Hellmann and Exotec Partner to Advance Warehouse Automation

Global logistics provider Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and warehouse automation specialist Exotec have announced a global framework agreement to advance automation within Hellmann’s contract logistics operations. The partnership will focus on transforming key supply chain processes through a goods-to-person fulfillment approach, addressing growing challenges in intralogistics.

Addressing Intralogistics Challenges

The collaboration aims to tackle increasing complexities in intralogistics driven by rising customer demands, fluctuating delivery commitments, shorter deadlines and a shortage of skilled workers [1]. Advanced warehouse automation systems are expected to provide the flexibility and scalability needed to absorb order fluctuations and optimize capacity utilization.

Goods-to-Person Fulfillment and Scalable Robotics

Exotec’s modular solution will establish flexible, end-to-end automation in Hellmann’s global contract logistics warehouses. This automation is designed to be quickly adaptable to changing market requirements [2]. The core of this transformation lies in a goods-to-person fulfillment system, where dynamic robots deliver items to employees for processing.

Initial Project in the Healthcare Sector

The partnership has already launched with an initial project focused on the healthcare sector, serving a leading German healthcare provider [3]. This industry demands high delivery speeds and reliability, making it an ideal starting point for the new automation solution. The project aims to automate the entire warehouse logistics process, from receiving goods to shipping, utilizing the goods-to-person system.

Key Benefits of the Partnership

• Flexibility and Scalability: Exotec’s solutions provide the adaptability needed to respond to evolving market demands.
• Efficiency: Goods-to-person systems streamline order fulfillment processes.
• Reduced Labor Challenges: Automation helps mitigate the impact of skilled worker shortages.
• Improved Reliability: Enhanced systems contribute to more consistent and dependable supply chain operations.

Statements from Leadership

Volker Sauerborn, COO Contract Logistics at Hellmann, emphasized the increasing importance of flexibility and scalability in contract logistics, stating that Exotec’s automation solutions complement their existing services with state-of-the-art intralogistics technology [4]. Markus Schlotter, Managing Director Central Europe at Exotec, described the partnership as a significant step, highlighting the pooling of expertise to deliver tailored and future-proof solutions.

Future Implementations

Following the initial healthcare project, additional implementations are planned across other industries and regions, signaling a broader commitment to automation within Hellmann’s global network [3].