Boosting Logistics Capacity in the Chomutov Region
The official opening of the new Vileda warehouse marks a significant development for the logistics landscape near Chomutov (specifically, the industrial zone on the outskirts of Jirkov). Developed in a built-to-suit model by Panattoni, with Goldbeck as the general contractor and RSJ Investments as the investor, the project was completed efficiently, being handed over just 294 days after the contract signing.
The facility boasts a substantial logistics operational area spanning 31,000 m² within a total hall size of 55,000 m². Standing 10.5 meters high, the building is designed with modern logistics needs in mind and is targeting BREEAM New Construction 'Excellent' certification, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and quality construction.
Operations and Technology at the New Hub
Logistics partner Hopi is managing the operations under a five-year lease with a five-year option. They will handle warehousing and Value-Added Services (VAS) for FHCS, focusing on B2B distribution to the key DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) with impressive lead times ranging from D+1 to D+5.
The warehouse is equipped for high throughput, expected to receive and dispatch approximately 2,500 pallets daily at full capacity. It features 35 loading docks and offers 44,000 pallet locations within Stow racking systems. Material handling relies on Still equipment, complemented by an autonomous Kärcher cleaning robot to maintain operational efficiency.
Integrated VAS and Automation
A dedicated VAS department is integrated into the facility, specializing in the assembly of cleaning sets. This area includes automated equipment such as a box erector, conveyors, sealing machines, and a Fanuc cobot for palletization. This setup allows for the efficient completion and packaging of roughly 1.1 million products annually. The operation is supported by a workforce of 45 employees in production and 53 warehouse staff, working in a two-shift system.
Further enhancing efficiency, the facility utilizes a partially automated driver check-in system from Tetronik, featuring license plate recognition and dynamic allocation of loading docks.
Strategic Location for European Distribution
The choice of the Chomutov area for this major logistics centre underscores its strategic advantage for companies looking to serve Western European markets. The built-to-suit model, rapid development timeline, and the scale and technological capabilities of the facility highlight the potential for establishing high-performance distribution hubs in the region. For businesses considering expansion or optimization of their European supply chains, this development serves as a strong indicator of the quality and potential available in the Czech Republic.
Source: systemylogistiky.cz