As part of the 360° Height Days, Böcker officially inaugurated its new logistics center with automated shelving technology at its headquarters in Werne on the morning of Thursday, June 18, 2026. In the presence of representatives from the city of Werne, the general contractor Gieseke GmbH, and the architectural firm Schwerdt + Schwerdt Architekten, the company celebrated the completion of the largest construction project in its history.
Modern Logistics for Greater Efficiency
With the forward-looking construction of the new logistics center, Böcker continues to invest consistently in modern infrastructure, unique vertical integration, and attractive jobs at its Werne site. On June 18 and 19, 2026, Böcker opened its doors to customers and business partners and presented the latest innovations in crane, hoist, and rack-and-pinion technology during the “360° Height Days.” In addition, this year’s event also focused on the new logistics building. Visitors gained insights into a future-oriented inventory management system that makes supplying the production line even more efficient and predictable. The logistics of spare parts supply will also be handled even more quickly in the future.
Built on a footprint of approximately 4,600 m², the building offers ample space for incoming goods, quality assurance, and warehousing. It offers approximately 4,000 m² of storage space and combines an automated small-parts warehouse with 14,000 storage locations, an automated pallet warehouse with 7,500 storage locations, and an additional high-density racking warehouse. In this way, Böcker is consolidating key logistics processes at a single site and laying the groundwork for just-in-time delivery to production. With the completion of the new building, warehousing operations will also return from the Rünthe logistics center to the main plant over the course of the next few months.
Fully Automated Shelving Technology and a New Warehouse Management System
At the heart of the new logistics center is the combination of fully automated warehouse technology and a newly implemented warehouse management system. The software complements the existing ERP system and will control all workflows in the future—from goods receipt through storage and order picking to shipping. Based on the “goods-to-person” principle, pallets and containers are automatically retrieved by stacker cranes and distribution carts and delivered to the adjacent picking stations. For logistics specialists, this means reduced walking distances, structured processes, and ergonomic workstations.
Internal transport has also been redesigned as part of the new construction. Using a forklift guidance system, forklift operators pick up the pre-picked goods and transport them to production along standardized routes. A newly created access road serving as an east-west connection between the halls further ensures short distances between the warehouse and production. The Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics provided support in developing the holistic logistics concept.
Additional Space for Employees and Office Areas
However, the new building does not only create space for automated warehouse processes. Above the goods receiving area and the picking area, the facility was expanded by three additional floors, each measuring 864 m². Among other things, changing rooms with washing facilities were created there, as well as a floor with offices and meeting rooms. A cafeteria for all employees is also planned for the future.
The new logistics center features a modern façade consisting of a total of 5,550 m² of PIR sandwich panels, fiber-cement panels, and aluminum composite panels. The roof consists of approximately 4,500 m²of trapezoidal sheet metal with mineral wool insulation. The outdoor areas were also extensively redesigned. To this end, Böcker prepared an area of 6,000 m² and converted it into green spaces, paved areas, and parking spaces.
Sustainable Strengthening of the Corporate Headquarters in Werne
With the new logistics center, Böcker is sending a clear signal about the future of its Werne production site. The investment strengthens the reliability of the production supply chain, increases process stability, and lays the groundwork for continuing to supply customers reliably and flexibly in the future. At the same time, the company underscores its commitment to not only incorporating modern technology into its cranes, hoists, and rack-and-pinion solutions, but also to consistently applying it to its own operations.
