Witron Logistik + Informatik GmbH is currently involved in several large-scale logistics projects in Europe. Renowned food retailers like Tesco, Rewe, and Axfood rely on the expertise of the Oberpfalz team to modernize their warehouse and distribution structures. The focus is on highly automated systems for dry goods and omnichannel strategies that are intended to meet the demands of a dynamic retail environment.
Tesco (United Kingdom): New Distribution Center at London Gateway
Tesco is investing several million pounds in a new distribution center at the logistics location "DP World London Gateway." Commissioning is planned for 2029. The facility will be built as an energy-efficient site with state-of-the-art Witron technology and is expected to receive the BREEAM certification "Outstanding."
"Our distribution network is crucial in ensuring that our customers receive the products at the right place, at the right time, and in perfect condition. In light of the increasing demand in our store network, we are pleased to collaborate with Witron and DP World to realize a distribution center that leverages cutting-edge technology, strengthens our supply chain, and supports our sustainability goals," said Andrew Woolfenden, Tesco UK Distribution & Fulfilment Director.
Witron will deliver, among other things, 52 COM machines for automated store supply with items from the dry goods range.
"In terms of end-to-end integration, this is a flagship project for Witron. It ensures top-notch store supply, an ergonomic, safe working environment, and high sustainability for the environment. Moreover, it generates a variety of benefits along the entire value chain," commented Witron CEO Helmut Prieschenk on the project.
The facility is part of Tesco's
long-term strategy to strengthen logistics capabilities and sustainability. Thanks to its location near a seaport and direct rail connection, Tesco can rely on a robust, multimodal infrastructure. The project is considered a flagship initiative for end-to-end integrated supply chains.
Rewe Austria: Highly Automated Distribution Center in Wiener Neudorf
The Rewe Group Austria is establishing one of its most powerful logistics centers in the German-speaking region in Wiener Neudorf. Completion is scheduled for 2031, with construction starting in 2026. On approximately 135,600 square meters, over 600,000 trading units are expected to be picked daily.
"From the beginning, our aim was to create a pioneering logistics platform that combines efficiency, sustainability, and supply security. By consolidating logistics in Wiener Neudorf, we are simultaneously setting the highest standards in the digitalization and automation of logistics in the trade sector," said Isabella Handler, overall project manager of Rewe International AG.
Approximately 21,000 items of the dry goods assortment for more than 2,500 stores of the Billa, Billa Plus, Bipa, and Adeg brands will be stored and distributed in the facility in the future. The heart of the system will be the latest generation of OPM technology with 40 COM machines. The system will be supplemented by the Car Picking System (CPS) for large-volume items and DPS workplaces for small assortments. A special feature of the CPS solution used here is that employees pick the items in a path-optimized manner - guided by a pick-by-voice system - from a pick front equipped with layer trays, bins, and pallets. The replenishment is provided by stacker cranes.
In total, the entire
material flow upon completion includes nearly 550,000 pallet, tray, and bin locations, more than 100 stacker cranes, and a good 18 kilometers of conveyor technology. All IT, control, and mechanical components are developed and manufactured at Witron's main facility in Parkstein.
An intelligent consolidation strategy and a seamless conveyor technology network are intended to ensure optimal density and efficiency in delivery. The entire facility is being built on already sealed land, underscoring the sustainability claim of the Rewe Group.
REWE Germany: Modernization of the Neu-Isenburg Site
In Germany, Rewe is also modernizing its warehouse structure. The national logistics center in Neu-Isenburg is being extensively rebuilt during ongoing operations. Existing partially automated systems are being completely replaced by Witron. The new layout includes 22 COM machines, a tray warehouse with almost 168,000 locations, and an extended automatic pallet warehouse.
"The advantage of OPM is that Rewe will be able to store and pick over 100 percent more case-picking items with an overall throughput of the site increased by more than 20 percent in an ergonomic manner," said Witron project manager Markus Lang.
By the completion of the conversion in the third quarter of 2027, up to 247,500 trading units per day are expected to be picked store-ready. The number of items in case picking will then increase from the current 3,000 to 7,800. Witron will seamlessly integrate the OPM solution into existing processes while ensuring the supply of 2,200 markets. Additionally, the connection to the already installed Witron systems for piece-picking (DPS/OPS) and large-volume goods (CPS) will be further expanded. The pick performance will increase
to 247,500 picks per day.
The DPS and CPS have been in use in Neu-Isenburg since 2014. The OPS was put into operation in mid-2021. Witron is responsible as a lifetime partner for planning, realization, and on-site service of the logistics expansion.
Axfood (Sweden): Omnichannel Center in Bålsta Fully Operational
The new omnichannel logistics center of the Swedish retailer Axfood in Bålsta near Stockholm is already fully operational. The 103,000 square meter center supplies more than 1,500 stores as well as thousands of online customers in the click-and-collect and home delivery business. Up to 1.6 million order units leave the warehouse daily. Over 22,000 different items are processed — storage ranges from -26 C to +18 C, including frozen pizzas, fruits, vegetables, convenience products, sausage, meat, bread, cheese, and pasta to cosmetics or toys.
The project is considered the most challenging in Witron's history. It is based on the OCM concept (Omnichannel Machinery), which maps all sales channels in a common system. The online business accesses the same stocks as the store business. Processes that would have to be handled in two separate sectors and subsequently consolidated in conventional warehouse logistics are completed by the system in just one integrated warehouse logistics system.
In addition to classic Witron technologies such as OPM, CPS, and AIO, newly developed components are being used, such as an innovative container system for frozen goods with frozen lids instead of dry ice. Over 200 stacker cranes, more than 30 kilometers of conveyor technology, and around 700,000 storage locations are integrated. An on-site team of around 200 specialists ensures 24/7
