Mumbai, Aug. 5 -- Hafele has opened a state-of-the-art distribution centre at its headquarters in Nagold, Germany, to expand dispatch capacity, improve operational efficiency and support its long-term growth strategy.
The facility forms part of a wider development combining advanced logistics infrastructure with spaces for innovation, events and collaboration. Hafele described the project as the largest investment in the company's history and reaffirmed its commitment to Nagold as a key business location.
The distribution centre introduces a goods-to-person operating model, under which products are automatically transported to employees at individual workstations. The system is designed to improve workplace ergonomics while increasing productivity and processing efficiency.
Customers are expected to benefit from shorter lead times and greater order flexibility. The upgraded processes will allow requests received later in the day to be processed and dispatched on the same day, including during periods of fluctuating demand and high order volumes.
The Nagold facility will operate as part of Hafele's wider European logistics network, which includes its Lehrte location and other regional sites. The network is intended to provide faster, more flexible and reliable supply-chain services.
Sustainability has been integrated into the design and operation of the building. Its energy system combines one of Germany's largest ice energy storage installations with heat pumps and photovoltaic panels installed on the roof and facade. The complex has been designed to meet its heating and cooling energy requirements independently.
Around 28,000 tonnes of demolition material were reused during construction, while recycled concrete accounts for 30 per cent of the tower structure. The building has been developed to the KfW-40 energy-efficiency standard and is targeting DGNB Gold and QNG-PLUS certifications.
Hafele has also introduced automated packaging processes to reduce filler material, parcel height and transportation volumes. The initiative is expected to improve resource efficiency and support customer demand for more sustainable packaging.
The logistics centre forms a key part of Hafele's Strategy 2030, under which the company aims to combine smart products, digital technologies and collaborative partnerships to develop integrated spatial solutions. The additional capacity and digital processes are expected to strengthen its competitiveness and support the company's development during its second century of operations.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.