Interview on the Shortage of Skilled Workers
Why did you choose Hörselberg-Hainich as the location for the new logistics center?
That decision was based on a network analysis. Eisenach is centrally located in the heart of Germany and Europe and has access to the distribution centers in Bad Hersfeld and Erfurt. It also has good connections to the A4/A7 highway interchange and to the airports in Frankfurt and Leipzig.
Maximilian Dolch
Head of Corporate Projects at WEIDMÜLLER
Maximilan Dolch has been with WEIDMÜLLER since 2013. He has been leading the project as project manager since early 2019. Prior to that, he oversaw the network analysis, which also involved supervising the preliminary work for the new distribution center. Since 2022, he has been responsible for all strategic investment projects within the WEIDMÜLLER Group.
Do you have any questions?
Maximilian Dolch will be happy to help:
During our discussions with the various local institutions, we immediately got the sense that WEIDMÜLLER is welcome and is receiving the necessary support from the State Development Corporation and local policymakers. Furthermore, we also wanted to strengthen our presence in Thuringia and reaffirm our connection to the region through this project.
What were your specific requirements for the Next Generation Logistics project?
WEIDMÜLLER outsourced its logistics to an external service provider in 2016. Therefore, an in-depth market analysis was required to define the requirements for a new, in-house distribution center. In addition to a high degree of automation, optimized delivery performance, and improved service, the focus quickly shifted to the work environment. In this regard, WEIDMÜLLER wants to rely on forward-looking, proven technologies, as evidenced, for example, by the shuttle warehouse and various robotic applications. We also focused on the ergonomic design of the work environment—which helps us address the shortage of skilled workers.
What specific expertise did a general planner need to bring to the collaboration?
It was particularly important to us to take a holistic view of the various functions—logistics as the core element, the IT system, and the building. We also sought a general planner with in-depth expertise and a proven track record in these areas, since the new distribution center is the heart of our supply chain and must therefore function properly from the very start. In addition to professional qualifications, however, the chemistry between the parties involved must also be right. We wanted to ensure a good working relationship, which ultimately worked out great with io.
To what extent was the architecture of particular interest to you?
The building meets all the requirements that logistics placed on it. Furthermore, during our site visits in 2019, we noticed that almost all warehouses had two things in common: First, they were relatively dark and poorly lit; second, they were very cool during the winter months—and very warm in the summer.
Our top priority was therefore to address these two factors as effectively as possible and to incorporate the ergonomic considerations described. This is now reflected in the glass facade, which lets plenty of natural light into the building, while the temperature is controlled via underfloor heating and cooling. There were also many other factors that had to be taken into account in the design of the building. These include the sloping terrain of the site, the flow of materials in logistics, and the use of the administrative area as an event space and for client visits. All of this is now reflected in the distribution center’s extraordinary architecture.
Information About the WEIDMÜLLER Group
Smart Industrial Connectivity: Electrification, automation, digitalization, electrical connectivity, electromobility, and renewable energy—markets in which WEIDMÜLLER is well-established. Founded in 1850, this family-owned company has production facilities and sales subsidiaries in more than 80 countries. As a global player in electrical connection technology, WEIDMÜLLER generated revenue of more than one billion euros in fiscal year 2022 with approximately 6,000 employees worldwide —of whom approximately 2,000 are based at the headquarters in Detmold, in the heart of East Westphalia-Lippe.
How did the collaboration with io come about?
It was clear to us early on that we wanted to work with an experienced planner who had comprehensive expertise and strong references. During our discussions with io, we always felt we were in good hands. This was especially true because they addressed all of our specific requests professionally and in line with our needs. That positive impression was consistently confirmed throughout the rest of the bidding process, which is why we ultimately reached an agreement. In September 2019, we came together for the joint project kickoff.
Were there any special circumstances during the course of the project?
First, of course, there was the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us to work from home overnight. All planned on-site workshops had to be held digitally. The specifications and plans were created almost exclusively in Teams meetings. The bidding documents for selecting the general contractors were also prepared online.
Then, the materials availability crisis didn’t spare this project either. For example, there was a shortage of insulation material for the glass facade, which meant that one side of the building couldn’t be properly sealed during the winter. As a result, there were setbacks during the installation of the system. So, in this context as well, many thanks again to everyone involved! Thank you for continuing to work together despite the circumstances and ensuring that we didn’t lose any time.
