Swisslog and Lebkuchen-Schmidt complete Vectura pallet stacker crane installation at new central logistics site in Nuremberg

Lebkuchen-Schmidt’s business model is characterized by two distinct peak periods: In spring and summer, the company focusses mainly on handling products for export, while in the weeks leading up to Christmas operations shift to high volume picking of more than 2,000 cartons per hour, for replenishing its own seasonal stores and global parcel shipments. 

Flexible automation for seasonal peaks and e-commerce

The Vectura pallet stacker cranes enable automated pallet handling for both scenarios. The new high-bay warehouse features four double-deep and two multi-deep configured Vectura systems, offering approximately 24,400 storage locations at a building height of 35 meters, with a maximum load capacity of 1,000 kilograms per handling unit.

Swisslog’s SynQ Warehouse Management System (WMS) will orchestrate all manual, semi-automated, and fully automated processes in the facility - from the stacker cranes and conveyor systems through to the AutoStore system supporting e-commerce fulfilment. This integration will enable Lebkuchen-Schmidt to master both seasonal peaks while enabling e-commerce growth.

Efficient logistics for the future

"The successful installation of the pallet cranes marks a key milestone for our new logistics center in Nuremberg," says Kirill Heidt, Logistics and Site Manager at Lebkuchen-Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG. "This system is a central component in future-proofing our logistics operations and will enable us to make our processes significantly more efficient and capable. We look forward to the next steps towards commissioning."

"This milestone demonstrates our strength; to deliver integrated solutions for complex logistics requirements," says Markus Kirchhoff, Senior Vice President Sales & Accounts EMEA, Swisslog GmbH. By combining Vectura for pallet handling, AutoStore for high-throughput order fulfilment, and SynQ to coordinate all processes, we are supporting Lebkuchen-Schmidt in establishing a system future-proofed for the coming decades.”

Modular integration of all components

The new distribution centre consolidates six previous decentralized warehouses into a single location, creating a more efficient logistics operation and supporting future growth and jobs at the Nuremberg location. The Vectura stacker cranes reduce energy consumption by up to 20 percent compared to traditional high-bay warehouses, a high-efficiency photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof, and the consolidation of locations additionally saves transportation routes. 

Construction and installation have progressed on schedule despite challenging winter conditions. Following the completion of the Vectura installation, the focus now shifts to integrating all mechanical and electrical components, to bring the entire system into operation. 

In addition to the stacker cranes, Swisslog’s solution includes ProMove and QuickMove conveyor systems, an AutoStore system with approximately 17,000 bins, and the SynQ WMS.

Completion of the new distribution centre is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

For more information about Vectura and Swisslog's automation solutions, visit our solutions and products area.

About Swisslog

Swisslog delivers data- and robotics-driven solutions for logistics automation as well as reliable, modular service concepts. Together with forward-thinking companies, we set new standards in warehouse automation and develop future-proof products and solutions.
As part of the KUKA Group, our customers rely on the expertise of our committed employees—over 15,000 people worldwide.
www.swisslog.com & www.kuka.com

About Lebkuchen-Schmidt

During peak season, Lebkuchen-Schmidt employs more than 1,000 people at its Nuremberg site. Since 2023, it has been the first gingerbread manufacturer ever to be certified with the state-recognised ZNU Standard for Sustainable Business. This certification officially acknowledges Schmidt's sustainability strategy, which encompasses a range of social commitments, including the use of electricity from renewable energy sources, the use of Fairtrade cocoa beans for all chocolate products, climate-friendly shipping of all parcels, and a dedicated protected area for bees on the company's production site.
www.lebkuchen-schmidt.com

Press Contact

Norma Jean Levin
Am Sandtorkai 73, 20457 Hamburg
norma.levin@schoesslers.com
+49160 948 186 04
www.schoesslers.com