Successful commissioning of the new Kärcher Service Center

Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG successfully opened its new central service center in Ahorn, Germany at the end of 2023. In the future, products from ten European countries will be serviced and repaired on approximately 10,000 square meters.
 

As logistics planner, the consulting and planning company io supported the realization, commissioning, and relocation. The final acceptance, also supported by io, took place at the beginning of February 2024.

The new building significantly improves the repair performance of Alfred Kärcher SE & Co. KG and reduces the workload of its employees through a high degree of automation. Modern IT structures will be used for the maintenance and repair of equipment, reducing throughput times for repairs and administrative work. Using a modular workstation concept, the entire repair area, including material supply, can be quickly adapted to seasonal requirements. The building also meets KFW 40 sustainability standards.

The future prospects for further expansion through additional construction phases encouraged Kärcher to choose this location. The new site is also easily accessible.

"The new service center allows us to respond more quickly and effectively to our customers' needs. The new location ensures that Kärcher's future growth is covered. In addition, the high level of automation and ergonomic workstations have created a sustainable working environment for the employees. The expertise of io was instrumental to the success of this project," says Miriam Kupka, Senior Director and Plant Manager of the Ahorn Service Center.
 

As a logistics planner, io has already supported the planning, tendering and implementation of the new double-deep high-bay warehouse in Obersontheim. With a capacity of more than 31,000 pallet spaces, it was realized within 11 months and successfully put into operation in December 2022.

"We are very pleased that the partnership and cooperation between our two companies will continue in the implementation support of the new Kärcher service center in Ahorn and the future high-bay warehouse at the Bühlertal production site," says Frank Czaja, Business Unit Manager Logistics at io.

About Kärcher

Kärcher is the world's leading provider of cleaning technology. The family-owned company employs 16,000 people in 82 countries and more than 160 companies. More than 50,000 service centers in all countries ensure seamless customer service worldwide. In 2023, Kärcher achieved the highest turnover in its history at 3.294 billion euros.