Rewe Group (Rewe) has opened what it describes as its most advanced logistics centre to date in Magdeburg, Germany, three years after construction began.
The €250 million (£211.4m) investment is intended to significantly grow the supermarket chain’s regional logistics capabilities. Spanning 49,500m2, the centre can reportedly handle 286,000 packages daily through 53 outbound dock doors, housing 20,000 dry goods items.
Notably, 50% of storage and picking processes are now automated, REWE said, which has significantly enhanced efficiency.
“This high-tech facility secures supply to our stores in northern and eastern Germany and marks a new dimension in automation,” said Peter Maly of Rewe Group Management Board.
The project was undertaken with technology partner Swisslog. Local mayor Simone Borris praised the new centre, highlighting its boost to Magdeburg’s business profile and strategic location advantages.
The facility will supply nine regional warehouses and 1,900 stores, including “nahkauf” convenience stores.
The centre also employs around 270 people, with automated processes ensuring ergonomic workstations.
What’s more, half of the goods processed at the site are manually packed, though this mostly applies to lighter items, with the rest being managed by automated systems.
Sustainability was a major focus for the development, with energy-efficient features like heat pumps, LED lighting, photovoltaic systems and green roofs also being installed at the site.
The facility saves four million kilometers of transport annually, aligning with Rewe’s climate goals; it has also earned a “Gold” status from the German Sustainable Building Council.
