation of the shelf frame, smoke separators are used. "Installed between the storage levels, they store rising heat and thus allow fire alarms to be triggered early," says Misek, explaining how they work. Details such as this or the engineering could always be discussed together with the customer. "The atmosphere was always characterized by mutual understanding and respect," says the project manager happily, looking back. An atmosphere that enabled the project to progress according to plan.
"We are counting ourselves as fortunate that construction is progressing so quickly and according to plan," said Slobodan Puljarevic, President Avnet EMEA, at the topping-out ceremony. "For us as a company, this means that we can use the Bernburg site to meet growing market needs and implement our growth strategy in Europe." (Avnet Press Relase, 11.10.2023)
