Despite a decline in new orders in the German mechanical engineering sector, Unitechnik Systems GmbH is sending a clear signal: the family-owned company is investing 3.5 million euros in an automated logistics facility at its headquarters in Wiehl. With this move, the automation specialist is laying the groundwork for more efficient processes in its switchgear manufacturing division and underscoring its confidence in the industry’s future.
Since late 2022, the mechanical and plant engineering industry has been grappling with stagnant order volumes. As a result, many companies are responding with cost-cutting measures and a cautious approach to investment. According to the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), more than one in three companies (38 percent) expects stagnation in 2025, while about one in six (16 percent) plans to reduce investment. Unitechnik is deliberately taking a different path: The medium-sized company is replacing a leased off-site warehouse and building an automated logistics center at its Wiehl location to optimize its production processes and increase storage capacity. “The investment is a clear commitment to our Wiehl location and to the future of mechanical engineering in Germany,” explains Dirk Schütz, Head of Switchgear Construction at Unitechnik. “Especially in a tense market situation, it is important to create structures that make us more flexible and efficient.”
New logistics center increases production capacity by 40 percent
The new logistics center will significantly improve material stockpiling and material flow in production. In switchgear manufacturing in particular, this means shorter lead times, a reliable supply to production, and a further improvement in quality. Unitechnik is thus making a targeted investment in the efficiency of its value chain and laying the groundwork for long-term competitiveness: “Thanks to the new facility and the space it frees up—which can be used for wiring—we are increasing our production capacity by 40 percent,” says Dirk Schütz. At the same time, the facility represents another step toward the digitalization of the entire production process. This is characterized by the digital twin of the control cabinets, digitally controlled material flow, and direct digital connectivity with customers. This creates transparent end-to-end communication without media breaks.
The two business units complement each other
As the general contractor for automated logistics systems, Unitechnik is handling the planning and implementation of the new logistics center entirely on its own. The existing 3,000-square-meter production hall at the Wiehl-Bomig site will be extended by 21 meters and partially raised. Covering a floor area of 1,100 square meters and standing approximately 12 meters high, the facility will house a modern logistics center featuring an automated small-parts warehouse for 5,000 containers, two lift warehouses for pre-assembled terminal blocks, and a pallet warehouse for enclosures. The facility is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.
