The Müller – Die Lila Logistik SE invests in a highly automated logistics facility at the Blaufelden site. The project ranks among the largest individual investments in the history of the logistics service provider and marks another step in the strategic development of the company. The new structure is also part of a long-term digitization and automation strategy, which is particularly geared to the specific requirements of retail and online business.
“We are investing in Blaufelden because we believe in the development of our industry and in our role within it,” says CEO and founder Michael Müller. “Our aim is to seize opportunities, unlock potential, and look forward.”
AutoStore system for space-saving storage and retrieval of small parts
The centerpiece of the facility is an AutoStore system for automated storage and picking of small parts. On an area of
more than 5,000 square meters, capacities for around 200,000 containers are being created. More than 130 robots are deployed, efficiently storing and retrieving goods. The plant will be implemented in two construction phases. The first expansion stage is already well advanced. The goal is to strengthen publishing logistics as an existing core competence in Blaufelden and at the same time expand the service portfolio for e-commerce and mail-order.
Even before the completion of the construction phase, large parts of the new capacities were already allocated, as it is said. Existing customers renewed their contracts in connection with the investment, new customers could be integrated. Scalability, process stability, and the technical integration capability of the plant were decisive. Thus, the project underscores the strategic importance of the Blaufelden site for the company's future orientation.
The automated solution makes it possible
to stay consistently capable even with highly fluctuating order volumes – for example in seasonal peak periods such as the Christmas season or Black Friday. Retailers benefit from a high pick rate, short lead times, and a system-wide seamless integration to ERP and shop systems. Returns processes can be integrated efficiently.
Modular system enables flexible scaling in eCommerce
The modular architecture of the system allows flexible scaling. It is suitable for both start-ups and medium-sized and larger online retailers. With the project, the company is responding to the increasing dynamism in e-commerce, where short delivery times, flexible storage capacities, and tight process integration are decisive. The AutoStore system uses the available space up to four times more efficiently than conventional storage systems. The low energy consumption of the employed robots also supports ecological objectives.
The investment is seen as
a clear commitment to automation in the mid-sized business sector. The control platform of the system was developed in-house and realized over a period of about 300 days. It connects employees, technology and processes into an integrated overall system. Physically demanding tasks are reduced, while tasks with higher shares of process- and system-responsibility increase. The workforce is involved in the change at an early stage and prepared for new technologies.
Background: Müller – Die Lila Logistik
Müller – Die Lila Logistik SE, based in Besigheim, employs more than 2,400 staff at 24 locations and is broadly positioned in contract logistics. According to its own statements, the company relies on economically viable technologies that are field-tested and support sustainable development. The decision for AutoStore followed this line: the system is regarded as robust, scalable, and flexibly adaptable. (Source: Müller -
