Harder Logistics Opens Fully Automated Container Storage Facility

Automated container storage facilities are already something special in Germany. Last Friday, Harder Logistics opened such a property at its new location in Neu-Ulm, which features another innovative unique selling point. Users can digitally trigger the loading and unloading process themselves, making them independent of opening hours or personnel capacities.

(Neu-Ulm) A stylish black cube has become a focal point directly on the A7 at exit 121-Nersingen. This houses the fully automated container storage facility of the relocation company, storage specialist, and furniture forwarder Harder Logistics. On the occasion of the opening, its managing owner Marcello Danieli stated: “With an investment of around 7 million euros in land and building, we are at the forefront of digitalization in the container storage segment. We start with an occupancy rate of 85 percent, which demonstrates the high demand.” A second construction phase is in planning. “I hope to realize this within the next six to eight years and thus double the storage capacity from currently 250 to 500 containers,” Danieli envisions.

The difference from previous container storage facilities lies in the fact that customers can access their rented containers personally 24/7. They trigger the loading and unloading processes digitally without the involvement of Harder Logistics. “The authorized person has a web-based access to the portal, which can be accessed from a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. There, they select the day, time, and duration for the provision of the container and book the slot,” explains Johannes Danieli, Junior Project Manager at Harder Logistics. Primarily, machines, files, furniture, and vehicles are stored. The storage duration varies depending on need, ranging from a few days to several years.

Special Security Mechanisms Implemented

The approximately 19-meter-high hall is designed to stack up to 250 containers in six levels using an automated portal bridge crane controlled by lasers. The process takes about 20 to 30 minutes until selected boxes are at the handover point. In principle, there are two handover points in the hall, allowing two customers to be served simultaneously. Due to the fully automated provision, special security mechanisms are in place compared to conventional construction methods.

With scanners and lasers, it is continuously monitored that no one is present in the handling area during the loading and unloading processes. “The crane can only be activated in the hall and in the lock when no person is present in the entire complex,” specifies Bernd Mergard, Managing Director of the construction company Matthäi, adding, “the lock with the handover point is a separate room that can only be accessed through a door and a gate secured with a code.” The company Matthäi Schlüsselfertigbau was responsible for the construction of the property.

Securing the Future in a Challenging Market Environment

Danieli consciously decided to start construction on October 13, 2020, even though this time was marked by high economic uncertainty due to the Corona pandemic. However, the entrepreneur wanted to set a sign for future security at this very moment. This determination impresses Andreas Eichinger, Managing Director of the Federal Association of Furniture Forwarding and Logistics (AMÖ): “With the opening of his new container storage facility, Marcello Danieli once again shows that his company is at the forefront when it comes to implementing innovative ideas and thus opening up new business areas. And he does this with a consistency that is unparalleled. Having the composure to think things through to the end and then implement them in a challenging market environment impresses me.”

The topics of environment, sustainability, and expansion possibilities were of high priority for Marcello Danieli when selecting the site. The acquired property in the Riffelbank industrial area offers potential for expansions, both in the area of storage halls and for office buildings, administration, and fleet. Johannes Danieli is particularly pleased to have found a sustainable solution for capacity expansion with the “container high-rise,” which significantly reduces land consumption. He quantifies the reduced space consumption: “The high-tech property can accommodate up to 250 containers on an area of 950 m². This means that only 10 percent of the previous area is used for the boxes. Conventional storage would require 9,000 m² of space.”

The Fully Automated Container Storage Facility at a Glance

* Fully automated container storage facility with an area of 950 m² and a storage capacity of 250 containers

* Location: Riffelbank industrial area, An der Leibi 20, Neu-Ulm, with direct access to the A7 motorway and the European road B 10.

* Investment in land and building: approximately 7 million euros

* Container availability 24/7, direct access via internet portal

* Building height approximately 19 m with the possibility of stacking containers on 6 levels

Photo: © Harder Logistics / Image caption: Johannes (left) and Marcello Danieli from Harder Logistics have built the container storage facility in a space-saving manner upwards.