Europe's leading online fashion e-tailer Zalando has appointed systems integrator TGW Logistics to design, install, commission and maintain the materials handling solution at its brand new logistics centre in Lahr, Germany, which will commence operations at the end of 2016.

With a particular emphasis on sustainability, the green-field development will strengthen Zalando's supply chain and accommodate the company's continued growth. 

Zalando’s online shops in 15 European markets attract over 135 million visits per month and serve close to 17.9 million active customers, offering shoes, apparel and accessories from over 1,500 international brands. Preliminary data for the first quarter of 2016 showed an increase in group revenues of over 20% year-on-year.

The TGW solution, valued at several million Euros, comprises a TGW STINGRAY shuttle warehouse, over nine kilometres of energy-efficient conveyor equipment and a picking warehouse, where the ordered Zalando goods will be prepared for shipping. 

Markus Augeneder, Managing Director of TGW Systems Integration in Wels says: “We are delighted that Zalando opted for a TGW solution. Sustainability has been at the heart of the design and will be achieved through the use of TGW Commander Controls and an intelligent energy management system. Furthermore, our post-installation service package will ensure Zalando's new centre runs smoothly and remains up-to-date after commissioning."

“One of the most important drivers for the TGW business is online retail,” explains Georg Kirchmayr, President of TGW Logistics Group. “We have a comprehensive knowledge of the e-commerce challenges facing our customers. Working closely with them, we use that knowledge along with our experience and expertise to provide them with the optimum logistics solution for their business - both for today and for tomorrow.”