DENKINGER RAIL-HUB

We attached great importance to sustainability right from the planning stage of the logistics hall. The façade is made of larch wood, the supporting structure of glulam beams and spruce wood. Domestic timber was important to us in order to ensure environmentally friendly construction and short delivery routes.

The large loads and spans of the indoor cranes posed particular challenges. The largest hall section is 36 m wide and column-free, which creates a lot of logistics space. The timber façade was pre-greyed to achieve a uniform appearance. The office modules to KFW40 standard were also built modularly so that they can be flexibly extended as required.

In addition to the prescribed rainwater catchment area, we have planted a flower meadow with fruit trees. A 40,000-liter water reservoir, which collects rainwater, also supplies the 50 or so trees during dry periods. Beehives were set up in the spring, as the location is ideal for bee colonies.

Light – electricity – storage

In addition to the timber construction, the high proportion of photovoltaics plays a central role in the sustainable concept. 100% of the roof area was used for the PV system, and over 100 m of the south and west façades are fitted with translucent PV modules that bring natural, glare-free light into the warehouse.

All the lights are energy-saving LEDs that are controlled by motion detectors in the hall area. The PV systems generate approx. 1.5 MW peak power, which is used to supply the crane runways and lighting.

Charging management

An electricity storage unit with a capacity of 1.8 MWh and an output of 700 kW is currently being built to supply the hall and the e-trucks. Two charging stations with four charging points (300 kW each) are being installed. Intelligent charging management software ensures maximum efficiency.

The central component of the DENKINGER RAIL∙HUB is the two-kilometer-long track system, which runs directly through the newly built timber hall. Freight trains can be unloaded there using indoor cranes and forklifts, or alternatively in the open area using crane runways or the LH60 handling machine. The wagons are shunted by a shunting robot or two-way excavator, supported by a parallel shunting track.

From old tracks to new paths
The reactivation of a disused railway siding was a milestone. Replacing an old switch shortened the project duration by a year and a half, which allowed us to move into the operational phase more quickly.

Sustainable construction
When building the track system, we used second-hand materials and regional lime ballast, which underlines our commitment to sustainable construction.

Efficient use of resources
Shifting transportation to rail is not only ecological, but also strategic. One block train replaces up to 52 trucks and significantly increases our logistical efficiency.

Resilience on rails
The RAIL∙HUB serves as a buffer warehouse to minimize delays and disruptions. Goods are transported to the hub by rail and dispatched to final recipients as required, strengthening the reliability of our supply chain.

E and H2

Since January 2023, we have added two Volvo FH Electric trucks to our fleet – one of the first haulage companies in Germany to use this environmentally friendly alternative. The electric trucks with an output of 400 to 600 KWh and a range of 300-500 km are ideal for regional transport. Thanks to intelligent route planning and fast-charging stations, they can be used efficiently in multi-shift operations. Intelligent energy management optimizes charging times and electricity costs, saving up to 85% of CO2 emissions over the life cycle.

We also benefit from less noise and odor as well as more positive feedback from drivers. The lower maintenance makes operation more economical. In addition to e-trucks, we also see potential in hydrogen vehicles and are working on an H2 concept by 2030 as part of the EU Hydrogen Valley project. We are also testing HVO diesel, which reduces emissions by up to 90% and can be used without conversion.

Sustainable digital

In addition to the focus on sustainability, digitalization plays a central role at DENKINGER. Digitalization and automation projects are tested and implemented at the Rottenacker site in order to optimize processes in the long term.

The perfect mix

Almost 15 years ago, we developed the Greedy Log 1.2 software, which uses an algorithm to calculate the optimum transport mix between road and rail. Even back then, the aim was to shift transportation to rail if it made sense and was economical.

CO2 dashboard

Another project is our CO2 dashboard, which measures the CO2 emissions of rail, diesel and e-trucks in real time. It is based on the latest standards (ISO 14083:2023, GLEC) and enables data-based decisions on CO2 reduction.

Virtual tour with avatar “Pepe”

For over a year now, we have been offering a virtual tour with an avatar at our logistics site in Allmendingen. Using a QR code, drivers and visitors can obtain information about the site, occupational safety and free coffee in several languages. At the Rottenacker site, Managing Director Peter Denkinger now welcomes visitors as avatar “Pepe” in various national languages.

Storage by snapshot

An OCR-based project for automated incoming goods inspection was introduced at the Rottenacker site. When steel sheets are transported to the storage area, a photo of the sheet is taken and the serial number is automatically recorded. This speeds up the storage process considerably and reduces the manual workload for our employees.

Vision of the future: remote crane operation

Make

Since its foundation in the post-war years, DENKINGER has been characterized by a doer mentality. We recognized the advantages of rail for freight transport 25 years ago and have been operating Ehingen station ever since. Long before the focus was on sustainability, we relied on rail, driven by responsibility and passion.

Design

At DENKINGER, employees can shape things themselves. The management encourages independent action and innovation, which leads to continuous improvements and further ignites the passion for logistics.

Service

For us, service means always giving our all. Our employees do everything they can every day to make even last-minute orders possible. Commitment and passion characterize our work – logistics with passion.

Long-standing partnerships

Trusting, long-term partnerships are the key to our success. We know our customers’ needs and work with them to create innovative solutions that contribute to their success and ours.

Customer orientation

For us, customer orientation means not only reacting to requirements, but also proactively offering solutions. We rely on process optimization and IT innovations to surprise our customers and open up new possibilities for them – like the DENKINGER Rail∙Hub.

Resilient processes thanks to the Rail∙Hub
The Rail∙Hub serves as a consignment warehouse to increase security of supply and reduce stocks at the end customer. It offers independence from disruptions to the rail infrastructure and enables fast deliveries.

Broad-based – risk management
The Rail∙Hub has comprehensive equipment such as rail shunters, crane systems, LH60 handling machines and reach stackers to ensure fast loading times and minimal downtime.

Various modes of transport
By using rail and e-trucks, outgoing goods can be handled efficiently. In the event of infrastructure problems, our four rail sidings in the region offer flexibility.

Everything for steel
The site specializes in steel goods. Cranes and reach stackers are used to handle sheet metal, pipes and coils precisely and quickly.

Rethinking the traffic circle
An additional shunting track enables rail wagons to be handled quickly by shunting robots and excavators.

Buffer storage for e-trucks
An 8 MW buffer storage unit secures the power supply for the e-trucks and optimizes the use of the electricity produced.

Predictive charging
Optimized processes and precharging increase efficiency and minimize downtimes.

Less bureaucracy thanks to rail transport
Transport by rail reduces the number of permits and accompanying documents for wide steel sheets and simplifies the process.

Optimized storage location
Crane unloading enables a higher storage density and saves space. Fast-moving items continue to be processed by forklift for rapid handling.