trans-o-flex Logistics Center in Wildenfels Sets Ecological Standards

The groundbreaking ceremony for the latest logistics center of trans-o-flex in the town of Wildenfels near Zwickau. The express service provider is investing a double-digit million amount in Saxony for its new branch, which sets ecological standards: low space requirements with high throughput, strong thermal insulation, natural cooling, rainwater infiltration, and charging stations for electric vehicles.

(Weinheim) The express service trans-o-flex yesterday laid the foundation stone for a new transshipment center in Wildenfels near Zwickau. On a 30,000 square meter plot, the service provider, specialized in express transport and logistics solutions for manufacturers in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and consumer electronics industries, as well as other high-quality and sensitive goods, is building a highly efficient and ecological sorting center for a double-digit million amount. A special Y-shape of the facility allows for a total of 99 gates for quick loading and unloading, despite having only a 5,000 square meter transshipment hall. Wildenfels is expected to start operations in spring 2022. Including drivers employed by transport partners, up to 150 people will work from this location.

“With every new building that increases the efficiency and capacity of our networks, we also keep our sustainability goals in mind,” said CEO Wolfgang P. Albeck at the groundbreaking ceremony. The company aims to operate completely CO2-neutral by 2045 at the latest. “We are therefore also increasing our investments for strong thermal insulation, thereby reducing operating costs and climate impact. The service-related special temperature control of the facility is achieved through an ecologically and economically favorable combination of free cooling via supply air grids and exhaust fans, as well as an air conditioning system.” Heating is provided by gas dark radiators, and LED lights ensure sustainable workplace safety.

Rainwater is Collected

As another investment in more sustainability, all rain that falls on roofs and sealed areas of the property will not be directed into the sewage system. Instead, a special piping system has been installed beneath the courtyard surface that collects all rainwater. The pipes have flaps that control the release of water. “This allows us to enable natural infiltration despite the development of the property,” explains trans-o-flex CEO Wolfgang P. Albeck to the guests at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This relieves the local sewer system and the treatment plant, helps combat the decline of the groundwater level, and saves on rainwater fees.” The system is designed to handle the rainfall amount of a so-called century rain without overflowing. This makes the system balancing and can mitigate both the effects of heavy rain and dry periods. To prevent tire wear or oils from entering the groundwater, a lamella separator filters such substances from the surface water before it is controlled into the environment.

Furthermore, the location is prepared for the increasing electromobility: charging stations for employees’ electric vehicles are being built, and connections for charging options for delivery vehicles are being laid. Operationally, the network efficiency will increase due to the new facility, among other reasons, because two previously separate locations are being merged here. Albeck: “The new branch will serve as a transshipment center for our cooling network trans-o-flex ThermoMed (2 to 8 degrees Celsius) as well as for trans-o-flex Express with its uncooled and actively temperature-controlled transports in the ambient range (15 to 25 degrees Celsius).”

Politics Delighted by Sustainable Investments

The sustainability strategy of trans-o-flex was also highlighted at the groundbreaking ceremony by Tino Kögler, Mayor of the town of Wildenfels. “We are not only pleased because we are getting a company that creates jobs here,” says the 50-year-old. “Rather, trans-o-flex is very consciously taking on its responsibility as a logistics service provider and as a company that primarily transports pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods. It has made an important contribution to supplying the population with medications, as well as disinfectants and urgently needed protective equipment, especially during the Corona crisis. And the sustainable investments here at the site are, for me, a good example of how economic efficiency and environmental protection can go hand in hand.”

Photo: © trans-o-flex / Image caption: (from left): Peter Morgenroth, designated branch manager of the Wildenfels location, Wolfgang P. Albeck, trans-o-flex CEO, Christoph Schoeller, partner of trans-o-flex, and Tino Kögler, Mayor of the town of Wildenfels.