GLS Germany has started with the construction of its third ecological depot in Kürnach nearWürzburg, in the south of Germany, replacing the current smaller site to expand capacity.
The new €5 million distribution centre is considerably larger than the previous depot inKürnach. It will be constructed in an ecologically optimised way with recyclable materials whileusing regenerative energies extensively.
“The capacities at the old site were not sufficient anymore,” explained Klaus Conrad, ManagingDirector GLS Germany. “But since the site provides an ideal infrastructure, we have decided tobuild only 300 metres away from the old depot.”
With a building area of about 2,500 sqm, the depot has 81 gates providing fast loading andunloading. A two-strand conveyor technique, modern scanning systems and constant video-surveillanceensure fast and safe parcel handling. “The depot is designed for sorting an average of 18,000parcels daily,” Konrad said. With rising shipping volumes, the capacity can be increased with anexpanded stage for the building and sorting chain already included in the construction plan.
Kürnach represents the third GLS site in Germany where a sustainable construction method andresource-conserving operations are taken into account. Measures include a heat pump heating systemas a primary heating source, a device for rainwater usage as well as the implementation of mostlyrecyclable steel panels.
“The construction of our first green depot in Vaihingen-Enz, southeast Germany was a test run,”Conrad concluded. “But all the measures stood the test in daily operations. They preserve theenvironment and are reasonable in economic terms.”
All the employees from the previous site will transfer to the new location. Around 105 employeesand delivery drivers work at the depot.
