Swisslog Automates Denner’s Central Warehouse in Mägenwil

The Swiss discount grocery chain Denner is relying on Swisslog for even greater efficiency in its logistics. The central warehouse in Mägenwil AG has been modernized in recent months with state-of-the-art automation technology. The warehouse is the essential hub for supplying over 250 Denner stores with food and important household products.

(Buchs/Mägenwil) It was an ambitious project: the modernization of the distribution center of Denner AG, the largest discount grocery chain in Switzerland, in Mägenwil, Aargau. It has now been successfully completed. Swisslog AG from Buchs AG has equipped a food high-bay warehouse for hard goods with modern automation – during pandemic times, while operations were ongoing with consistently high utilization.

“As a discounter, we are completely focused on efficiency, while the demands on logistics are constantly increasing. Ensuring product availability as well as the fast and error-free delivery to over 250 stores is crucial for the project, while the renovation also provides ecological benefits,” explains Daniel Kindler, head of the distribution center in Mägenwil. “Since the new installation has been in operation, material flows are more efficient and resource-saving,” says Kindler.

Processes Seamlessly Coordinated

Swisslog replaced twelve older pallet stacker cranes with modern ones and installed new pallet conveyor technology. Additionally, two new mezzanine levels were constructed. The available time frame of only five months was very tight. “The challenges were significant. The Corona protection measures demanded a lot from us, yet we managed to complete all work within the guidelines,” says Mario Flory from Swisslog. The project manager was responsible for coordinating the work, leading a large team of dozens of craftsmen and technicians.

Part of Securing Food Supply

To minimize disruption to Denner’s operations, Swisslog carried out the modernization not only during shifts but also at night and on weekends. Furthermore, the team worked in stages for major installation measures.

Flory explains: “To enable the expansion of the stacker cranes, about a quarter of the high-bay warehouse was emptied by placing a partial assortment externally and picking it there. This allowed us to dismantle 3 old stacker cranes at once and install 3 new ones within 10 days.” After their installation and software integration, goods in the high-bay warehouse were rearranged so that the next rack area was freed up. Swisslog saved time for ramping up in real operations through extensive pre-tests on Saturdays and Sundays.

Flory concludes: “We are pleased that we could contribute our part to securing the food supply at Denner.”

Photo: © Swisslog