While not a cold-storage warehouse, this is an example of the very latest technology, automation, order picking, logistics efficiencies, and energy-saving equipment that cold chain facilities can incorporate into their own high-volume buildings. 

The 680,000-square-foot, omni-channel central European distribution center of PUMA SE has started operations in Geiselwind, Germany. PUMA SE has implemented a highly automated end-to-end solution that centralizes all fulfillment processes in one facility. The new omni-channel distribution center serves all channels (retail/wholesale, direct) and fulfills orders from throughout Europe, making it one of the most powerful fulfillment centers for fashion and apparel in the world.

The center is able to handle retail/wholesale and e-commerce orders out of one facility, allowing for fast and accurate shipment of goods to customers all over Europe.

Short lead times, high performance

After the ground-breaking ceremony in 2019, an innovative fulfillment center with focus on speed and maximum performance has taken shape. Thanks to the close collaborative partnership between the companies involved in the project, it was possible to adhere to the challenging schedule – despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Efficient order fulfillment

The powerhouse and centerpiece of the end-to-end solution is TGW’s order fulfillment system ‘FlashPick’. It is the perfect choice for omni-channel fulfillment as it is independent of the order structure, and can handle multiple distribution channels out of one warehouse. The shuttle warehouse – as large as nine soccer fields – has more than 700,000 storage locations for shoes, apparel and fashion accessories. Five hundred shuttles automatically retrieve cartons from their storage locations and replenish highly ergonomic PickCenter One workstations.  More than 13 miles of energy-efficient KingDrive conveyors make sure the goods arrive safely and on time at the right place.

74 million items per year

Order processing takes on average, only ten minutes.  As a result, Puma is able to process up to 74 million items per year and ship them to retail stores and direct consumers. Thanks to short lead times and maximum performance, orders can be shipped quickly, efficiently, and reliably. 

Focus on green logistics

Approximately 240 million US dollars has been invested in this CO2-neutral fulfillment hub, which is certified in accordance with the U.S. LEED Gold standard. Special emphasis was put on sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental compatibility. Features include an optimally insulated building envelope, a photovoltaic system of several thousand square feet, the use of certified green electricity, and particularly energy-efficient material handling equipment such as TGW KingDrive conveyors, which help to reduce energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to systems with conventional conveyor equipment.

About TGW Logistics Group

TGW Logistics Group is a leading systems integrator of automated warehouse solutions. With over 50 years of experience the automation specialist designs, implements and maintains end-to-end fulfillment solutions for brands such as Urban Outfitters, Gap and TVH.

TGW Logistics Group has subsidiaries in the US, Europe and China and employs more than 3,700 people worldwide. In the 2019/20 fiscal year, the foundation-owned company generated a total turnover of 960 million US dollars.