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The BERNER Group has comprehensively modernized its distribution center in Künzelsau.
A total of around five million euros was invested in the project – the company’s largest single investment in Supply Chain since the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative is part of a Europe-wide strategy aimed at preparing BERNER’s logistics network for continued growth.
The modernization at the company’s headquarters was carried out over the past eight months while operations continued uninterrupted. Divided into several phases, key areas of inbound and outbound logistics were gradually upgraded. “Implementing a project of this scale alongside day-to-day operations is an extraordinary challenge. It is therefore all the more remarkable that we were able to stay within the planned timeline and budget. This success is the result of the tremendous commitment, flexibility, and outstanding collaboration of everyone involved. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the entire team,” emphasizes Sebastian Knecht, Director Cluster Warehouse and overall project lead.
Automation Increases Performance
The approximately 15,000-square-meter distribution center in Künzelsau was built in 1988 and is one of the most important logistics hubs within the Group. From the Garnberg site, BERNER serves trade professionals in Germany, Switzerland, and other international markets. With its most extensive logistics investment in recent years, BERNER is responding to growing demands for product availability and on-time delivery in an increasingly competitive market environment. New conveyor technology, intelligent control systems, innovative printing and labeling solutions, and a fully integrated packaging system create the technical foundation for a seamless material flow. The benefits can be seen throughout the entire process chain: goods now move through the distribution center largely automatically. A key element is the direct connection between goods receiving and order picking, which reduces transport distances and shortens throughput times. At the same time, the new system technology sustainably increases both productivity and process stability in order picking and the connected shipping areas.
Future-Proof Logistics for Employees and Customers
As part of its Corporate Responsibility strategy, the BERNER Group also placed a special focus on employee health and safety. Ergonomically designed workstations significantly reduce physical strain on employees. For example, manual lifting requirements have been considerably reduced. “This project represents an important step toward the long-term development of logistics at our headquarters,” says Alexander Kloster, Vice President Logistics International. “Our ambition is to maintain reliable delivery performance even during periods of high demand and to deliver shipments to our customers’ workshops and construction sites within 24 hours. To handle order peaks even more flexibly, we have deliberately created additional buffer zones.” The smart and modular design of the new system is built for future capacity expansion and can be dynamically adapted as demand grows. For BERNER, the direction is clear: the family-owned company will continue its investment strategy and, following the successful completion of this project, is already evaluating further modernization initiatives at its headquarters in the Hohenlohe region.
Background: BERNER Advances Its Logistics Expansion Across Europe
The project in Künzelsau is part of a strategic program by the BERNER Group to strengthen its European logistics network. “Our customers expect the same high level of product availability and delivery quality across Europe. That is why we continue to invest consistently in high-performance, scalable, and future-oriented supply chain structures,” emphasizes CEO Peter Schmidt. “Reliable logistics build trust – and trust is the foundation of long-term customer relationships.”
Another key focus is currently Portugal, where BERNER is expanding its distribution center by 2,000 m², effectively doubling its existing operational space. In addition, a new chemical storage facility covering more than 500 m² is being constructed. The BERNER Group is investing approximately four million euros in the project, with commissioning scheduled for January 2027. The B2B specialist is also driving its logistics expansion forward in Austria. In Braunau, the latest generation of packaging and shipping technology has been installed as part of an investment of around 1.5 million euros. The new system enables faster, more efficient, and more resource-conscious order processing.
Projects in the Netherlands and France are also helping to increase quality, safety, and stability throughout the entire value chain, including the implementation of innovative voice-picking solutions in order fulfillment operations. In addition, the BERNER Group has already laid the groundwork for future investments in Spain and Poland. Both countries have been among the trading group's most successful markets for many years. The planned measures will create the conditions needed to continue serving customers with punctual deliveries, reliable service, and the high standards they expect from BERNER.
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The BERNER Group has comprehensively modernized its distribution center in Künzelsau.
While many companies are currently taking a cautious approach due to persistently weak economic indicators, rising costs and an uncertain business environment, the BERNER Group is deliberately pursuing a different course: bold investments in its core busin ess, expansion of its international sourcing network and promotion of its own product innovations to move even closer to its customers.