Körber builds multi-technology automated warehouse for ROSSMANN in Poland

Körber is responding to the complex challenges posed by the rapid growth of the ROSSMANN drugstore network in Poland with a multi-technology strategy. As general contractor, Körber is implementing a scalable mix of different automation technologies at the Pyskowice distribution center to meet future requirements.

As one of the largest drugstore retailers in Europe, ROSSMANN has also been operating in Poland since 1993 and currently serves its customers there in over 1,900 stores in more than 400 cities, and the number is growing. ROSSMANN is investing heavily in its logistics to ensure future growth. Körber is currently expanding the capacity and performance of the distribution center in Pyskowice, Silesian area in Poland. A wide-ranging mix of state-of-the-art automation technologies is being used there, which Körber is implementing in the course of extensive new construction and conversion work.

As general contractor, Körber is implementing a high-bay warehouse with eight aisles and just as many storage and retrieval machines and almost 27,000 pallet spaces (greenfield). Körber is also integrating a new seven-aisle shuttle warehouse with approx. 110,000 storage locations and picking areas over three levels as well as a further three-aisle shuttle warehouse as an outgoing goods buffer into the existing facility. Körber is implementing a multimodal conveyor system to transport the various load carriers - pallets, totes and dollies. Among other things, this consists of multiple rail-guided vehicles (RGVs) on two loop levels, extensive pallet and tote conveyor lines to connect 48 repacking workstations and special machines for, so called, dollies stacking. Körber relies on its own K.Motion PMS system with material flow software to orchestrate all technologies and warehouse areas and fulfill expected performance.

Despite the complexity of the multi-technology project, rapid implementation is scheduled. The project kick-off took place in February 2025 and the go-live is scheduled for mid-2027.

“Our logistics infrastructure is the backbone of our increasingly dense store network. With the rapid conversion and expansion of our distribution center, Pyskowice will not only be able to precisely meet the forecast demand for the coming years. With its integrated technology mix and flexible solutions, Körber is also laying the foundations for future scaling and further company growth”, says Jacek Przerwa, Technical Director and Program Manager, ROSSMANN.

---

Original article

Image source: koerber-supplychain.com