Edeka Hessenring is erecting its first automated central logistics hub near Melsungen. From mid-2029, the new distribution centre will supply more than 500 stores with a dry goods range of up to 16,500 items. As with four other Edeka regions, the technology will be supplied by intralogistics specialist Witron.
The two companies signed a contract for the planning and implementation of the new distribution centre in December 2025. Edeka Hessenring apparently took longer to finally select its technology provider. Lebensmittel Zeitung already reported on the project, which is to be located in Malsfeld-Ostheim near A7 motorway, back in September 2024.
Until now, the region has worked just with manual storage and picking solutions. Edeka Hessenring’s Logistics Director Martin Steinmetz explains: “By leveraging innovative automated logistics technology, we will in future be able to supply our independent retailers more efficiently and cost-effectively – even as the variety of items continues to grow.”
Designed to pick 285,500 cases per day
The approximately 35,000 square metre facility will have a total of over 306,000 pallet, tray and tote storage locations as well as 58 stacker cranes. It will be able to pick up to 285,000 cases per day. This will mainly be done using 18 of Witron’s Case Order Machines (COM), which stack the goods on pallets or roll containers according to store requirements.
At ten workstations, all-in-one systems will pick small-volume fast and slow-moving items directly into shipping totes. The semi-automated Witron Car Picking System (CPS) supports logistics employees in picking bulky items using pick-by-voice technology. A display pallet picking system (DPP) places half and quarter pallets fully automatically on pallets or roll containers. Subsequently, a fully automated shipping buffer will optimise the dispatch process.
Networked processes to eliminate silos
To achieve holistic networking of all processes in the internal and external logistics value chain, Edeka Hessenring will use an intelligent IT platform from Witron. This promises a holistic view of all stakeholders within the supply chain, from suppliers to consumers, with the aim of eliminating silos.
The Edeka Group already uses Witron automation solutions in Hamm and Oberhausen (Rhine-Ruhr region), Landsberg (southern Bavaria region), Zarrentin and Neumünster (northern region), Berbersdorf and Marktredwitz (northern Bavaria, Saxony, Thuringia region), as well as in the Netto distribution centres in Erharting and Henstedt.
