trans-o-flex inaugurates location in Wildenfels/Saxony

The express service provider trans-o-flex inaugurated its new location in Wildenfels, Saxony, near Zwickau yesterday. Up to 150 people will work at the logistics center of the express service. The sustainable property impresses with its low space requirements, high throughput performance, strong thermal insulation, natural cooling, rainwater infiltration, and charging stations for electric vehicles.

(Weinheim) “Anyone who only increases the capacity and efficiency of their networks with a new location in logistics is doing something terribly wrong,” said Wolfgang P. Albeck, CEO of trans-o-flex, yesterday at the official opening of the new logistics center in Wildenfels near Zwickau. “New locations must also score points with sustainability, reduce the CO2 footprint of logistics, and secure the future of the industry with attractive jobs and training opportunities.” The company, which specializes in express transport and logistics solutions for the healthcare, cosmetics, and consumer electronics sectors, as well as other sensitive goods, has therefore developed a real estate concept with a large sustainability toolbox that is tailored to the local possibilities and conditions.

Thus, in Wildenfels, the logistics center was built in the shape of a large Y on a 30,000 square meter plot. This design achieves a high number of 99 gates for quick loading and unloading with a very compact hall area of 5,000 square meters. The shape also minimizes the necessary traffic area and enables quick cross-docking between long-distance trucks and delivery vehicles.

Thermal insulation reduces operating costs

“We have invested above average in strong thermal insulation, which already reduces operating costs and climate impact in the medium term,” Albeck continued. “The temperature control of the facility, which is necessary for the safety of the sensitive goods we transport, 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 done with gas dark radiators, and LED lights ensure sustainable workplace safety.

As another investment in more sustainability, all rain that falls on the roofs and sealed areas of the property is not directed into the sewage system. Instead, a special piping system has been installed under 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,” Albeck explained to the guests at the opening. “We relieve the local sewer system and the treatment plant, do something against the decline of the groundwater level, and save rainwater fees.” The system is designed to accommodate the rainfall of a so-called century rain completely without overflowing. This way, the system balances both heavy rainfall 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.

trans-o-flex Managing Director Wolfgang P. Albeck (left) handed over the symbolic key for the trans-o-flex location in Wildenfels to Branch Manager Peter Morgenroth (© trans-o-flex)

Completely electric cooling of the fleet on site

The location is also prepared for the increasing electromobility: charging stations for employees’ electric vehicles have been installed, and connections for charging delivery vehicles have been laid. “The new generation of our delivery vehicles no longer needs diesel for temperature control of the loading areas at 2 to 8 degrees or 15 to 25 degrees, but is completely electrically cooled,” said Albeck. “And our fleet of service vehicles will gradually be converted to electric motor vehicles.”

Operationally, network efficiency has increased due to the new facility, among other reasons, because two previously separate locations have been merged here. Albeck: “The new branch serves as both a transshipment center for our cooling network trans-o-flex ThermoMed with temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius and for trans-o-flex Express with uncooled and actively cooled transports in the ambient range of 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.”

Various training offers

Including drivers employed by transport partners, up to 150 people will work from this location. “As the demand for our special services increases, we are expanding the workforce in all areas – whether in transshipment personnel or in our customer service. Additionally, we also offer young people a perspective who want to establish themselves in the future-oriented logistics industry, for example, through a solid training as a freight forwarding merchant or a dual study program.”

The municipal authorities are pleased

Tino Kögler, Mayor of the city of Wildenfels, emphasized the importance of trans-o-flex’s sustainability strategy at the opening of the location yesterday. “We are not only pleased because trans-o-flex is creating jobs and training opportunities in an increasingly important industry,” said the 51-year-old. “Rather, trans-o-flex is very aware of its responsibility as a logistics service provider and as a company that primarily transports pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods. It is making an important contribution to the supply of the population, especially during the Corona pandemic, for example, with medications, rapid tests, disinfectants, or urgently needed protective equipment. The sustainable investments here at the location are, for me, a good example of how economic efficiency and environmental protection can go hand in hand.”

Title photo: © trans-o-flex