Another giant leap

Hilter a.T.W. It started two years ago with the new office building and will finish this November with the opening of the new logistics centre: Höcker Polytechnik can face its future growth confidently thanks to process optimisations and restructuring.

The construction project tender made one thing clear: the costs threatened to exceed its initial scope, never mind the anticipated planning expenses. Eventually what should have happened did happen: Glandorf architect Josef Ossege was able to fulfil all of the management’s requirements and wishes right from the beginning stages. The engineer’s creation can now be admired at Borgloher Straβe 1 in Hilter.

The diggers that flattened the old office building and the disused logistics building in May 2012 didn’t stop at the ancient foundations of the lime kiln that once stood there. However, this didn’t mean that the shipping and receiving departments got into difficulties, quite the opposite; over the coming months both teams grew closer together and outgrew themselves. Using some temporary space they were able to maintain the company’s whole logistics support.

The result of the construction efforts is impressive: 3600 m2 of logistics space, 11m ceiling height, steel-framed construction. The aims that were set at the beginning were all achieved, without exception: Lots of space, less intrusive supports, the latest energy-efficiency features, ergonomic work stations. In configuring the logistics area it was only the intensive cooperation between Professor Wolfgang Bode from Osnabrück College and engineer Donatus Minio from Höcker Polytechnic that made these things possible.

The communal area on the first floor has a modern kitchen and canteen. On this level the construction is oriented towards future demographic trends the obligations of the company resulting from its membership of the business initiative “Let’s Mint”.

Externally too they have taken account of the most up-to-date requirements; the number of docking points for lorries has been increased threefold and the space in front of the building has a generous-sized roof. Even articulated lorries can now get around the whole building, which at the same time takes into consideration the requirements of the local fire brigade.

Intralogistics and external logistics benefit from the development of a modern WMS (Warehouse Management System). Short routes and a constant supply of production materials should make internal processes even more efficient. In order to implement these requirements some technical refinements have been installed: Kardex Shuttle (a fully automated high-bay storage system), new ergonomic packing tables and modern horizontal-vertical picking vehicles in a main corridor sys-tem make life easier.

Ultimately, all good things come in threes: after the office building and the logistics building the construction of the new “Eppendorf production building” will begin at the start of 2013. The contracts for it have already been awarded. Last but not least, the facades of the existing building will be thoroughly cleaned. The course has been clearly set for growth.