The Uzwil-based Bühler Technology Group is investing in its site in Alzenau, Germany, the headquarters of its thin-film technology leader Bühler Leybold Optics, to build a state-of-the-art logistics centre.
By the end of 2015, the Bühler Die Casting and Grinding & Dispersion units, currently operating their logistics and warehousing faciliaties in Viernheim and Rodgau, Germany, and Uzwil, Switzerland, will move to Alzenau. “With the integration of the logistics of three business areas here in Alzenau, we are strengthening our site as well as accelerating our deliveries to customers in Europe and the rest of the world,” says Antonio Requena, CEO and Managing Director of Bühler’s Business Area Leybold Optics.
Over the next few months, the current logistics centre of Bühler Leybold Optics in Alzenau will be enlarged by 2000 square meters to a total storage space of 4900 square meters and equipped with the most advanced storage system. The logistics centre will be Bühler’s second-largest spare parts hub outside of headquarters with more than 13,900 parts stocked and more than 1600 moved daily. After the relocation of the Die Casting and Grinding & Dispersion business of Bühler from Viernheim and Uzwil to Alzenau, the site will employ more than 240 people.
The merger of the locations is a strategic step of the Advanced Materials business of Bühler to take optimal advantage of synergies especially with regards to its spare parts business in Europe. By establishing a hub in Alzenau, spare parts can be dispatched to customers within less than two hours inside Europe. “This provides a strong competitive advantage to the Advanced Materials Hub Germany, especially to our customers in precision and ophthalmic optics, packaging, as well as the glass and automotive industries,” confirms Mr. Requena.
The Advanced Materials business of Bühler offers innovative technologies and solutions for ensuring efficient and safe mobility. 25% of all aluminium engine blocks worldwide are manufactured on Bühler equipment. Across the globe, roughly one third of automobile taillights and headlamps are provided with reflectors that have been coated on Bühler Leybold Optics machinery.