Grocery Logistics

Heinrichsthaler Embraces Automated Palletizing to Optimize Cold Chain Logistics

Radeberg, Germany

Supply chain challenges

Headquartered in Radeberg, Germany, Heinrichsthaler Milchwerke GmbH specializes in the production of a wide range of hard and semi-hard cheeses using regional milk. They supply their products to wholesale customers and grocery retailers and enjoy a healthy international reach.

The Objective

To improve the quality of their supply chain and guarantee faster delivery, Heinrichsthaler worked with TGW Logistics to incorporate an automated palletizing system into their production site. Their goal was to increase output and achieve optimal preservation of their product throughout the material flow process.

TGW Logistics Solutions in Action

The time-sensitive nature of Heinrichsthaler’s materials (milk and cheese) requires an innovative approach to food logistics. While enhancing the efficiency of their production facility was a primary goal, it was also imperative to ensure their products maintained the utmost quality while being handled and in transit to their customers.

Automated Palletizing

To streamline production, we introduced automated central palletizing technology that helps move milk cartons from packaging lines to grouping stations. There, the cartons are positioned and arranged with the support of tilting and turning devices. Production is monitored by TGW Logistics' warehouse management software, which acts as the facility’s control center.

Carboard boxes moving along the conveyor belt at grocery specialist Heinrichsthaler's distribution center

Robot operating on cardboard boxes on the conveyor belts

Gantry Robots

We incorporated three automated gantry robots to facilitate the fast and efficient stacking of milk cartons on pallets. Their compact and durable design allows them to operate in tight spaces, ensuring precision and maximum output. Plus, with low-maintenance guide and drive systems, our palletizing robots help reduce Heinrichsthaler’s total cost of ownership.

Empty Pallet Handling

Part of our automated palletizing system includes inspecting empty pallets. This automated process promotes better pallet supply management, ensuring that pallets that can no longer be used are removed from circulation.

Safe Shipping

A centralized slip sheet handling system provides smooth pallet positioning and reduces the need for manual handling. Winders add edge protection to the pallets, preventing product damage during delivery.

Overview of the pallet machine inside the Heinrichsthaler distribution center

Making Growth Possible

By automating Heinrichsthaler’s material handling systems, TGW Logistics created an environment conducive to company growth. Our innovative palletizing system resulted in two important milestones:

A doubling of the site’s palletizing output to 100 pallets per hour
An improvement in the preservation and quality of their product due to safe and gentle handling

In addition to these results, the production site now has the flexibility to efficiently manage the often hard-to-handle food materials required for their product.

Automate Your Material Flow

TGW Logistics offers innovative solutions to supply chain challenges with our range of automated warehouse systems. Whether you need higher output or a more efficient material flow, we make it possible.