Kannegiesser: The global market leader from Vlotho

What began as a small company in wooden barracks in 1948 in Vlotho, has now become a global partner for the future of the laundry industry. The mission of the family-led company Herbert Kannegiesser GmbH is to develop innovative solutions for automation, robotisation, ergonomics, productivity and sustainability.

Trendsetting technologies developed by the East Westphalian manufacturer guarantee the highest level of quality, hygiene, availability and productivity for textile service providers. Machines and systems from laundry technology, flat linen, mouldings, logistics, process technology and data information systems are among its product areas. Today, the family enterprise has 2000 employees in all regions across the world. Development and production with a high level of vertical integration take place at eight locations – six in Germany and one each in the United Kingdom and the USA.

With the product division SmartLaundry, Kannegiesser enables automated control and monitoring of the entire manufacturing process. Its well-connected service network ensures high availability of machines. With over 140 service engineers in the DACH region, global partners and digital solutions, the company ensures maximum availability of machines – always and everywhere.

Boost for production supply

Procurement requires solutions that operate efficiently and proactively, thereby securing a decisive competitive edge for the customers. With production supply that uses RFID Kanban, this vision becomes reality. The battery-powered iPLACER^® offers an easy way to reorder C-Parts. The compact module features an integrated reader and transmitter unit and can be installed anywhere – from the production floor to individual workstations and even logistics. At the workstation, the device independently triggers an order whenever required. If it is attached to any standard flow rack, users can also record goods receipts and issues, postings, bookings and triggered orders without any manual effort. The iPLACER^® is also in use at Kannegiesser – and with great success, as Jörg Stichnoth, Head of Production Planning / Disposition at the Kannegiesser plant in Sarstedt, reports: “Our machine requirements are managed in a lean manner. Reordering takes place fully automatically, which saves a great deal of time and significantly reduces the effort needed for coordination and ordering.” Speaking of automated, demand-driven supply: iSHELF^® - the intelligent shelves are also impressive in this regard. If a bin is empty, then the integrated shelves directly detect it via an integrated sender-receiver-unit in the shelf. The shelf reads the RFID chip and transfers the information of the empty bin directly to the Kanban Management System (KMS) developed by Würth Industrie Service in-house. The supply takes place centrally from the European logistics centre in Bad Mergentheim to Kannegiesser. Other RFID-based system solutions are also used. For example, the intelligent pallet box iBOX^®, which enables immediate data transmission via RFID as soon as an empty bin is placed inside. The rest is handled completely autonomously by the system. The demand is transmitted to Würth Industrie Service transparently and securely, and the replenishment of the required items is initiated. In addition, the iPUSH^® is used for easily transmitting the demand at the push of a button. An order can be triggered automatically by pushing the button integrated into the RFID module. Around 80 of these modules are in use at Kannegiesser, which ensure consistently smart and lean processes. Not to forget the digital shelf label iDISPLAY, which operates completely autonomously at the storage location and is directly connected to the ERP system of the C-Parts expert at Kannegiesser. It transmits important data in real time – from item number, item text and filling quantity to storage location and bin type up to inventory, availability, filling status and upcoming refill dates.

“Thanks to RFID Kanban, we benefit from a secure supply, wherein all the required parts are available at the right time, at the right place, in the right quantity. The RFID solutions by Würth Industrie Service have proven to be a real game changer and are ideal for safe and efficient production,” said Stichnoth. In Vlotho, the supply of direct production materials is handled with the help of a 15-metre-high shuttle system that is stocked with selected items by a system supervisor of Würth Industrie Service – a special but equally reliable form of supply that is ensured by the experts of Würth Industrie Service.

An occasion to celebrate: 25 years of Kanban at the Sarstedt location

In 2025, Kannegiesser and Würth Industrie Service celebrated 25 years of Kanban in Bad Mergentheim. This occasion provided an opportunity to look back on the past cooperation as well as to discuss future projects. Jörg Ruppelt, Senior Account Manager at Würth Industrie Service, who has been supporting Kannegiesser for the last thirteen years, said: “25 years ago, the first Kanban bins were delivered to Sarstedt – from our then site of the Industry division of our parent company in Gaisbach. Since then, around 106,000 bins have been in circulation, with around 1,000 refills carried out.” As one of the longest-standing customers of WIS, the company is regarded as a trustworthy partner on equal footing. “We therefore consider it an integral part of our philosophy to duly honour the loyalty of our customers,” said Ruppelt.

Driven by the aspiration to continuously improve the processes along the value chain, the company has been investing in modern technology since many years, most importantly in RFID-based solutions. RFID systems are now an important component of industrial logistics and help in rapid, secure, and automated detection of requirement.

They create transparency, reduce manual intervention, and increase supply security, all of which are important factors for seamless production. Würth Industrie Service uses this technology in various forms and shows how digitally connected systems enable real-time inventory monitoring, automatic demand notifications as well as fully automated reordering.

Under the spotlight: Supply of parts reimagined

Industrial companies increasingly face the task of managing complex material flows efficiently while also ensuring supply security. Production processes are now more closely connected, more varied and more dynamic than before. Fulfilling these requirements calls for solutions that can map the entire supply chain while also optimising individual sections. Staying true to the motto “Supply of parts reimagined”, Würth Industrie Service integrates advanced logistical systems with digital applications that support management, analysis, and forecasting, while also offering an extensive product range of over 1.4 million items. The systems are flexible, scalable and can map standard parts as well as third-party parts, customer-specific components and internal milk runs. The modular structure enables solutions to be customised as per individual requirements and expanded as and when required. The aim is to ensure a continuous supply, simplify processes, and create structures that are future-ready. The close interlinking of physical systems, digital applications and product range results in one connected solution from a single source. This makes it possible to achieve continuous material flows that minimise downtimes and increase efficiency. Digital functions for management and analysis ensure a high level of transparency in material supply. Forecast tools support in planning and help in optimising inventories and identifying bottlenecks at an early stage. This not only stabilises the operational supply but also strengthens the strategic approach of the production processes. At the LogiMAT trade fair booth, customers and interested visitors can experience this concept firsthand and receive additional information. A foundation for stable, efficient and future-ready material supply is laid down with this solution, which is a deciding factor for the competitiveness of modern industrial companies.

At the joint booth H31 in hall 1, the focus will be on holistic supply concepts and solutions right up to the point of use that ensure secure material availability and streamlined processes in industry.

Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co. KG and Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG will present these and many more innovations under the motto “Supply of parts reimagined” at the LogiMAT from 24th to 26th March 2026 in Stuttgart – hall 1, booth H31.

Be it safeguarding the site, globalisation, geopolitical and economic developments, shortage of skilled workers, promoting innovation or artificial intelligence – while there are significant challenges, there are also great opportunities ahead for the region. Regional decision makers discussed the region’s capabilities and the importance of cooperation between businesses, political entities and educational institutions. After the introductory speech and a brief overview of Würth Industrie Service by Stephanie Boss, Head of Marketing, Würth Industrie Service, Martin Jauss, Executive Vice President, Würth Group & CEO, Würth Industrie Service, set the thematic framework for the evening with his keynote speech. Under the motto “Regional economy in global competition – how does our region stand out?” he covered everything from the current challenges to concrete approaches for action. The future of the region can be secured by shaping it through technology, education and strong networks. “Only by working together – between companies and as a united Europe – can we address the complex challenges of our time. It will be crucial in the future to not sit still, but to remain curious, open-minded and ready for change – not simply to secure prosperity in the region, but rather to develop a sustainable locational advantage for the region”, said Jauss.

Foundation for healthy working – prevention instead of strain

The demands placed on employees working in production, logistics and assembly are varied and require a high level of physical resilience. Goods are moved, components are assembled and processes are carried out repetitively – often while standing for extended periods, lifting heavy and one-sided loads and in uncomfortable positions and constrained postures. The solution is simple: Ergonomically optimised workplace. But what does it mean in an environment characterised by short cycle times, standardised processes and physically demanding tasks? After all, ergonomics encompasses far more than just a comfortable posture – it stands for the harmonised interaction of people, workplace and workflows. A fundamental change in perspective is crucial: The workplace should be adapted to people and their physical and cognitive needs – not the other way round. If this adaptation is missing, it often causes long-term health problems. Muscle fatigue, back and joint problems as well as chronic musculoskeletal disorders are among the main causes of sickness-related absences in the industrial workers. For companies, this not only results in a loss of productivity, but also incurs considerable costs due to downtime, reduced working days, quality issues, additional rework and rising attrition among qualified staff. In the wake of the demographic change and the increasingly ageing workforce, it has become all the more important to take preventive action at an early stage and anchor ergonomics as an integral part of a sustainable health strategy.

Würth Industrie Service shows how to combine all these aspects with its workplace solutions “CPS^®IWS – Innovative Workplace Solutions”, which are ideal for implementing the tried and tested 5S rules – sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain. Würth Aluminium Profile Systems (WAPS^®) with their various parts and components are an essential part of this. They can be combined flexibly to customise the design of storage spaces, workplaces and assembly workstations. Whether connectors and profiles as individual components (WAPS^®Components), customised assembly kits for self-installation (WAPS^®Kit) or customised holistic concepts for mobile and stationary use (WAPS^®Workplace): More than 150 profile variants and over 500 connector variants provide diverse options for tailor-made concepts – everything in its place, perfectly organised, tidy as well as ergonomic. The storage aids CLIP-O-FLEX^® function as flexible attachment systems, keeping different work materials always handy. The combination of rails and portable attachment profiles can be expanded with trays, bins, storage shelves and a variety of holders as required. Additionally, the well-structured placement of work equipment leads to shorter walking routes and set-up times and thus increases productivity sustainably. In line with the motto – Create mobility and save valuable time – the WKLT^®Clip ensures more efficiency. The attachment profile for Würth small load carrier (W-KLT^®) enables easy retrieval directly at the workstation. The tilt angles of 0°, 15° and 25° help in attaching the bins to any workstation with the bin clip and hence foster an ergonomic way of working. Moreover, the customisable OPT-I-STORE^® hard foam inserts ensure organisation and safety. They hold tools and sensitive small parts in their place reliably and create a tidy and well-organised workplace.

Suitable work environment

Along with the workstation, optimal arrangement of the entire work environment plays a very important role. With the 3D planning tool GEMINI, Würth Industrie Service offers a suitable solution for the visualisation and planning of workplace equipment – from workshops to storage areas and offices. The goal is a space-saving and functional arrangement of all operating materials in close vicinity of the workstation. As a result, walking routes are reduced, processes are expedited, and the ergonomics of the entire work environment is improved sustainably.

Designed along the line

Ergonomic workplace design does not end at the individual workstation – it also includes the connected workstations along the entire assembly line. Height-adjustable workstations are suitable for different working heights and physiques and enable a consistently optimised production flow. Here, flexible and well-coordinated transitions between the stations are required in order to implement the essential lean principles effectively.

“Ergonomic workplace design is not an option, but a fundamental requirement to ensure good health of the employees and the resilience of the company. More efficiency, less strain, and most importantly, satisfied employees in a future-ready and sustainable production environment”, says Matthias Mayer, Head of Innovative Workplace Solutions division at Würth Industrie Service. The C-Parts expert relies on a holistic approach: from analysis of requirements and implementation of customised workplace concepts to designing entire production and assembly lines.

The automotive industry is in the midst of a profound change: Electromobility, sustainability, digitalisation and automation are behind the rapidly changing products, processes and business models. For companies, this means unlocking new technologies, adapting value chains and rethinking partnerships. Distinguished speakers discussed the key strategies that can drive this transformation and the way in which the companies can effectively leverage it.

After the introductory speech by Jochen Woletz, Head of Sales - Automotive at Würth Industrie Service, Martin Jauss, Executive Vice President, Würth Group and CEO, Würth Industrie Service, shared with the guests how the Würth Group is looking to the future with responsibility, trust and commitment in these times of upheaval and change. Speaking of trust: Norbert Haug, Management Consultant and former Head of Motorsport at Mercedes-Benz, spoke in an interview with Frank Klaas, Vice President - Communications at Geely Europe, Lotus Tech Innovation Centre GmbH, about the topic of his presentation, “Not a Second Without Passion.” He emphasized how crucial passion, team spirit, and a willingness to innovate are for successfully navigating times of change. Drawing on his experience in motorsport, he illustrated that quick decision making, cooperation, and the courage to adopt new technologies make a difference not only on the racetrack but also in the transformation of the automotive industry. Frank Klaas also explained how Geely, as a group, is successfully establishing itself in Europe and how various brands are driving the mobility transformation.

To offer a firsthand experience of how automation, digitalisation, and innovation are being implemented, the programme included a tour of one of the most advanced logistics centres in Europe. On an area of more than 70,000 square metres, participants were able to experience live how logistics employees at Würth Industrie Service ensure on a daily basis that the right goods are delivered to the customer at the right place and at the right time - with the help of self-learning robots, driverless transport systems, as well as high-bay and shuttle warehouses, including fast order picking.

At this year’s Automotive Symposium, including the evening event, valuable connections were established, inspiring ideas were shared, and promising opportunities were highlighted. Now, it is only a matter of actively taking charge of them. The speeches made it clear that: Cooperation, passion and innovation are essential for actively shaping the future of mobility.

STILL: Making Intralogistics Smart. Together.

STILL ist ein führender Anbieter für innerbetriebliche Logistiklösungen. Das Portfolio umfasst Gabelstapler, Lagertechnik, vernetzte Systeme und Dienstleistungen. Zu den Markenzeichen des 1920 von Hans Still gegründeten Unternehmens zählen kundenspezifische, passgenaue Lösungen mit einem exzellenten Service. STILL hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, die Intralogistik „smart“ zu machen: intelligente Lösungen zu entwickeln, die die Abläufe in der Lagerwirtschaft reibungsloser und effizienter gestalten, die Gesundheit der dort tätigen Menschen besser schützen und zugleich höchste Nachhaltigkeitsstandards erfüllen. Daher forciert STILL neue Lösungen zur E-Mobilität und zur Automatisierung, für das Flotten- und Energiemanagement bis hin zur Zirkularität, also der konsequenten Schonung von Ressourcen und der Wiederverwertung eingesetzter Materialien. STILL hat seinen Hauptsitz in Hamburg, beschäftigt rund 9.000 Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter in 22 Ländern und ist Teil der börsennotierten KION Group AG.

Beschaffungsprozesse optimieren

Auch für STILL ist jedes kleinste Teil von größter Bedeutung. Zwar scheinen Schrauben, Muttern, Scheiben auf den ersten Blick unscheinbar, doch sind sie von unschätzbarem Wert: Immerhin erweisen sich Verbindungselemente als wichtige Stellhebel für den laufenden Betrieb, um sicher und störungsfrei produzieren zu können. Ob Radschrauben zur sicheren Montage der Räder, Schellen für die Fixierung von Schläuchen und Leitungen oder Schraubstopfen für die Gegengewichte – eines haben all diese Teile gemeinsam: Sie übernehmen essenzielle Befestigungsfunktionen und sind damit unverzichtbar für die Stabilität und Sicherheit der Fahrzeuge. Deshalb darf kein einziges Teil fehlen – denn jede Komponente zählt. Vor allem im Einkauf haben C-Teile mit unregelmäßigen Bedarfen, geringen Stückkosten sowie einer großen Artikelvielfalt große Auswirkungen auf die Beschaffung, was sich als höchst zeitaufwendig, fehleranfällig und ineffizient erweist. Genau an diesem Punkt setzen die intelligenten Versorgungslösungen zur automatisierten Produktionsversorgung von Würth Industrie Service bei STILL an – und das seit 2010.

Booster für die Lagerverwaltung

Auch iSCALE überzeugt in Puncto Verlässlichkeit und Innovation – bei STILL seit 2023. Dabei handelt es sich um eine sensorgesteuerte Waage, die direkt mit dem Kanban-Behälter W-KLT^®2.0 (Würth-Kleinladungsträger 2.0) verbunden und autark bewegbar ist. Ganz gleich, ob an der Montagelinie, im Materiallager, am Kanban-Lagerort oder direkt am Montage- und Arbeitsplatz: iSCALE übernimmt nahezu selbständig die logistische Lagerverwaltung für C-Teile. Indem die sensorgesteuerte Waage permanent das Gewicht der im Behälter gelagerten Kleinteile prüft und über eine verschlüsselte Schnittstelle an das Warenwirtschaftssystem des C-Teile-Anbieters überträgt, bleibt jederzeit alles im Blick. Nachdem das Gewicht einen definierten Wert unterschritten hat, bestellt das intelligente System automatisch und bedarfsorientiert nach. Welche Vorteile sich STILL vom System zur digitalen Lagerverwaltung verspricht, bringt Grosser auf den Punkt: „Die vollautomatische logistische Lagerführung ersetzt aufwändige Bestandsermittlungen, Nachbestellungen und Zwischenlagerungen. Durch die permanente Bestandsprüfung können frühzeitig Schwankungen und Spitzen identifiziert und damit die Versorgungssicherheit maximiert werden.“ Im Falle von STILL kommen die intelligenten Waagensysteme im herkömmlichen Kanban-System in einem zentralen Supermarkt zum Einsatz.

“The supply chain is constantly evolving – it has now become necessary to leverage innovation, digitalisation, and automation systematically. Engaging with other companies and building strong networks are decisive success factors for the future,” said Martin Jauss, Executive Vice President of Würth Group and CEO of Würth Industrie Service. Leading experts discussed the strategic measures required to manage these developments effectively at this year's European Supply Chain Summit. While Martin Jauss offered insights into the world of Würth, where Würth Industrie Service is the experienced C-Parts partner of the industry and the Würth Group is the global market leader in development, manufacturing and sale of assembly and fastening material, Stefan Reuss, General Manager, Digital Business Development and Innovation at Würth Industrie Service emphasised future-oriented C-Parts management with a focus on automation technologies. In line with the motto “Move forward – Next Level Supply Chain Management”, Jürgen Mayer, Member of the general management Key Account & International Sales at Würth Industrie Service, offered concrete insights into the system and product world as well as explored the opportunities to elevate the supply chain with Würth Industrie Service as a reliable partner. Helmut Eisenkolb, General Manager, Logistics at Würth Industrie Service demonstrated how logistics, in particular, lays the foundation for a future-proof supply chain by providing insights into the European logistics centre at the Bad Mergentheim location. Furthermore, Mario Röschl, Head of Key Account Management and Market Segments at Würth Industrie Service, presented future-oriented concepts for supply of production materials – from screw to cloud. Michael Brauneck, Head of Division Tools and Matthias Mayer, Head of Division Innovative Workplace Solutions, highlighted practical approaches for increasing efficiency in operating materials supply and workplace supply, and enabled a practical understanding of innovations for the factory floor. Mauricio Morales, Vice President, Purchasing at Würth Industrie Service, explained how artificial intelligence and technical innovations in Purchase contribute to making the supply chain more resilient and more flexible.

Supply of production and operating materials of the future

The second day of the event was dedicated to providing participants with a practical and immersive experience of Next Level Supply Chain Management. With intelligent system solutions, Würth Industrie Service implements optimal supply concepts for production materials as well as for auxiliary and operating materials such as occupational safety, tools, or chemical items – and has been doing this since over 25 years. Not only are inventories managed in a lean manner and unexpected increases and decreases in requirements are recognised early on, but the costs and procurement efforts are also reduced, and at the same time, efficiency and productivity is achieved with maximum process and supply security. And this paired with a product range of over 1,400,000 items. The participants were able to experience all this live at an accompanying technical exhibition. From shelving systems with scanner, electronic solutions, smart workplaces, modular or even self-driving vending machines to just-in-time supply with the help of RFID Kanban or the option of supplier integration of other handling parts. Participants were also able to gain an initial impression of the new concept for in-house supply. In addition, various services in logistics and procurement further enhance the range of offerings along the C-Parts supply chain. We offer support from the very beginning at every step of the process and development – that is the understanding of a holistic partnership – mainly in design and development. This way, over 20,000 customers can rely on the expert in all respects.

During a tour of the logistics at one of the most modern logistics centres for industrial supply in Europe, the participants were able to get a personalised insight into the implementation of automation and digitalisation on an area of more than 70,000 square metres. With its employees working in tandem with self-learning robots, driverless transport systems as well as high-bay and shuttle warehouses, Würth Industrie Service makes sure that the right item is delivered to the customer at the right time, at the right place.

To sum up, this year’s European Supply Chain Summit provided an excellent platform for establishing valuable contacts, sharing numerous insights, and presenting promising innovations. Now, staying true to the motto “Supply chain of the future begins here and now”, it is only a matter of actively taking charge of it.

Emission-free transportation between Öhringen and Bad Mergentheim

The MAN eTGX was only delivered by the manufacturer a few months ago. Dachser is one of the first logistics service providers to use the vehicle. The electric truck has a range of around 500 kilometers per charge and can also pull so-called megatrailers, which have a larger loading space than conventional trailers. Dachser collects so-called C-parts from Würth Industrie Service by e-truck, for example screws, nuts and washers, which are filled in small load carriers and loaded onto pallets. The goods are then shipped throughout Europe by Dachser in Öhringen. Empty small load carriers are brought back from Öhringen to Bad Mergentheim by electric truck. There, these containers pass through a container washing system at Würth Industrie Service and can be refilled.

A Clear Path: Sustainability Strategy

Dachser is pursuing a long-term climate protection strategy and has been using battery-powered electric vehicles for locally emission-free inner-city deliveries since 2015. Dachser now has more than 130 e-trucks weighing over 3.5 tons in operation across Europe for local and long-distance deliveries.

Sustainability is also firmly embedded at Würth Industrie Service.

On its path toward a circular economy, the company focuses on three key transformation areas that continuously create new opportunities for future generations: climate, material cycles, and social standards. For Würth Industrie Service, this means making a long-term commitment to renewable energy, prioritizing durable and recyclable products and packaging, using closed-loop systems as a foundation for qualitative growth, and advocating for fair cooperation across the global supply chain. Particularly in the field of sustainable energy generation, continuous progress is being made. In 2024, to move closer to energy self-sufficiency, Würth Industrie Service commissioned a new photovoltaic system at its Bad Mergentheim site — one of the largest photovoltaic façade systems in the D-A-CH region. With this addition, the company now operates several photovoltaic systems with a total capacity of nearly 2,000 kWp and an annual energy output of approximately 1,500,000 kWh.

The answers to these questions lie in the physical and digital logistics and system solutions for production materials and operating materials of Würth Industrie Service GmbH & Co. KG. On one hand, the target is to design lean and simple workflows and processes in the supply chain to the extent possible. On the other hand, the focus is on man and his individual requirements: an ergonomic and precisely tailored work environment, support and simplification of his tasks as well as an intelligent connection of the processes between man and machine.

With intelligent system solutions to Smart Workplace

The provisioning, procurement and reordering of material can be customised exactly to the requirements and consumption of manufacturing customers through digital supply concepts. That too without interference or human intervention! Manual workplaces are made flexible by deploying small-sized bins for decentralised supply at individual assembly workstation. The small-sized bins W-KLT^®2.0 S of Würth Industrie Service guarantee an efficient process design. They have least volume to date if compared with the existing Würth small load carriers, W-KLT^®2.0, that are based on the VDA standard. Initially filled and labelled in the in-house weighing plant or through regional cooperations, the small-sized bins are then closed with a lid to secure them for transport, and stored in the warehouse for small parts and buffer in the logistics centre. The small-sized bins are integrated into the mother bin W-KLT^®2.0 for shipping to the customer. While W-KLT^®2.0 (4315) has loading capacity of 10 small-sized bins, W-KLT^®2.0 (4115) can store 4 small-sized bins in total. Thus, the small-sized bins can be used in Kanban for all bin sizes in a seamless and modular manner according to the modular principle. At onsite, a system administrator of Würth Industrie Service fills the bins in the shelves at the centralised storage facilities of the customer.

But it goes one step further. Digital solutions are in demand, which allow C-Parts to be procured fully automatically according to the requirements and the processes to be simple and lean so that the production employees no longer have to place the order by themselves. The centralised storage and decentralised workplaces can be automated and connected by implementing RFID technology – for example, with a module that is only as big as a smartphone, the innovative battery-operated iPLACER^® of Würth Industrie Service. Equipped with a reader and transmitter, the iPLACER^® can be placed anywhere - the device triggers an order by itself at the workplace, when required. On the other hand, when it is attached to any flow rack, the user can record incoming and outgoing goods, bookings, standing orders and order releases without any manual efforts. This self-sufficient system offers the customers an automated replenishment control at any location, and thus complete transparency of their consumption - without having to make time-consuming trips to the centralised storage. Another innovative solution with similar objective is the scale system iScale. iSCALE is a sensor-controlled scale, which is directly connected with the Kanban bin and is independently movable. As a result, it can be used flexibly in the industrial environment. In addition to assembly line, material storage and Kanban storage location, it can used directly at the assembly workstation and workplace. On the basis of the weight, the system notifies the requirements of production materials and other small parts digitally - from the customer’s point of use directly to the ERP system of Würth Industrie Service and ensures an exact automated replenishment. The online information platform, WIS portal, contains real-time information on whether and which items are ordered and when they will be delivered. C-Parts can thus organise themselves. This is because manual efforts and rigid procedures are a thing of the past, and an agile process is created that manages the handling of parts automatically and individually according to the consumption. Even unexpected events such as peaks in demand can be intercepted quickly and managed thanks to the system solutions of Würth Industrie Service.

WISAR – pioneer in housing technology

WISAR, Wyser + Anliker AG was founded in 1961 by Cäsar Wyser and Claire Anliker in Zurich Seebach. With around 60 employees, the family business is in its third generation and has established itself as a pioneer in the field of housing technology at its Zurich-Kloten site. The wide product range is aimed at customers in the fields of installation and building services, industry/mechanical engineering as well as telecommunications and transport technology. Whether aluminium switch cabinets ALS, various aluminium or chrome steel housings for indoor and outdoor use, switch cabinet accessories or innovative products of WISAR 19-inch technology: with high-quality products “made in Switzerland”, the company has established itself with more than 60 years of experience.

The solution: iSCALE

Secure in material supply, cost-efficient in handling.

iSCALE is a sensor-controlled scale, which is directly connected with the Kanban bin and is independently movable. As a result, it can be used flexibly in the industrial environment: be it at the assembly line, material storage, Kanban storage location or directly at the workplace. iSCALE handles the logistical storage management of C-Parts almost on its own. Würth Industrie Service offers sensor-controlled weighing technology for the traditional Kanban material storage as well as for seamless supply to the exact place of requirement in the line and directly to the individual assembly stations. This flexible and independent application in the actual place of use is only possible because the system is operated without power and is controlled via new radio technology (NB-IOT). The Kanban bin W-KLT^®2.0 (Würth small load carrier 2.0) is equipped with a sensor-controlled scale, which continuously checks the weight inside the bin directly at the customer’s location and transfers it via an encrypted interface to the ERP system of the C-Parts provider. Once the weight goes below a defined value, a notification is sent automatically to Würth Industrie Service, whereby the scale system automatically determines the optimal time for an order according to the requirement. Once an order is triggered, a subsequent delivery is initiated – the entire process is seamless. The scale system is designed for all the bin sizes of Würth Industrie Service following the VDA norm (2115, 4115, 4315, 4315). Roman Anliker, General Manager at WISAR, Wyser + Anliker AG, highlights the advantages that WISAR expects from the digital storage management system: “A fully-automated logistical stock management replaces the cumbersome stock?takings, re-orders and interim storage. As the inventory is continuously audited, any fluctuations and peaks can be identified in time, and thus the supply security can be maximised.” The storage locations were adapted within two days by a team of three employees of Würth Industrie Service. Over 100 sensor-controlled scales were implemented in different bin sizes 2115, 4115 and 4315 at the Kloten site. At WISAR, the storage management is carried out through the traditional Kanban material storage. A centralised storage location with three Kanban racks ensures that the required fasteners are stored securely as per the requirements and, reordered accordingly in the production of the housing technology expert.

“Lifelong learning has top priority to us at Würth Industrie Service. We can only be successful in the future, if we have highly qualified employees. Therefore, the qualification of our 1750 employees is the focus of our Human Resource Development initiatives”, says Michael Schubert, Head of Human Resources at Würth Industrie Service. All the employees can avail wide-ranging learning opportunities on E-Learning platforms along with multiple trainings, courses and upskilling programmes. In total, more than 360 training programmes were conducted in 2022. “With these programmes, our employees are given tailor?made learning opportunities across all areas and levels - online as well as in person. Everyone can upskill themselves irrespective of their location and time constraints,” emphasised Schubert. In addition to the current training programmes, which includes numerous product, sales and language trainings, conferences for instructors as well as for trainees and quintessential full-day seminars and trainings, there are over 460 E-Learnings, more than 20 podcast episodes as well as multiple tutorial videos and training courses and short digital formats. In order to equip the employees for digital transformation, Würth Industrie Service keeps adapting its training programmes to the changing demands continuously. Hence, the trend has changed from the classic full-day seminars to shorter, more compact learning units - along with incorporation of new course formats. “Our knowledge today determines our success tomorrow,” says Schubert. Thus, the company supports its employees in their individual development and offers attractive career prospects along with it. While colleagues with specialist expertise have the opportunity to hone their skills, deepen their knowledge and drive forward future-oriented innovations on the specialist career path, prospective managers are prepared step by step in different management modules so they can shoulder personnel responsibility efficiently.

WOLF: Specialist for healthy indoor climate

With 9 subsidiaries and 60 sales partners worldwide, WOLF is an expert in the field of heating and ventilation in Mainburg, and at the same time has international presence. In addition to Germany, WOLF has subsidiaries and partner companies in more than 50 countries. The company supports planners, installers and end customers in holistically planning and coordinating energy-efficient heating and ventilation solutions. To put it in a nutshell: the products of the WOLF Group provide an optimal indoor climate all over the world – from single and multi-family houses to office buildings, airports and railway stations, hotels and government buildings, football stadiums and leisure parks, hospitals and baths, and industrial environment.

The solution: The highly flexible Kanban systems

Under the brand “CPS^® C-Product Service”, Würth Industrie Service offers manufacturing industry customers highly flexible Kanban solutions for efficient and transparent optimisation of existing production processes. In particular, fully digital systems from the CPS^®RFID family are firmly established for replenishing production materials. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) enables radio-controlled data transmission directly from the customer’s production to the central warehouse of Würth Industrie Service. Through fully automated and demand-oriented reordering of production materials, industrial companies benefit from maximum supply and delivery security. The basis for all this is a Kanban bin. In the case of Würth Industrie Service, it is the patented Würth small load carrier, W-KLT 2.0. It is available in various sizes according to the VDA standard and is equipped with an RFID tag by default. Each transponder can be identified by a unique data security number. In the outgoing goods process, the ID of the bin is linked with the corresponding outgoing goods item. Through the various RFID systems, the ID of the bins can be read and transferred to the Kanban-Management-System for data transfer or automated re-ordering of C-Parts for production.

An occasion to celebrate: 25 years of Kanban

On 15th and 16th December 2022, WOLF and Würth Industrie Service celebrated 25 years of Kanban in Bad Mergentheim. An evening event was held to look back on the past cooperation and to talk about future projects. Thomas Schmid, Account Manager at Würth Industrie Service, who has been in charge of WOLF for over eight years, remembers: “Exactly 25 years ago, the first Kanban bins were delivered to Mainburg – from our then location as Industry division of our parent company in Gaisbach. Since then, around 106,000 bins have been in circulation with about 1,000 refills.” As a notable innovation pioneer, WOLF is considered one of the longest-standing customers. “It is therefore a matter of course for us to duly acknowledge the loyalty of our customers.” said Mr. Schmid.

Fastener Fair Global is an international platform for manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and suppliers of fastener and fixing technology and is organised in Stuttgart once every two years. This trade fair covers all areas of fasteners and fixing elements, and offers important information about the latest developments in this industry as well as interesting insights into current trends.

C-Parts innovations for the industry: W.TEC^® product series

With the W.TEC^® product series, Würth Industrie Service has reimagined fasteners in their different application scenarios. The goal is to offer innovative and unique products and technologies, which provide the most optimal solutions for the respective application scenario. Be it wedge lock systems, spring band clamps, protective caps, products for pressure vessel construction or screws for thermoplastics - every single industry requires products that are designed for very specific purposes. That is why special competence teams are set up for customers for various industries. Equipped with such expertise, the company can offer advice on all aspects of the product range and specific applications, clarify detailed technical questions or collaborate on design ideas.

There is no doubt that Germany is the business location that is considered amongworld’s leading innovation elite and "Made in Germany” seal is a guarantee of quality internationally. 466 companies are particularly innovative: They have received highest ratings of four or five stars in the new evaluation of "Germany's most innovative companies". 20 industries and industrial sectors ranging from automotive, chemical to energy and environment were surveyed for the fourth time. Using a unique and wide-ranging methodology, the survey was conducted among representatives of innovation award-winning companies and Statista’spanel of experts titled “Expert Circle” and the recommendations on the categoriesproducts & services, process innovations and cultural and social innovations were comprehensively analysed during the survey period from 1st November 2022 to 16th December 2022. The result: Würth Industrie Service is one of Germany’s most innovative companies.

Always one step ahead: progress through innovation

Innovative technologies for modern C-Parts management succeed by learning from and with own customers and are developed in collaboration with partners from science, trade and industry – and are applicable far beyond the company boundaries. A dedicated Digital Business Development & Innovations department deals with future-oriented trends for the targeted management and coordination of innovation projects and collaboration with start-ups. The innovation strength of Würth Industrie Service is visible in its supply systems, which engage in high level of automation. One of the innovative new developments, the battery-operated iPLACER^®, uses RFID technology not only for the ordering process, but also for inventory management. Equipped with a reader and transmitter, the iPLACER^® can be installed anywhere – in production, at the workplace, in the assembly, logistics or intralogistics – and offers customers the advantage of automated replenishment at every location and in turn, complete transparency about the usage. Almost independent, logistical warehouse management for C?Parts can be achieved with iSCALE, a sensor-controlled scale that is directly connected to the Kanban bins and reports the requirements of production materials and other small parts based on weight. Würth Industrie Service is also focusing on improving its intelligent ORSY^®mat vending machines for all production-related MRO materials. For example, the ORSY^®mat WGT detects the withdrawal of items through its integrated weighing cells. With the vending machines, the C-Parts partner takes care of everything from delivery, storage and stocking to fully automatic replenishment of auxiliary and operating materials.

Currently, more than 20,000 customers are already using over 1,500 vending machines, more than 13,000 RFID Kanban systems and more than 2 million Kanban bins. At the heart of Würth Industrial Park, one of Europe’s most modern logistics centres for industrial supplies, the C-Parts partner is continuously increasing the level of automation and digitalisation. This includes modern, fully automated high-bay and shuttle warehouses with a capacity of over 650,000 storage spaces, 34 kilometres of conveyor technology, camera inspection systems, driverless bin shuttles and use of self-learning robots for picking and palletising. Impressed by the innovation strategy of Würth Industrie Service, Capital and Statista have awarded the company as “Germany’s most innovative company in 2023”.

Current market situation and challenges

“This past year was challenging in every respect“, says Martin Jauss, General Manager of Würth Industrie Service. From the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic to geopolitical uncertainties and from increasing inflation and energy crisis to the challenge across all markets: A continuing fragile situation in theprocurement market, in the supply chain, and especially in pricing. The imposition of anti-dumping duties of EU on fasteners from China since 18 February 2022 has further exacerbated the overall situation. “The delivery reliability to our global customers remains the point of focus for us in such a market situation,” says Jauss. Being a company of the Würth Group and a part of WINWORK^®, the C-Parts partner has a strong industrial network. The multi-supplier strategy in global procurement markets offers an additional security factor to the company. Thanks to the commitment of its 1,750 employees with their proactive action, communication with the customers, extensive monitoring of suppliers, recourse to alternatives and appropriate product stocking, Würth Industrie Service has been able to ensure continuous and timely supply to its customers.

WINWORK^® – A strong, global unit for the industry!

In more than 40 countries, WINWORK^® brings together the companies within the Würth Group that specialise in industrial requirements, thus ensuring seamless integration and implementation of intelligent C-Parts solutions with a consistently high level in terms of products, systems, quality, service and knowledge. It aims to continually strengthen its comprehensive expertise in the field of automated C-Parts supply to manufacturing companies on an international level. The Würth Industrial Network has closed the financial year 2022 with turnover of EUR 2.263 billion worldwide. To strengthen the Czech market, the sales unit was spun off into an independent company in May 2022. The industrial company Würth Industry spol. s r.o. is now independently active in operating business.

Employees

The Würth Group employs 85,637 employees worldwide. Out of that, more than 6,600 employees are a part of WINWORK^® and over 1,750 employees are employed by Würth Industrie Service in Germany. In view of demographic change and the resulting shortage of labour, Würth Industrie Service consistently focuses on training its employees. The company achieved a milestone in 2022 when it hired its 1750th employee and 1000th apprentice. In 25 job profiles, around 200 colleagues are completing an apprenticeship or a dual study programme at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University. As one of the biggest employer in the Main-Tauber region, the company invests EUR 1.5 million annually in training and development of its employees

Constantly committed to sustainability

Sustainability is a strategic success factor for Würth Industrie Service. Thecompany is continuously working to act in a more sustainable manner in all areas of entrepreneurial activity and to implement targeted measures globally. It has been particularly successful in the area of sustainable energy production. Würth Industrie Service relies on renewable energies for carbon-neutral energy supplyand has commissioned another photovoltaic system with an output of around 480 kWp in 2022. Currently, several photovoltaic systems with a total output of over 900 kWp and generated volume of over 800,000 kWh are installed at the Drillberg site. Having published its sustainability strategy, the company offers complete transparency on the topic of sustainability.

Success stories made in Germany: The Digital Champions Award shows how digital pioneers have profitably integrated innovation into their companies using intelligent technologies and solutions. True innovators are those who dare to do new things and shape the future. In short: they offer exactly what is important in the age of digitalisation. The “Digital Champions 2023” study conducted by the Institute for Management & Economy Research (IMWF) with scientific support from the Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI) on behalf of Focus Money and DEUTSCHLAND TEST examines which measures are important for a successful change. Various parameters in the categories digitalisation, technology and innovation were analysed broadly and comprehensively for around 12,000 companies in the defined period from 1st December 2021 to 30th November 2022.

Hand in hand: progress through innovation

Innovative technologies for modern C-Parts management succeed by learning from and with own customers and are developed in collaboration with partners from science, trade and industry - and are applicable far beyond the company boundaries. The innovation strength of Würth Industrie Service is visible in its supply systems, which engage in high level of automation. In one of the innovative new developments - the battery-operated iPLACER^® - RFID technology is used not only for ordering process, but also for inventory management. Equipped with a reader and transmitter, the iPLACER^® can be installed anywhere - in production, at the workplace, in the assembly, logistics or intralogistics. As a result, the customers can benefit from an automated replenishment at any place, and in turn, from a complete transparency about their consumption. An almost independent, logistical storage management for C-Parts can be achieved with iSCALE, a sensor?controlled scale that is directly connected to the Kanban bins and reports the requirements of production materials and other small parts based on weight. Würth Industrie Service is also focussed on improving its intelligent ORSY^®mat vending machines for all production-related MRO materials. For example, the ORSY^®mat WGT detects the withdrawal of items through its integrated weighing cells. With its vending machines, the C-Parts partner takes care of everything from delivery, storage and stocking to fully automatic replenishment of auxiliary and operating materials. Currently, more than 20,000 customers are already using over 1,500 vending machines, more than 13,000 RFID solutions and more than 2 million Kanban bins. At the heart of Würth Industrial Park, one of Europe’s most modern logistics centres for industrial supplies, the C-Parts partner is continuously increasing the level of automation and digitalisation. This includes modern, fully automated high-bay and shuttle warehouses with a capacity of over 650,000 storage spaces, 34 kilometres of conveyor technology, camera inspection systems, driverless bin shuttles and use of self-learning robots for picking and palletising. Impressed by the innovation strategy of Würth Industrie Service, Focus Money and DEUTSCHLAND TEST felicitated the company with the award “Digital-Champions 2023”.

The digital supply systems for direct and indirect materials of Würth Industrie Service provide the basis for manufacturing, materials management, maintenance, and for the assembly workstation of the future. The result is maximum security in material supply, lean and productive processes in the supply chain, a work environment tailored to the worker’s needs and intelligent networking of processes between people and systems. At the joint trade fair booth of Würth Industrie Service and Adolf Würth GmbH & Co. KG, the focus will be on the mentionedsolutions for informing, experiencing and testing: from RFID Kanban for fully automated replenishment of small parts for production, ORSY^®mat storage and vending machines for auxiliary and operating materials, efficient and modular storage management CPS^®ORSY, to innovative workplace design CPS^®IWS and electronic ordering systems. Visitors will also receive an overview of technical expertise, application consulting, design support and the latest innovations for holistic C-Parts management.