Tchibo launches new technologies in the modern distribution center in Cheb

Tchibo has put into operation several new unique technologies at its distribution center located in Panattoni Park Cheb. This makes it one of the most modern distribution centres in Europe. Exceptionally large hall with a total area of more than 110,000 square meters now has the most efficient system for serving large parts of the Tchibo logistic system. The entire hall was built in three separate phases between 2016 and 2021, becoming the third largest logistics hall ever built in the Czech Republic. The logistic center serves as the hub for the e-commerce business of Tchibo. The new warehouse management system was provided by Körber. Tchibo was consulted for the whole project by FORTNA. DHL is operating the warehouse. The owner of the building is Accolade Industrial Fund. Construction of the distribution center was provided by Panattoni.

The now installed new technology will enable Tchibo to optimize the capacity and utilization of its warehouse space and speed up some other logistics processes. At the heart of the new system is a modern automation and conveyor technology component that ensures that flawless returned goods are made available centrally and immediately for sale. This is ensured by a pocket sorter with around 110 packing locations. The underlying control system optimizes the goods cycle with minimal expenditure of time and resources.

„With its concept and the innovative conveyor technology, that has now been completed, Cheb is one of the most modern logistics centers in Europe. And we are proud of that,” says Dr. Jens Köppen, CFO of the Tchibo Group. "With this highly efficient and sustainable logistics center, we will successfully tackle the challenges of rapidly changing markets.“

"We have been working with Tchibo within Panattoni Park Cheb for eight years and we are honoured to have been able to create a space that is designed to utilise the most advanced technologies. This is yet another project that proves that even high-end logistics facilities can have very high added value and help the economic transformation of the former coal region," says Pavel Sovička, Managing Director at Panattoni CZ & SK.

 “FORTNA is proud to have partnered with Tchibo from the first proof of concept through detailed operations design, tendering and implementation, and is grateful to now join them for the ceremonial opening of their new distribution center. We are honored that Tchibo trusted us to not only create a highly performant, innovative logistics design but also to accompany them in their endeavor to set a new benchmark for e-commerce fulfillment”, says Bjørn A. Brunkow, FORTNA, Vice President, Head of Consulting.

 "Over many months, we have seen great cooperation among all the partners involved," says Michael Brand, Executive Vice President EMEA at Körber Supply Chain Software. “Ultimately, we have created one of the most powerful warehouse facilities across Czech, powered by a flexible and high-performing supply chain software platform that brings all the different components seamlessly together. This is a great example of end-to-end supply chain excellence.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Tchibo as their trusted logistics provider since 2020.  Our shared commitment to innovation and efficiency in logistics aligns perfectly with Tchibo’ s dedication to deliver exceptional service to its customers in a dynamic environment of e-commerce business,” says Filip Budík, General Manager, DHL Supply Chain Czech Republic.

"I am pleased that the experience of doing business in our city was and is so good for Tchibo that its management decided to invest substantial funds in the modernization in Cheb. It is not easy to attract new investments and therefore this project is a clear confirmation that it is great to do business in our region," adds Jan Vrba, Mayor of Cheb.

Panattoni Park Cheb, owned by Accolade Industrial Fund, was built in close proximity to the D6 motorway just 8 kilometers from the border with Germany. Thanks to its efficiency and performance, the park won the CIJ Awards for the best industrial park in Central and Eastern Europe in 2017. The Tchibo distribution center building itself has been awarded an Excellent rating under the stringent international BREEAM New Construction environmental certification.