The Interview
What are LIEBHERR’s main objectives for the new distribution center in Tupelo?
To ensure a global supply of spare parts for the LIEBHERR Group, the construction of a continental warehouse by LIEBHERR Logistics GmbH in the U.S. is a strategically important decision aimed at improving logistics capabilities and strengthening the company’s presence in the American market. Through its presence on the American continent, the LIEBHERR Group ensures optimal availability of spare parts for customers throughout the country. Proximity to American and Canadian customers enables next-day delivery. In addition, reliable replenishment deliveries are also guaranteed for South American customers. Another goal is to consolidate the sales operations for several of the group’s product segments at the new location and to offer shared services within a campus model. Furthermore, additional warehouse space for spare parts will be created.
Why was Tupelo, Mississippi, chosen as the location?
LIEBHERR evaluated all of its locations in North and South America and identified the regions around Memphis, Atlanta, Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Chicago as potential options. Decisive factors included the logistics infrastructure, proximity to domestic and international airports, the availability of labor, and the presence of a free trade zone. All of these factors are present in Tupelo, Mississippi, which is why, after thorough evaluation, this location was selected.
Jörg Ströbele
Jörg Ströbele is Managing Director of LIEBHERR Logistics GmbH. He graduated from Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences (RWU) with a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management before joining the LIEBHERR Group. In 2003, he started his career as an In-House Consultant at the LIEBHERR plant in Ehingen, Germany. In 2004, he moved to Newport News, Virginia (USA) as Logistics Manager, where he later advanced to become Head of the After-Sales Business Unit. In 2018, he was appointed Manager at LIEBHERR International AG in Bulle, Switzerland. He assumed his role as Managing Director of LIEBHERR Logistics GmbH in 2022
As a “center of gravity,” this location combines the logistical hub for the flow of goods with its immediate proximity to an air cargo hub and other major transportation and logistics routes, which is why it offers us numerous logistical advantages.
What sets this location apart from other potential regions?
Its central location enables LIEBHERR Logistics GmbH to provide even better support to its customers, who are based not only in the U.S. but throughout the entire American continent. As a “Center of Gravity,” the location combines the logistical hub for the flow of goods with immediate proximity to an air cargo hub and other key transportation and logistics routes, offering us numerous logistical advantages. These, in turn, enable us to expand our range of services, which provides customers with real added value. For example, we can implement later cutoff times—thereby optimizing time-to-market and next-day delivery.
What are the advantages of establishing the center as a free trade zone?
By utilizing the free trade zone, our customers outside the U.S. can be supplied directly from this location without any additional administrative effort. Administrative procedures remain unchanged, just as they are in Europe. However, our customers benefit from the logistical advantages of a locally based continental warehouse.
What technologies and automation solutions are used in the new distribution center?
A full range of warehouse technologies is being implemented, from manual to automated storage systems for small load carriers and pallets. The automated systems all incorporate the latest technologies available on the market to meet both current and future requirements.
To what extent do these technologies improve the center’s efficiency and reliability?
The high degree of automation ensures consistently high quality and process reliability. This not only enables improved scalability and flexible adaptation to market demand but also contributes to a significant increase in efficiency. In addition, quality controls can be optimized. From the customer’s perspective, this means faster order processing while maintaining consistently high delivery quality.
How did the collaboration with io go during the planning and implementation of the project?
Very well. Thanks to its technical expertise and experience from previous projects, io was able to successfully and effectively support the site selection and the fundamental preparatory work for the project.
What challenges arose during the project, and how were they overcome?
The biggest challenge was probably the tight timeline. Numerous potential sites were analyzed and evaluated in no time at all. The layout and planning of the building were also carried out under time pressure. However, thanks to the professional and long-standing collaboration with io, the project was successfully completed—within the specified timeframe.
