From picking to truck loading
Highly automated material flow systems
More sensor technology, AI, interfaces, robotics and smart software make it possible: impressive warehouses with an ever-increasing degree of automation. Which technologies can already be implemented to move all classes of goods efficiently and error-free?
As a general contractor with heart and mind, we closely follow the trends, needs and challenges of our customers. Through real projects and inquiries, we get a feel for currently feasible and in-demand technologies for smooth material flow systems. The step into automation is still a big risk, and one that we fully support.
The coexistence and synergy of manual and automated warehouse areas, as well as retrofitting with robotics and sophisticated sensors to achieve a particularly high level of automation, are emerging as major trends. In this way, day-to-day business is not interrupted, but at the same time the shortage of skilled workers, susceptibility to errors and increasing picking speeds are countered. In addition, intralogistics processes for small to very large and bulky goods can be automated.
Are you facing similar challenges with your business? Take a look here to see what solutions major companies from trade and industry have found.
The advantages of highly automated material flow systems:
- Almost fully automated storage systems ensure maximum availability, better use of space, higher labour productivity and inventory accuracy, lower operating costs and the precise sequencing of goods for dispatch.
- Diversity of goods classes: from the smallest parts such as screws, seals etc. to bulky goods such as wood cuttings. from the smallest parts such as screws, seals, etc. to bulky goods such as wood cutting packages or machine motors, almost anything can be handled fully automatically thanks to smart technology and software
- Efficient and asynchronous supply of various internal and external customers
- Customization: Fulfillment of any end customer requirements without errors and failures
- Saving on hard-to-reach specialist personnel
- Increase in Throughput and storage capacity with scalability during operation
- Integration of areas that are still operated manually into the overall automated material flow system
AutoStore system with innovative robot cell for Siemens
We are implementing an AutoStore system with an integrated robot cell for Siemens AG in Rastatt. This combination enables fully automated goods receipt of small load carriers into an AutoStore grid for the first time. The project sets new standards in the automation of intralogistics processes and offers a well thought-out concept for high speed.
A specially developed robot system with "bin-in-bin, bin-out-bin" technology is used to fully automate the incoming goods process. A Kuka robot, equipped with a special gripper and integrated vision technology, takes over the storage and retrieval into and out of the AutoStore Conveyer Port.
Facts
| AutoStore system | Robot cell |
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Liebensteiner Kartonagen: New construction & retrofit of corrugated board high-bay warehouse + retrofitting of pallet AGV system
For our long-standing customer Liebensteiner Kartonagen in Plößberg, an impressive production and storage facility for corrugated cardboard was gradually built. With three retrofit and new construction phases between 2012 and 2025, capacity and the degree of automation were continuously increased.
All-in: Fully automated shipping and production supply with 13-aisle high-bay warehouse and driverless transport vehicles for pallets
Facts
| Pallet warehouse | FTF area |
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Automated small parts and pallet warehouse for KraussMaffei
HÖRMANN Intralogistics has implemented a comprehensive intralogistics solution for the new KraussMaffei Technologies plant in Parsdorf. The order included an automated small parts warehouse (AKL) and an automated pallet warehouse (APL) with a conveyor system connection, combined picking stations, tower storage for sequencing and the complete automation technology. The warehouse is managed via SAP/EWM.
The high-performance system optimizes incoming and outgoing goods and supports KraussMaffei with the growing demand. Despite challenging framework conditions, the project was successfully implemented and put into operation.
Facts
| AKL | APL |
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Automatic high-bay warehouse, packaging line and loading hall for timber
HÖRMANN Intralogistics has implemented a pioneering intralogistics solution for the Mayr-Melnhof Holz Group in Leoben, based on the functional specifications of logistics planner Xvise from Lauterbach (Austria), which makes the long-established company a trailblazer for the wood processing industry. The combination of an automated, three-aisle high-bay warehouse with innovative conveyor technology, a complex packaging line and, for the first time, a semi-automatic truck loading hall sets new standards in timber logistics.
Project objectives and challenges:
- Efficient and asynchronous supply of three areas: External customers, MMH Geishorn site, cross laminated timber production
- Lubricating oil-free transport of the living natural product with board length differences
- Packages with and without scantlings as well as foiling on the same packaging line
- Largely automated, capacity-optimized truck loading
Facts
| High-bay warehouse | Packing line & truck loading hall |
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Reference film: Intralogistics for the timber industry - at Mayr Melnhof Holz in Leoben | EN
Analyze material flow & get an expansion recommendation now!
Would you like to take your automated or semi-automated warehouse to the next level? We look at your current and target situation and suggest manufacturer-independent expansions or new builds. Please feel free to contact us without obligation.
Reference film: Intralogistics for the timber industry - at Mayr Melnhof Holz in Leoben | EN
Messe Stuttgart Hall 1 Stand J47
HÖRMANN Intralogistics @LogiMAT 2025
Dear business partners,
soon we´ll meet again face to face at the big annual industry get-together in Stuttgart from March 11-13, 2025!
Have you already blocked your calendar and made a plan for your visit? Feel free to drop by Hörmann Intralogistics in Hall 1, Stand J47.
We look forward to in-person discussions on projects, trends and demos of systems with a particularly high degree of automation at our stand in Hall 1, J47.
Do not hesitate to request your ticket and an appointment with us!
Best regards
Your HÖRMANN Intralogistics Team
Meet our experts
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 How to find us
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LogiMAT 2025 press portal
References HRL & integrated large and small parts warehouses
PM_MMH-HRL, packaging line & truck loading hall
PM_Continental_HRL_DigitalDisplays
References corrugated cardboard warehouse
Reference Mayr-Melnhof Holz
Automated high-bay warehouse and loading hall for timber
HÖRMANN Intralogistics has implemented a pioneering intralogistics solution for the Mayr-Melnhof Holz Group in Leoben, based on the functional specifications of logistics planner Xvise from Lauterbach (Austria), which makes the long-established company a pioneer in the wood processing industry. The combination of an automated, three-aisle high-bay warehouse with innovative conveyor technology, a complex packaging line and, for the first time, a semi-automatic truck loading hall sets new standards in timber logistics.
The concept
Automatic high-bay warehouse with customized conveyor technology for Mayr-Melnhof Holz in Leoben
The high-bay warehouse (HRL) as well as the logistics and loading hall were and the loading hall were built on an existing site next to the existing production halls of the sawmill and directly adjacent to the newly built high-performance re-sorting and planing plant and the new high-tech cross laminated timber plant. The conveyor system transports the timber packages from the sorting and planing mill to the high-bay warehouse. In the 3-aisle high-bay warehouse, the timber packages are temporarily stored and, depending on the order, either loaded onto trucks for internal and external customers or transferred to the cross-laminated timber plant for further processing. For truck loading, the sawn timber packages are put together in the correct sequence and route, packed and stacked if required. A distribution wagon then transports the heavy-duty packages to the respective staging lane next to trailers in the loading hall.
Flexible and gentle material flow with innovative modular belt conveyor technology
The load units are bundled packages of sawn timber measuring up to 5.2 m long, 1.27 m wide and 1.30 m high, weighing up to 3.200 kg. HÖRMANN Intralogistics uses innovative modular belt conveyor technology made of high-quality, lubricant-free plastic with integrated transport rollers to transport the packages safely and gently on the conveyor system. The packages can be transported on these with or without squared timber. All packages undergo a weight and contour check when they are transferred from the sorting and planing plant.
On arrival from the sorting and planing mill, the timber packages are automatically picked up, checked and transported to the pre-zone of the high-bay warehouse. At the storage infeed, packages up to 4.2 m / 2.7 t are positioned centrally to the storage and retrieval machine (SRM) according to their lengths and transferred by the SRM to 3-deep rack storage locations.
Order-related sequencing and gantry robot station for stacks of 3 and 4 packages
The timber packages are then retrieved in sequence and to the exact route. During this process step, there are further sorting options directly on the conveyor system. For the most part, the packages are wrapped fully automatically at the customer's request, underlaid with squared timber by a robot and strapped. After automatic labeling, the parcels are stacked.
This takes place in the hall pre-zone, where up to four parcels can be put together by a straddle stacker to form a lift for truck loading. Two parcels next to each other and two parcels on top of each other form this hub.
In the high-bay warehouse's secondary storage zone, retrieval slots have also been included in every aisle. Packages of sawn timber are retrieved here and fed to the cross laminated timber plant via a distribution trolley.
Intelligent intralogistics strategies with the warehouse management system HiLIS
Warehouse management, System control and system visualization is carried out with the proven HÖRMANN Intralogistics Warehouse Management System HiLIS, which communicates with the customer system via an interface. With 24/7 operating times, HiLIS continuously receives retrieval and storage orders for the items to be loaded via an interface from the on-site HOST.
Objectives and challenges of the project:
- Efficient and asynchronous supply of three areas: External customers, MMH Geishorn site, cross laminated timber production
- Lubricating oil-free transport of the living natural product with board length differences
- Packages with and without scantlings as well as foiling on the same packaging line
- Largely automated, capacity-optimized truck loading
Facts & figures
| High-bay warehouse | Packing line & truck loading hall |
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"The all-in-one concept from HÖRMANN Intralogistics has enabled us to revolutionize our logistics processes. The designed software control, sensor technology, innovative conveyor technology and seamless integration into our existing processes increase our efficiency and competitiveness. We are delighted with the possibilities offered by this new system."
Stefan Hierzenberger
Head of Group Logistics, MMH
About MMH & Hörmann Intralogistics
About MMH
Mayr-Melnhof Holz Holding AG, headquartered in Leoben, was founded in 1850 and is one of the leading European companies in the sawn timber and wood processing sectors. Around 1,630 people are employed at nine locations. As a driving force in the timber industry, market leader in the glulam segment and a driving force in the advance in the production of cross-laminated timber, the building and construction material of the future, the long-established company relies on advanced, efficient plant solutions for the expansion and modernization of its plants.
About Hörmann Intralogistics
Mayr-Melnhof Holz Holding AG, headquartered in Leoben, was founded in 1850 and is one of the leading European companies in the sawn timber and wood processing sectors. Around 1,630 people are employed at nine locations. As a driving force in the timber industry, market leader in the glulam segment and a driving force in the advance in the production of cross-laminated timber, the building and construction material of the future,the long-established company relies on advanced, efficient plant solutions for the expansion and modernization of its plants.
Reference film
The wood logistics movie: Intralogistics for the wood industry - at Mayr Melnhof Holz in Leoben
Timber-Intralogistics at Mayr-Melnhof Holz in Leoben
Contact us
Do you see yourself in the MMH story with challenges and possible solutions for your own business? Get in touch with our project planning experts without obligation. We will give you an assessment of your current and optimized material flow, automation options and an initial target price.
