Harder’s Headquarters in Neu-Ulm Completed Two Months Ahead of Schedule

The new headquarters of the relocation company HARDER logistics in the Riffelbank/Neu-Ulm industrial area was completed two months ahead of schedule. During the commissioning, Johannes Danieli, authorized signatory of HARDER logistics, symbolically placed a significant keystone in the form of art on the building – a gift from the construction company Blautal. Low loaders and cranes were used to position the 13-ton concrete structure, which displays the company name over seven meters in length.

(Neu-Ulm) Marcello Danieli, managing partner at HARDER logistics, expressed satisfaction: “Thanks to solid construction planning, we can move into our new property twelve months after the groundbreaking, which is two months earlier than planned. Additionally, we have stayed below the estimated costs.” HARDER logistics budgeted nine million euros for the investment in the office building, logistics hall, and open spaces. The new buildings are complemented by a fully automated container storage facility with an investment volume of seven million euros, which was opened in 2022.

“With this new building, Harder logistics is committed to its home region and demonstrates that sustainable business practices, innovative logistics solutions, and regional responsibility can go hand in hand,” explains Alexander Müller, managing partner of Blautal construction company.

Sustainability Includes CO2-Neutral Operation

In developing the site, HARDER logistics has strategically focused on sustainability. This includes CO2-neutral operation. A large photovoltaic system on the roof contributes to this, producing up to two megawatts of electricity monthly in its final expansion stage. An air/water heat pump heats the office building, supplemented by additive heating and cooling ceilings. An intelligent energy management system ensures optimal interaction between the various energy sources. Additionally, a charging infrastructure is prepared to operate the fleet in the future. A green roof on the office building helps integrate the complex well into nature.

The commissioned architect Berthold Braunger from Braunger Wörtz Architects adds: “A modular additive and circular construction method has been implemented. On the one hand, the buildings are expandable. On the other hand, the components can be disassembled after their usage period and integrated into a recycling loop. The wooden facade of the office emphasizes the circular approach.”

Logistics Areas Include 14 km of Shelving System

The logistics hall, with an area of 4,800 m2, is versatile. It is designed for the storage of machines and equipment, goods, furniture, archives, and art exhibits, as well as logistical value-added services. For the document management business area, the existing shelving system has been expanded by one-third and can now accommodate 14 running kilometers of files. A hazardous materials storage area, primarily dedicated to truck and bus batteries, complements the functionalities. The demand for storage services is high. “The hall is already 80 percent booked,” reports Danieli. Additionally, 4,500 m2 of open space is available for logistics and the fleet.

Container Hall Well Received by the Market

The fully automated container storage hall, with a storage capacity for 250 containers on the same site, has been well received by the market, which HARDER logistics has been operating for the third year. It features an innovative unique selling proposition. Users can autonomously control the inbound and outbound storage process via an app, allowing them to access their containers 24/7 independently.

With the multi-stage investment, Marcello Danieli sees the company well-prepared for the future: “The diverse and compact setup of our site enables fast and efficient processes. Sustainability is integrated into all areas, and the available expansion areas give us the confidence to grow in step with our customers at the German location.”

Photo: © Harder