The company Lebkuchen-Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG, together with the automation specialist Swisslog, is realizing a new, fully automated distribution center in Nuremberg-Langwasser. This will centralize all logistics processes of the traditional company in the future. The logistics services of Lebkuchen-Schmidt include, for example, the delivery of full pallets to their own branches and worldwide package shipping.
The investment volume amounts to around 60 million euros, marking the largest single project in the almost hundred-year history of the manufacturer of Nuremberg gingerbread and fine pastries.
Automation with High-Bay Warehouse and AutoStore
The new logistics center is intended to replace the six previous external warehouses and provide space for around 30,000 pallets on an area of 20,000 square meters. The building reaches a height of 34 meters in order to use the available area efficiently. Commissioning is planned for the first quarter of 2027.
The centerpiece of the project is a highly automated solution from Swisslog. The facility will feature a pallet high-bay warehouse with 24,000 pallet spaces and "Vectura" storage and retrieval devices, "ProMove" and "QuickMove" conveyor systems, an "AutoStore" system with about 17,000 containers, and workstations for handling individual customer requests.
Flexible Logistics for Strong Seasonal Business
With the new facility, Lebkuchen-Schmidt aims to meet the strong seasonal demands of its business model: A large portion of the annual revenue is generated within a few months. The new infrastructure is intended to ensure stable and flexible processes across all distribution channels during this time - from branch delivery to worldwide shipping. At the same time, the project allows for a reduction in personnel needs during peak times and shorter delivery times.
"We are thrilled to have secured Swisslog as a partner for this significant project.
Their deep expertise and innovative solutions are exactly what we need to overcome our logistical challenges. The new distribution center will not only modernize our current operations but also support our growth ambitions for the coming years. We are excited about the positive impacts this collaboration will have on our business," said Kirill Heidt, Head of Logistics at Lebkuchen-Schmidt GmbH & Co.KG.
The new center's energy supply will be covered by a photovoltaic system with an annual capacity of up to 900,000 kilowatt-hours. Additionally, the new structure reduces CO₂ emissions: By dissolving the external warehouses and consolidating all goods flows in one place, approximately 130,000 truck kilometers are eliminated annually, saving around 65,000 kilograms of CO₂. The free spaces at the main site also open up new possibilities for expanding production.
Foundation Stone Laying with Markus Söder and Mayor Marcus König
The ceremonial
laying of the foundation stone took place on June 25 in the presence of prominent guests from politics, business, and society, including Bavaria's Prime Minister Markus Söder and Nuremberg's Mayor Marcus König. Managing Director Dr. Jürgen Brandstetter emphasized the importance of the project for the company's sustainability in his speech and highlighted the responsibility to the environment, employees, and the region.
Swisslog brings its years of experience in the development of automated logistics solutions. The company, part of the KUKA Group, provides both the technical equipment and the warehouse management system "SynQ" for the project. The partnership with Swisslog is seen as a central step in sustainably addressing the challenges of digitalization and e-commerce, according to Lebkuchen-Schmidt.
With the construction project, the company is not only preparing for further growth but also aims to ensure competitiveness at the traditional production site in Nuremberg
