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Automation Boom: Weißenburg’s Warehouse of the Future Launches

Posted on 30 September, 20258 October, 2025 by Will Priestman

DOTLUX GmbH, a German manufacturer of professional LED lighting solutions, has announced the construction of a new, fully automated logistics facility in Weißenburg. At the heart of the new 1,450 sqm site is the Movu atlas automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), a high-density pallet shuttle solution designed to optimize space, reduce manual handling, and increase energy efficiency. The facility is scheduled to go live in May 2026.

A new chapter for DOTLUX logistics

Founded in 2010, DOTLUX has built a reputation for delivering innovative, high-quality LED lighting products to both domestic and international markets. With steady growth and a continually expanding product portfolio, the company identified the need for a modern logistics solution that could handle increased SKU variety, ensure reliable order fulfillment, and address the operational challenges of limited labor availability in the Weißenburg region.

“Space, efficiency and sustainability were the decisive factors in this project,”

explains Matthias Schübel, COO at DOTLUX.

“We wanted a system that would not only meet today’s requirements but also allow us to scale flexibly in the future. The Movu atlas pallet shuttle system provides us with precisely that balance — high-density storage, seamless IT integration, and the ability to expand in line with our growth.”

Addressing key challenges with automation

The decision to invest in automation was driven by several pressing factors. DOTLUX faced limited space for expansion, growing throughput requirements, and the challenge of recruiting and retaining warehouse staff in a competitive labor market. At the same time, the company wanted to minimize forklift traffic to improve safety and reduce operational costs, while also ensuring that energy efficiency remained central to its operations.

The new facility in Weißenburg is a greenfield site, purpose-built around automation, enabling DOTLUX to design an optimized logistics flow from the ground up. The installation of the Movu atlas system, complete with inbound and outbound conveyor connections, eliminates the need for manual pallet handling and ensures that goods are managed consistently according to FIFO principles.

Technical highlights

The system design reflects both performance and scalability. With 2,900 pallet positions spread over four levels, operated by three shuttles and served by a single elevator, the atlas system will allow DOTLUX to process approximately 200 pallets inbound and 150 pallets outbound per day.

All processes will be coordinated by Movu OPS, Movu Robotics’ warehouse execution software, which integrates directly into DOTLUX’s existing IT landscape. The system is optimized for EUR-pallets and can be flexibly expanded in the future should DOTLUX’s storage requirements continue to grow.

“By choosing the atlas ASRS, DOTLUX is taking an important step toward future-proof intralogistics,”

says Nico Kowarschik, Commercial Director at Movu Robotics.

“The system combines high-density storage with seamless IT integration and energy-efficient operation. It reduces dependence on manual labor, enhances safety, and gives DOTLUX the flexibility to adapt its logistics as its business develops. We are proud to deliver a turnkey solution that includes not only the shuttle technology but also the full conveyor integration and system control.”

Building for efficiency and sustainability

Energy efficiency was a key factor in DOTLUX’s decision. The compact design of the Movu atlas system reduces the physical footprint of storage while also lowering energy consumption per pallet handled. By cutting forklift traffic and optimizing material flows, the new facility is expected to deliver long-term operational savings while aligning with DOTLUX’s sustainability goals.

“The combination of efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness made the Movu solution the clear choice for us,”

emphasizes Matthias Schübel.

“This project lays the foundation for a modern, stable and expandable warehouse operation that will serve our business for years to come.”

A partnership for the future

The collaboration between DOTLUX and Movu Robotics demonstrates how automation can transform future warehouse operations even for mid-sized manufacturing companies. By embracing new technologies, DOTLUX is not only preparing its logistics infrastructure for continued growth but also setting a benchmark in its industry for efficient, sustainable intralogistics.

“DOTLUX’s decision to implement the atlas shuttle system illustrates the value of future-ready automation in meeting today’s challenges of space, labor, and sustainability,”

concludes Nico Kowarschik.

“We look forward to seeing this system in operation and to supporting DOTLUX in its long-term growth.”

The new Weißenburg facility is expected to be fully operational in spring 2026, positioning DOTLUX at the forefront of modern warehouse automation in the German manufacturing sector.

Rack Manufacturing Investment in Georgia

Posted on 4 September, 2025 by David Priestman

stow Group, a leading industrial storage and automation solution company, will invest $36 million to establish a new manufacturing presence and create approximately 200 new jobs in Gordon County, Georgia, USA.

Based in Belgium, stow manufactures industrial racking systems and develops customized warehouse and storage solutions. The company is currently expanding into the U.S. and serves clients in logistics, food and beverage, life sciences, and other industries.

“This new production facility in Georgia will further strengthen stow’s presence and support network in North America and bring us closer to existing and new customers,” said Jos De Vuyst, CEO of stow Group. “Expanding our production footprint in the United States is a key milestone for stow Group. The new facility in Gordon County will allow us to serve our customers faster, enhance our local partnerships, and continue our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

“I am very excited to ramp up a highly automated production plant with the latest technologies in rack manufacturing,” said Michael Morgenroth, Plant Manager at stow U.S. “Together with the State of Georgia and Gordon County, we are already working on training plans. We believe this will offer great career development opportunities for anyone in the local workforce who is interested in steel manufacturing.”

stow’s new manufacturing operations will comprise 240,000 square feet of an existing building along Highway 41 near Adairsville. Operations are expected to begin in 2026. The company will be hiring for production roles related to profiling, stamping, welding, powder coating, automation, and assembly as well as logistics, administrative, and management roles. Interested individuals can learn more about working at stow.  

“The Development Authority, Gordon County Board of Commissioners, and the local community are pleased to see the innovation and use of advanced manufacturing technologies that stow brings to Gordon County,” said Gordon County Administrator Jim Ledbetter. “We hope the Gordon County facility will allow stow to serve their customers faster and lend support to both existing and new customers across North America.”

Assistant Director of Statewide Projects John Soper represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Gordon County Chamber, Development Authority of Gordon County, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia Power.

“Northwest Georgia’s manufacturing legacy and strategic location supports opportunities for a solutions provider in the logistics industry like stow Group,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “With an inland port and a network of rail and highways that extend into neighboring states such as Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, northwest Georgia connects the Southeast to global markets. We are excited to welcome stow Group to our family of international companies with its first Georgia-based production facility.”

Compact Scalability and Accessible Warehouse Automation

Posted on 7 February, 202525 July, 2025 by David Priestman

LogiMAT 2025 will take place at the Messe Stuttgart convention center from March 11–13, 2025. In Hall 3 at booth 3B67, Movu Robotics, member of the stow Group, will demonstrate its leadership in accessible and advanced warehouse automation. The showcase will highlight how Compact Scalability – an intelligent and adaptable concept for automated logistics systems – is redefining flexibility and efficiency in modern warehousing.

Movu Compact Scalabilty is a groundbreaking approach that seamlessly combines innovative robotics, intelligent software and state-of-the-art hardware to redefine how businesses meet their fulfillment demands. Movu’s scalable solutions maximize storage capacity within the same footprint while adapting effortlessly to the customer’s needs – vertically, horizontally, and with seamless integration. This scalability offers a key advantage, enabling businesses to expand their storage and throughput capabilities without requiring major overhauls to their existing infrastructure. Movu Compact Scalability empowers businesses to grow smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

Presented in Stuttgart, the Movu atlas ASRS is designed with modularity for flexible expansion. It can be added or removed on demand fluctuations, peak seasons, or business growth. The pallet shuttle system allows for incremental investments rather than a large upfront overhaul, making it cost-effective and highly efficient. As demand grows, the system can scale horizontally by additional aisles and lanes that can be seamlessly added.

Able to operate in temperatures between -25°C and 40°C, Movu atlas provides a solution for both ambient and cold store warehouses. It brings unmatched experience and expertise as the industry’s leading 2D shuttle provider. In the recent years, Movu successfully installed a huge number of shuttles in over 100 projects from all industries in Europe and North America. By adding an integrated Lift, the Movu atlas system transitions into a dynamic 3D storage environment and scales vertically ensuring compact scalability. As a result, throughput is boosted and valuable floor space is saved with high-speed lifts up to 2.5 m/s achieving faster replenishment cycle times and order fulfilment.

At LogiMAT 2025, Movu showcases, how the Movu atlas system with integrated Lift can be further expanded by the integration of a Picking Tunnel. The highly efficient and space-optimized pathway will be integrated into the ground level of a Movu atlas ASRS to facilitate streamlined order picking. Designed specifically for high-density pallet storage and retrieval, the tunnel enables seamless interaction between automated shuttles, vertical lifts and manual or robotic picking processes with autonomous mobile robots, such as Movu ifollow. The intelligent and versatile AMR operates autonomously, navigating without the need for any external infrastructure. Advanced sensors and mapping technologies allow the robot to adapt seamlessly to its environment. Equipped with cutting-edge obstacle detection and navigation systems and available in several models, supporting loads from 300 kg to 1.2 tons, ifollow can be tailored to meet specific operational requirement and operating in temperatures from -25°C to +40°C.

At the show, Movu also presents Movu escala, an all-in-one, rack-and-robot storage and retrieval system to handle totes. It maximises warehouse resilience by leveraging modular applications for unparalleled adaptability. Automatically moving up, down and within storage locations, each shuttle reaches up to five units deep. No need for space-consuming conveyors, lifts or aisles; this high-speed, high-density system is one of the world’s most flexible 3D ASRS for bins. Integrating seamlessly with Movu escala for future proof automated order preparation at the picking workstation, a new version of Movu eligo picking robot is a state-of-the-art robotic solution designed for high-speed and highly efficient item picking operations. It can pick up to 1200 items per hour, reduce the number of manual ‘touches’ required for order fulfilment or replenishment and can reach a pick success rate greater than 99%. Equipped with advanced vision systems, AI-based algorithms and versatile handling tools, eligo is tailored for modern warehouses that demand precision, speed and adaptability in dynamic environments.

In Stuttgart, Movu will also feature Movu Overfill Detection, an intelligent, camera-based vision system designed to ensure the seamless operation of automated storage systems for bins like Movu escala. This innovative solution identifies items and bins that exceed storage boundaries, preventing overfilled bins from entering the system and ensuring safe, uninterrupted operations.

Live-demonstration of future-ready warehouses

Stefan Pieters, CTO at Movu Robotics, commented: “At LogiMAT 2025, we will showcase our vision of Compact Scalability in warehouse operations. We are excited to demonstrate how accessible automation and integrated solutions deliver significant scalability advantages, enabling businesses to respond swiftly to market demands and optimize costs through incremental system growth. With stow supplying dedicated racking for Movu’s atlas and escala, our booth will unite Peak Performance Racking with intelligent automation. Visitors will experience firsthand how customers benefit from a seamless, single point of communication provided by a ‘one-stop shop’ approach, designed to achieve high-performance warehousing.”

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stow Announces New Robotics Brand: Movu

Posted on 19 September, 202325 July, 2025 by David Priestman

stow Group, a globally recognized leader in the design, manufacturing, and implementation of advanced storage solutions and automated warehouse systems, announces the launch of the new ‘Movu Robotics’ brand, developed to strengthen its Robotics business unit and to meet increasing customer demand for Automation and Robotics solutions. The new brand replaces the name ‘stow Robotics’ as of now.

Movu Robotics is a new and dynamic warehouse automation brand that stands out by bringing easier logistics automation solutions to the world’s warehouses and ensuring that, when it comes to opportunities for automation, no warehouse is left behind. Movu is based in new headquarters located in Lokeren, near Antwerp in Belgium that, under a single roof, includes engineering, R&D, production, and a state of the art Experience Centre where the latest technologies can be demonstrated live in operation to customers and partners.

stow Group is a highly successful company with 40 years’ experience as a supplier of logistics and materials handling solutions , and a product DNA based on racking. As customer and market demand for automated solutions increase s driven by labour shortages, the need to increase profitability, efficiency, flexibility, accuracy as well as shortening lead times stow has been delivering innovative solutions to meet these challenges.

stow Robotics was e stablished in 2021 a s part of the stow Group and has developed a comprehensive and competitive portfolio of automation and robotics solutions for pallets, bins and items that provides a more energy efficient and practical alternative to stacker crane bins and items that provides a more energy efficient and practical alternative to stacker crane based solutions-based solutions. This comprises Movu atlas, a leading pallet shuttle system; Movu escala, an innovative ramp shuttle solution for totes/bins; Movu ifollow, a collaborative Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR) system for pallets and additional load carriers: and the new picking robot Movu eligo.

Despite all their advantages, automated technologies and robotics are perceived by many customers as being complex, expensive, resource intensive with long lead time for installation. Movu Robotics addresses this issue by bringing easier automation to the world’s warehouses.

Movu – No warehouse left behind

For projects in the main vertical markets, especially in e-commerce, FMCG and cold storage in Europe and North America, Movu Robotics will deliver simple, standardised plug and play solutions that require less engineering and grant short lead times for execution, allowing customers to keep their operations running.

Jos de Vuyst, CEO of stow Group told Logistics Business: “Faced with challenges of labour shortages, cost increases, storage density, growing volumes and improving accuracy, companies are turning to robotics and automation for solutions. Movu Robotics offers an offers an integrated ecosystem of standardised and scalable automation technology that speeds roll out and reduces risk for all for all kinds of customers. We want to democratise materials handling through bringing the opportunities of easier automation and robotics to warehouses that would otherwise find them hard to attain. Expecting the global material handling equipment market to reach USD 350 billion and understanding the key driver AS/RS systems and Robotics systems for this, we are optimistic that Movu Robotics will become an essential player.”

Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics, commented: “Smart enough to make any operation feel simple and easy, Movu robots help to take a load off the customers’ minds as well as their shelves. Our solutions are designed to make warehouse automation and robotics not only more accessible, but also more scalable. They will enable any warehouse around the world – big or small, regular or awkwardly shaped – to be upgraded and become more productive, more efficient and more successful. This is the philosophy behind our brand claim: ‘’Movu – No warehouse left behind’.”

Group structure

stow Group now has two independent brands under its roof: stow Racking and Movu Robotics. While both of these brands retain their independence, they strongly impact each other in terms of expertise, know how, technology and global resources. All products, business activities and operations of stow Group in the field of Robotics and Automation, including R&D, production, sales and finance, will be grouped as an independent and standalone business unit under the Movu Robotics brand in the new headquarters in Lokeren. This includes the operations of the ifollow business, which is now the brand name of AMRs offered by Movu.

The management team will be led by Jos de Vuyst, CEO of stow Group and Stefan Pieters, CEO of Movu Robotics. Both stow Group and Movu Robotics are driven by a strong a strong team of board members, comprising experience from the Logistics Industry and from other sectors.

Movu Robotics technologies

Unlike many automation companies that have a single product, the new Movu Robotics brand includes a range of key technologies: Movu atlas pallet shuttles, Movu escala bin shuttles and Movu ifollow AMRs for pallets and roll cages that work either standalone or as collaborative robots. Joining these is the new Movu eligo picking robot, which is offered as a picking workstation for escala.

Movu Robotics provides solutions for easier automation that can make better use of every corner of the warehouse – irrespective of the customers’ storage space or what they are storing, conveying, picking or handling. Customers gain the key advantage of seamless integrated racking and robotics solutions – for example, the Movu atlas shuttle system working with Movu ifollow mobile robots, or Movu eligo acting as a workstation for Movu escala. A key benefit is that a customer talks to a single face representing a single partner, providing efficient project management and reliable lead times. They will also receive efficient project commissioning for a safe and resilient supply chain that assists in delivering high service levels to their customers.

Autonomous sub–systems for minimal TCO

Technologies in the Movu Robotics product portfolio can be integrated into a single autonomous sub-system as a solution, with components including racking, shuttles or AMRs, software, wifi and commissioning. This enables easy installation, adaptability to new business needs through simple integration of new applications and a minimal Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) approach. This makes upgrading warehouses easier, not only for existing users of logistics automation who want to upgrade their systems with plug and play robotics and automation, but also those yet to adopt automation but who urgently want to take the first step.

Standardisation and simplification, which is an essential part of Movu Robotics, results in shorter lead times and lower engineering costs, producing higher profitability. To maximise flexibility, Movu Robotics systems are modular in design, acting as a set of building blocks to minimise complexity and cost of upgrading. This makes the systems highly scalable – installations can start small and then expand or, if needed, they can downsize just as easily. Modularity also enables a fast roll out for projects.

For not leaving any warehouse warehouse behind, Movu Robotics will target the market with a dual strategy: providing end users with a direct channel, for which Movu relies on a network of sales offices in main territories. Its portfolio of simple, standardised, scalable, and flexible systems provide opportunities for SMEs with as few as 5000 pallet locations to automate, to address challenges such as labour shortages and cost efficiency -– a huge growth area. The other part of this strategy is the indirect channel where Movu can supply a fully functional storage sub-system from its portfolio to a systems integrator for integration into a complete project. All of this is supported by a global network in customer service and stow’s 40 years’ industry experience.

Movu Robotics is consistently working to improve existing technology for the customer, with innovation, R&D and entrepreneurial thinking being an integral part of the dynamic business unit. The next product launch is planned for 2024, to further expand the portfolio.

Movu Robotics’ headquarters in Lokeren, Belgium, combines a 5,000 square metre large office area with a 10,000 square metre surface for logistics and manufacturing operations under a single roof, next to a state-of-the-art experience centre – one of the biggest in Europe — where where the latest technologies are showcased live to customers and partners.