Subscribe

Tag: germany

The Future of Germany’s Power Grid – Intelligent Control Systems

Posted on by David Priestman

E.ON and PSI Software AG have announced a strategic partnership to deploy a standardized, intelligent network control system aimed at enhancing the efficiency, security, and sustainability of Germany’s energy distribution grid. The initiative, set to be completed by 2029, will unify the control systems across E.ON’s grid companies, marking a major step toward modernizing the country’s energy infrastructure.

The project will leverage PSI’s modular “Control System of the Future” (CSF) platform, designed to streamline operations, reduce maintenance costs, and enable advanced automation within the electricity and gas distribution networks. The CSF platform features a secure, open software architecture that allows for seamless integration of emerging technological advancements, ensuring long-term adaptability to evolving energy demands.

The German Power Grid

Germany’s power grid is one of the most advanced and complex in the world, integrating a mix of conventional and renewable energy sources. The country has been a global leader in the transition to clean energy, with ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the share of renewables in electricity production. However, the shift to decentralized energy generation and fluctuating renewable sources, such as wind and solar, has presented new challenges for grid stability and efficiency. To address these issues, Germany has been investing in digitalization and intelligent grid management solutions to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply. In Germany, more than 95 percent of renewable energy such as wind or photovoltaics are connected to the distribution grids. With the heating and mobility transition, millions of electric vehicles and heat pumps will also have to be integrated into the grid in the coming years. To meet these challenges, E.ON is continuously developing its grids and system management.

Integrating Electric Lorries into the Grid

As the transition to electric mobility accelerates, heavy-duty electric lorries will play a crucial role in reducing transport-related emissions. The widespread adoption of electric lorries presents significant challenges for Germany’s power grid, requiring careful management of charging infrastructure and energy distribution. High-powered charging stations for lorries demand substantial electricity capacity, necessitating smart grid solutions to balance supply and demand efficiently. E.ON is actively working on strategies to ensure seamless integration of these vehicles into the grid, enhancing infrastructure resilience and optimizing energy use. Through intelligent load management and grid modernization, the company aims to support the growing fleet of electric lorries while maintaining grid stability.

The Control System Project

“The new, standardized network control system is an essential building block for this and an important step towards standardization. At the same time, a modular system is being created that can be expanded and thus react flexibly to the requirements of the future.” said Harald Heß, Senior Vice President Energy Networks Technology & Innovation, E.ON.

For the successful implementation of the project, PSI and E.ON rely on agile principles and cooperative partnership. PSI will set up its own customer unit, which will work closely with E.ON’s key supplier management. The common goal is to make an important contribution to the reliable, economical and sustainable grid management of the future, with important topics such as sector coupling and holistic optimization of the energy system becoming more important.

“We are very proud that E.ON is relying on its long-standing partner PSI for the implementation of a new and standardized network control system,” says Robert Klaffus, CEO of PSI. “This confirms our strategy of technologically redefining the grid management of the future with the development of our new generation of control systems and at the same time relying on proven modules. In this way, we provide our customers with the best possible support in meeting the requirements of an increasingly dynamic market and energy system.”

Read Similar…

Industry Support Reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport

German Border Controls to Cause Shipping Delays Costing Millions

Posted on by Will Priestman

Germany’s introduction of new border control measures on September 16 is expected to cause significant disruption, particularly for the logistics and transport sectors, likely causing shipping and freight delays. These measures will allow for spot checks on individuals crossing borders, primarily aimed at addressing irregular migration and strengthening security. However, shippers are raising concerns over the potential economic consequences, as delays could cost tens of millions of euros.

Freight Traffic in the Crosshairs

The new border checks could dramatically impact freight traffic, especially on major transport routes such as the Germany-Netherlands border. With an estimated 1,000 trucks crossing this border every day, logistics companies fear that waiting times could escalate sharply, affecting the timely delivery of goods. The German government claims the checks will be random and targeted at individuals, but industry experts are concerned that commercial vehicles may get caught up in these inspections, leading to severe delays.

For sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and automotive manufacturing that rely on just-in-time delivery, the potential holdups could create severe disruptions in supply chains. The German Association of Freight Forwarders and Logistics (DSLV) has highlighted the risk to businesses, warning that even minor disruptions can lead to knock-on effects throughout Europe’s interconnected logistics network.

Shippers Call for Green Lanes

In response to the anticipated disruptions, shippers are advocating for the implementation of “green lanes” for freight vehicles. These lanes would allow commercial trucks to bypass some of the controls to avoid congestion and ensure critical goods continue to move smoothly across borders. Such an approach was successfully used during the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate essential trade.

However, with the absence of formal agreements on green lanes, concerns are mounting over the economic impact of prolonged delays. According to estimates from industry insiders, each day of delay could result in costs running into tens of millions of euros. The European Union’s single market, designed to allow the free movement of goods, could be undermined by such unilateral measures, with ripple effects felt across the continent.

Economic Fallout Looms

Beyond direct financial losses, the delay of goods could have wider economic implications, particularly for industries reliant on cross-border trade. Supply chain interruptions could lead to stock shortages, increased costs for businesses, and lost opportunities for time-sensitive sectors.

While Germany argues that these measures are necessary to address the growing challenge of illegal migration, the transport and logistics sectors are urging for more balanced solutions. Without adjustments, the controls could damage Germany’s role as a key transit hub for European trade and further burden companies already grappling with inflation and global supply chain challenges.

As the start date for these border checks nears, the debate over their impact continues to intensify, with stakeholders pushing for alternatives that minimize the economic strain without compromising security.

Read Similar…

App May Prevent Supply Chain Delays from EU Biometric System

UK, USA, Australia Sign Pact to Strengthen Supply Chains

Garbe plans logistics property in Lüneburg

Posted on by David Priestman

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is continuing to expand its portfolio of logistics centres in the Hamburg metropolitan region. To this end, the Hamburg-based project developer has purchased a plot of land in Lüneburg that is around 33,000 sq m in size and ready for construction. A logistics property with a total area of approx. 20,000 sq m is to be built on this site. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2023. Garbe Industrial Real Estate will invest €33m in the project.

“Lüneburg is one of the most dynamic business locations in the Hamburg metropolitan region. The city has innovative companies, qualified professionals and good infrastructure. Therefore, it was only a matter of time for us to become involved in this attractive environment,” emphasises Adrian Zellner, Member of the Executive Board of Garbe Industrial Real Estate. The Hamburg-based project developer acquired the property from Sallier Bauträger GmbH & Co. KG, with whom it has a long-term partnership and who is also responsible for marketing the logistics space.

The property is located in the Lüneburg-Ost industrial park, only a few hundred metres from the harbour of Lüneburg and the Elbe Lateral Canal. The A 39 motorway can be reached within ten minutes via the main roads 216, 209 and 4 without any local transit. The A 39 connects Lüneburg with the Maschener Kreuz interchange and from there with Hamburg via the A 1 and A 7. “The central location and the connection to both the highway network and the public transport system played a major role in opting for this location,” says Zellner. The nearest bus stop is at about 400 metres from the plot.

A logistics property with a height of 12.2m (lower edge of truss) and a total hall area of about 17,500 sq m is planned. One of the units will be sized about 7,000 sq m, the other approx. 10,500 sq m. In addition, there will be around 440 sq m each for offices and social rooms. A further total of approx. 1,600 sq m is planned for storage mezzanines. The new building will be equipped with 17 dock levellers and two ground-level sectional doors. Parking spaces for 60 cars and four trucks are to be created on the outdoor area.

The property is planned according to current ecological standards. For example, a powerful photovoltaic system is to be installed on the roof to generate renewable energy. Heat pumps will be used instead of fossil fuels. Another measure is the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting. For the new building, Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for certification in accordance with the Gold Standard of the German Sustainable Building Council.

“Having already successfully implemented several projects in the northern and eastern surrounding area of Hamburg in recent years, we are now pleased to realise another new building in the southern surrounding area,” says Zellner. “The demand for modern logistics space in the metropolitan region has been at a constantly high level for years. That is why we have decided to realise the property with a view to the future and without a firm tenant commitment. Based on the positive initial talks with potential users, we assume that the property will be let during the construction phase.” The new building is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2024.

In the Hamburg metropolitan region, Garbe Industrial Real Estate is currently involved at four other locations, for example in Kaltenkirchen (Segeberg district). A logistics property with a total area of 25,500 sq m is under construction there for the Picnic online supermarket. In Stapelfeld (Stormarn district), a 22,300 sq m logistics centre for the online furniture retailer Sobuy Commercial is scheduled to be ready for occupancy by the end of the year.

 

Garbe breaks ground in Bodenheim

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony, construction work has officially begun on the logistics centre that Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH is developing in Bodenheim, Rheinhessen (Mainz-Bingen district), Germany. The tenant of the property, which has a total area of 14,500 sq m, is atrikom fulfillment, a company specialising in e-commerce and advertising materials logistics as well as dialogue marketing. The new building is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2023. Garbe Industrial Real Estate is investing around €23m in the site.

“Today sets the course for the successful implementation of our joint project,” Adrian Zellner, Member of the Executive Board of Garbe Industrial Real Estate, emphasised on the occasion of the ground-breaking ceremony. The Hamburg-based project developer will build a property with a hall area of around 12,100 sq m on the 23,500 sq m site in the “Bürgel” industrial estate. In addition, there are 1,325 sq m for offices and social rooms. A further 1,000 sq m of usable space are planned on mezzanine floors.

For loading and unloading trucks the facility will be equipped with ten dock levellers and two ground-level sectional doors. Parking spaces for five trucks and 48 cars are provided in the outdoor area.

Atrikom fulfilment, headquartered in Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, will operate a state-of-the-art e-commerce warehouse from the middle of next year in the new building. “With the commissioning of the logistics centre in Bodenheim, we are expanding our network of locations and will supply our customers’ clients just in time from there in the future,” said Daniel Deckers, Managing Partner of atrikom fulfillment, explaining the importance the new building will have for the company. It sends several million letters and more than two million parcels per year.

The property in Bodenheim is located only a few hundred metres from the B 9 highway. It connects the site with Mainz, Wiesbaden, Frankfurt and the other metropolitan areas in the Rhine-Main region via motorways 60, 63 and 67.

The realisation of the property also focuses on the issue of sustainability. For the generation of renewable energy, a powerful photovoltaic system is being installed on the roof. The entire building will be equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting. The car parking areas and bicycle shelters will be equipped with e-charging stations. The outdoor area will be extensively landscaped with trees and shrubs and should offer opportunities for a quality retreat.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for certification in accordance with the Gold Standard of the German Sustainable Building Council for the new building. “The employees who will work in the logistics centre in the future and the surrounding area will benefit equally from the sustainable development of the property,” says local mayor Thomas Becker-Theilig with conviction.

Garbe realises two locations for Picnic

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As part of a strategic partnership with Picnic GmbH, Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH is developing two new logistics properties for the online supermarket in Kaltenkirchen (pictured), north of Hamburg, and in Falkensee near Berlin.

“At both locations, we are creating a total of about 46,500 sq m of new space for Picnic, supporting the company’s growth,” says Jan Dietrich Hempel, Managing Director of Garbe Industrial Real Estate. In 2018, the online supermarket was launched in Germany and initially focused on North Rhine-Westphalia. “We are now expanding to all regions in Germany,” confirms Frederic Knaudt from the founding team of Picnic Germany. “These include modern logistics centres and hundreds of last-mile properties.”

It was only in February that the Hamburg-based project developer acquired a 44,000 sq m brownfield site at Kaltenkirchen in the district of Segeberg in Schleswig-Holstein and then extensively revitalised the area. The site is located in the Hamburg-Kiel-Lübeck city triangle, on the northern edge of the Hamburg metropolitan region. In just a few minutes, you can reach the A7 motorway, which connects Kaltenkirchen with Flensburg to the north and with Hamburg and Hanover to the south. There is also a direct connection to the public transport system.

A logistics property with a total area of 25,500 sq m will be built there by Garbe Industrial Real Estate and Graubner Holding GmbH in a joint venture. According to current plans, construction work is to begin in October. Completion is scheduled for July 2023. Together, the two joint venture partners are investing around €39m in the project.

The new building will be equipped with 24 dock levellers and four ground-level sectional doors. Parking spaces for 106 cars and eight trucks are provided in the outdoor area. Great importance is attached to sustainability. In addition to energy-saving LED lighting, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof of the property to generate renewable energy. In addition, certification according to the Gold Standard of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) is being sought.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is realising the second location for Picnic in Falkensee, Brandenburg, on the western outskirts of Berlin. Last year, the project developer secured a plot of land of around 36,000 sq m in the Falkensee South industrial park. The go-ahead for the construction of the planned logistics centre, which will cover almost 21,000 sq m, is also scheduled for October. The property, in which Garbe is investing a total of around €23m, is scheduled for completion in June 2023.

“Our expectation of fully leasing Falkensee during the construction period has been fulfilled,” says Jan Dietrich Hempel. “Due to the proximity to Berlin and Potsdam, logistics space is in high demand in this region.” In addition, the site has an excellent location in the industrial park. For example, the distance to the border of the Berlin district of Spandau is only about 800m as the crow flies. Falkensee is connected to the national trunk road network via the B 5, which connects the capital with Hamburg, and the Berlin ring road. The regional train station with direct connections to the centre of Berlin is only 500m away.

“Berliners and Brandenburgers can look forward to fresh food at the lowest prices and free delivery,” explains Frederic Knaudt. “The groceries are picked in Falkensee, taken to the last-mile locations and from there delivered to customers’ homes in our electric vans.” To ensure smooth handling, the new building in Falkensee will be equipped with 20 ramp gates and four ground-level gates. In addition, cold storage and deep-freeze rooms will be integrated in the hall area in order to be able to store temperature-controlled foodstuffs properly in compliance with all specifications. Parking spaces for 144 cars are to be created in the outdoor area. Frederic Knaudt: “With the commissioning, we will create around 200 new jobs in Falkensee and around 150 in Kaltenkirchen.”

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for DGNB Gold certification for the property in Falkensee. As a significant sustainability measure, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the entire roof area. In addition, extensive species protection measures were carried out and, among other things, sand lizards were relocated to a replacement habitat.

New cross-dock terminal in heart of Europe

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DB Schenker, one of the world’s leading global logistics service providers, has moved into a new, sustainable cross-dock terminal in the greater Ulm area at Herbrechtingen. DB Schenker serves numerous customers in the economic region, particularly from the food industry, the building materials industry and mechanical engineering. At the same time, Ulm is an important hub in DB Schenker’s high-performance European land transport network.

The new terminal, which is located in the direct vicinity of the A7 autobahn as an important north-south link and the A8 in the Stuttgart-Munich connection, went into operation at the end of June 2022. On a site area of 40,000 sq m, DB Schenker in Herbrechtingen now has 7,000 sq m of logistics space for transshipment and 74 truck ramps. On 23rd September, the successful move was celebrated with employees, customers and representatives of local politics at the premises.

“We have achieved a very good density of our land transport network with our current premises in Germany and Europe,” says Ralf Többe, Head of Land Transport at DB Schenker in the Germany/Switzerland cluster. “Through modernisations, branch expansions and new buildings like the one here in Herbrechtingen, we are increasing our capacity and performance within this network, positioning ourselves for further growth in Europe.”

Iris Steiner, Head of the Land office at the Herbrechtingen facility, adds: “By doubling the terminal area to 7,000 sq m, we have optimised our loading and unloading processes. This ensures particularly fast and punctual handling and at the same time creates better conditions for employees and, of course, our drivers. After just a few weeks of operation in the new terminal, we were able to achieve a significant increase in throughput. We are ideally prepared for upcoming new customer business.”

Sustainable performance

The relocation of the land transport office in Ulm to the new multifunctional cross-dock terminal in Herbrechtingen creates the best conditions for further growth. Great importance was attributed to sustainability in the construction of the new building. The new terminal is DGNB Gold certified. The photovoltaic installation is currently being planned. Several e-charging stations are available for e-transporters as well as for employees’ vehicles.

Socially sustainable is above all the design of the infrastructure for employees. With 2,000 sq m of office and social space as well as around 15,200 sq m of paved outdoor areas and generous social rooms, the facility is also an inviting and comfortable base for drivers. The premises employs 100 people.

Garbe converts military training ground to logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH has secured a conversion area of around 76,000 sq m in Thuringia. The site is the final large plot in the Eisenach Kindel industrial estate in the municipality of Hörselberg-Hainich (Wartburgkreis). A new production and logistics property is to be constructed there for the tenant BCUBE Logistik GmbH by September 2023. Garbe Industrial Real Estate is investing around €40m in the project.

“The area we acquired from the Free State of Thuringia is part of a former military training ground,” explains Adrian Zellner, Member of the Executive Board at Garbe Industrial Real Estate. “During the revitalisation, one focus is therefore on the detection and professional removal of possible combat ordnance and ammunition remnants, as well as on compensating for the enormous height difference. Thanks to our many years of expertise, we are currently on schedule with the conversion of the former brownfield site and want to start construction of the new property before the end of September.”

A state-of-the-art production and logistics property with a total area of around 35,000 sq m is to be built there. BCUBE Logistik GmbH has already been confirmed as the tenant. The company is part of the BCUBE Group, one of the leading international companies for integrated logistics services, employing around 6,700 people worldwide and serving customers in the automotive, aviation and plant engineering sectors.

“With the new hall, we are significantly expanding our previous capacities in Eisenach and creating around 80 jobs at this new location”, says Frank Schöppach, Managing Director of BCUBE Logistik GmbH. “Customised contract logistics operations for a well-known automotive supplier will be handled there in the future. In addition to production supply, packing kit creation, the pre-assembly of components and quality inspection, this will also include the industrial cleaning of standard and specialised load carriers.”

For this purpose, the production and logistics property will be pre-equipped for the installation of two wet and two dry cleaning systems and sealed in accordance with the protective measures for water-polluting substances under the Water Resources Act (WHG). To enable efficient loading and unloading, 30 ramp gates with dock levellers and five ground-level sectional gates are envisaged – as well as parking spaces for 102 cars and nine trucks on the outdoor area.

In addition, the site impresses with its central position in the middle of Germany. The industrial estate is only about 10km from the city of Eisenach and is located directly on the B 84. After only 3km, the Eisenach-Ost junction to the A 4 Bad Hersfeld–Dresden road can be reached without having to drive through built-up areas. This means that BCUBE Logistik GmbH will benefit from short distances between their locations and excellent connections to the motorway network.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is attaching great importance to sustainability in the construction of the property. “We generally develop our projects according to current ecological standards and ESG criteria. This is part of our corporate strategy,” emphasises Adrian Zellner. As a result, the new building in Hörselberg-Hainich is being constructed according to the specifications of the efficiency building class 55 of the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau/Reconstruction Loan Corporation (KfW).

A photovoltaic system covering the entire roof area of the production and logistics hall is planned to produce regenerative energy. Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for certification according to the Gold Standard of the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) for this new property.

Garbe develops logistics centre near Jena

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH is continuing its expansion course. In Bollberg near Jena (Thuringia, DE), the Hamburg-based real estate developer will build a logistics centre with a total area of 35,500 sq m on a 65,000 sq m site. Construction is scheduled to start in December 2022, with an investment of around €48m.

The property is located in the industrial park of Bollberg, a district of Stadtroda (Saale-Holzland district) in Thuringia. “A location for a logistics centre could hardly be better,” emphasises Adrian Zellner, Member of the Executive Board at Garbe Industrial Real Estate. The Hermsdorfer Kreuz interchange, which connects the A4 Bad Hersfeld−Dresden motorway with the A9 Berlin−Munich, is seven kilometres away. Both motorways are among the most important north-south and west-east axes in Germany. The A4 runs virtually within sight of the business park. The Stadtroda junction is easily reached after a one kilometre ride without having to pass through the town.

Proximity to Jena also played a role in the property purchase: “The city has made a name for itself as a high-tech location. Both international corporations and small and medium-sized companies are represented in Jena,” says Zellner. “Demand for developed land is correspondingly high. That’s why we decided to develop the logistics centre with a view to the future.”

A multi-user logistics centre with a hall area of 31,500 sq m is planned. The hall will be designed so that it can be divided into units of around 10,000 sq m or more. In addition, there will be 1,400 sq m for offices and social rooms as well as 2,500 sq m of mezzanine space. The new unit will be equipped with 30 dock levellers and three ground-level gates. Parking spaces for 117 cars and four trucks will be provided outside.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate is developing the property together with Terrae Immobiliengesellschaft mbH. A major focus of the construction is the consideration of numerous sustainability standards. Benchmark is the fulfilment of the Efficiency House Class 55 standards of the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau / Reconstruction Loan Corporation (Kfw). For an example, a photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof to generate renewable energy. Garbe Industrial Real Estate is aiming for the property to be certified according to the gold standard of the German Sustainable Building Council.

Talks with potential tenants are already underway. “There is a lot of interest. That’s why we expect full occupancy during the construction period,” says Zellner. The property is scheduled for completion in December 2023.

 

Körber acquires Siemens Logistics’ parcel business

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The international technology group Körber has successfully completed of the acquisition of Siemens Logistics’ global mail and parcel business and has moved the of headquarters of its Business Area Supply Chain to Constance, Germany.

Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business is a market-leading solution provider for cutting-edge mail and parcel technology, automation and advanced software and serves the leading global logistics providers.

Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business will be one of the core businesses of the Körber Group. It will accelerate the Group’s growth prospects and complements its market offering as a global partner to the supply chain and e-commerce industry. Therefore, Körber Supply Chain’s headquarters will relocate from Bad Nauheim to Constance. Bringing the corresponding expertise together will further position Körber’s Business Area Supply Chain as a global leader for end-to-end supply chain technology.

Thanks to its complementary positioning, the mail and parcel business fits seamlessly into Körber’s existing supply chain offering and enables fast integration, ensuring business continuity. Customers and businesses worldwide will benefit from the Group’s expertise as a global partner ranging from single solutions to large-scale projects and intelligent hubs up to complete software solutions and entire ecosystems.

The parcel automation market is expected to grow double digit annually in the coming years. The rise in e-commerce and changing consumer behaviour continue to drive demand for automation and digitisation throughout the entire supply chain, and especially in parcel processing. Parcel volumes have increased rapidly. At the same time, demands are increasing in terms of delivery, shorter transportation times and sustainability.

Rami Jokela, Member of the Group Executive Board at Körber AG and Chief Sales Officer, says: “I’m very pleased to extend our core businesses with Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business. We will invest in this business and its solutions to support existing and new customers to meet rising new market needs and demands in sustainable supply chains and customer experience.”

“We are thrilled to move our headquarters to Constance, bringing the teams together. By combining our knowledge and passion for cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions, we are convinced that we will be market leader in end-to-end supply chain execution and system integration and shape the future of global supply chains together,” adds Dirk Hejnal, Chief Executive Officer at Körber Business Area Supply Chain.

Thomas Amend, CEO of Siemens Logistics’ mail and parcel business, emphasises: “We are delighted to become a strong part of Körber’s supply chain business. The two companies’ knowledge and solutions as well as the regional structures are a perfect fit. I am sure that we can make a significant contribution to strengthen Körber’s position on the way to become a global leading supplier for end-to-end supply chain technology.”

Körber will offer more integrated and automised solutions that ensure end-to-end connectivity, real-time visibility, speed, and adaptability at efficient costs. By incorporating technological innovations like artificial intelligence, robotics, as well as advanced warehouse automation and blockchain technology, Körber will further empower customers to better predict future trends and is well on track to become market leader in end-to-end supply chain execution and integration.

 

HHLA Sky named one of Germany’s top 100 innovators

Posted on by Keith McKinley

German company HHLA Sky has been named one of the 100 most innovative medium-sized companies in Germany by the renowned Top100 competition. The Top100 seal was presented to the managing directors of HHLA Sky, Lothar Müller and Matthias Gronstedt, by Germany’s prominent science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar at a gala event held recently in Frankfurt am Main.

The award evaluates how consistently a company focuses on an innovation goal and integrates it into its structures and planning, according to more than 100 indicators. The scientific analysis is conducted on the basis of five categories: innovation-promoting top management, innovation climate, innovative processes and organisation, external orientation/open innovation and innovation success.

HHLA Sky is the technology leader in the field of mobile robot management. The company has developed a globally unique IoT platform that maps the entire process chain when using industrial drones. This software is used in HHLA Sky’s Integrated Control Centre (pictured), which can simultaneously control and monitor more than 100 drones worldwide, even when they are out of the pilot’s line of sight (BVLOS). In addition to simultaneous automated drone flights, the Integrated Control Centre also enables journeys by AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robots) to be carried out in a safe and controlled manner. The company’s software is globally scalable and can be fully integrated into customers’ existing IT systems.

From its headquarters in Hamburg, HHLA Sky also cooperates with various players in science, business and politics, for example in the pioneering research project “UDVeo”, which will organise the first European U-space, a special airspace for urban drone traffic, starting in 2023.

“We are grateful for the recognition of our efforts. Innovation is part of HHLA Sky’s DNA. With our Integrated Control Centre, we are opening up the third dimension for the safe and efficient deployment of drones for industrial and commercial purposes. With our mobile robot management software, we want to continuously open up the field of application for robot mobility in the air and on the ground,” says Matthias Gronstedt, Managing Director of HHLA Sky.

“Thinking ahead, pooling expertise and shaping ground-breaking technologies: Innovators are those who create space for this, who keep moving forward and always question things. Nothing is more conducive to innovation than systematically rethinking technology with our partners and our team and developing systems that are unique and ensure optimum customer benefits,” adds Lothar Müller, Managing Director of HHLA Sky.

Highest grade A+ for HHLA Sky

This consistent focus on innovation and new thinking is also reflected in the assessment by the Top 100 jury: altogether, HHLA Sky’s innovation management is awarded the highest grade of “A+”.

This ranking is even higher than the average “A” of all Top 100 innovators, which is described as follows: “’A’ is awarded to companies that have an unusually high level of innovation management and set standards, even when compared internationally. The probability of future innovation success is very high”. HHLA Sky was able to achieve the top score in four out of five criteria in the innovation assessment. The fifth criterion was not graded individually.

The compamedia GmbH Top100 award, which has been in existence since 1993, is an indicator that a company is excellently positioned for future changes and developments and can adapt well to them. Project partners are the Fraunhofer Society for the Promotion of Applied Research and the German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (BVMW). Media partners are manager magazine and impulse. The renowned jury consists of experts from business practice and research, as well as from the media and politics.

The scientific management of the TOP 100 innovation competition is the responsibility of Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Franke, founder and director of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, and a leading international innovation researcher.

Jurors are among others are the President of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ing. Reimund Neugebauer and also Prof. Dr. Fredmund Malik, founder, owner and chairman of Malik St. Gallen, the leading company for holistic management, leadership and governance solutions, Dorothee Bär, deputy chairwoman of the CSU, Prof. Dr. h. c. Roland Berger, founder and honorary chairman of the supervisory board of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, Frank Thelen, the founder and managing director of the venture capital company Freigeist Capital and Achim Berg, president of the digital industry association BITKOM.

Numerous world market leaders and “hidden champions” are among this year’s Top 100 winners. The scientific analysis is based on the comparative values of more than 10,000 companies.

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.