Hermes Fulfilment has begun modernizing its high-bay warehouse in Haldensleben with state-of-the-art automation. Today, the first of 61 new automated storage and retrieval cranes (RBG) was installed using a 60-meter heavy-duty crane.

The massive steel structure, weighing around 12 tons and standing 27 meters tall, was lifted into the warehouse in two parts through a ten-square-meter opening in the roof. Hermes Fulfilment is investing a mid-double-digit million euro sum in the upgrade, which is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.

Since 1994, the Haldensleben site has served as a central logistics hub for Otto Group companies, specializing in handling small-volume products such as clothing and footwear. Using advanced technology, robotics, and AI, Hermes Fulfilment manages storage, packing, and shipping to more than 20 European countries, while also processing returns efficiently.

At the heart of the facility is its 27-meter-high high-bay warehouse, featuring 61 narrow aisles capable of storing 1.2 million boxes of new merchandise. Until now, 39 automated cranes navigated the aisles using eight transfer units to switch lanes. The new system will assign one crane per aisle, eliminating transfers and increasing operational efficiency.

“The upgrade significantly reduces downtime risks and addresses aging equipment issues,” said Barbara Schröder, head of logistics planning at Hermes Fulfilment and project leader of “Goliath 61,” named after the size and number of cranes. “The TÜV inspection also recommended a replacement investment to ensure long-term operational safety.”

The new cranes, produced by Swiss manufacturer Stöcklin, are four tons lighter and faster, moving at four meters per second. Although each crane carries fewer boxes per trip—three instead of 15—the overall throughput of the warehouse is expected to rise from 3,500 to 3,900 storage and retrievals per hour.

Earlier this year, Hermes Fulfilment upgraded the warehouse control software, which now manages both old and new cranes until all 61 units are operational. Additional conveyor systems are being integrated into each aisle to enable seamless automated handling, all while the warehouse continues normal operations.

The next installation is planned for the second quarter of 2026, with four more cranes set to be replaced. Obsolete units will be dismantled, with reusable components salvaged.

Stefan Nießen, head of the Haldensleben distribution center, emphasized the significance of the project: “Goliath 61 is part of our ongoing modernization efforts. By investing in these new cranes, we are securing the future of the site and reinforcing Haldensleben’s status as a logistics flagship within the Otto Group.”

The Haldensleben site employs approximately 4,000 people, making Hermes Fulfilment the largest employer in the city and one of the top ten employers in Saxony-Anhalt.