Since 2022, Leadec has been responsible for empties management at the customer’s production site. A 150-strong Leadec team working in three shifts manages, sorts, and processes several million reusable containers per year. The team coordinates approximately 1,200 different container types and ensures a smooth flow of materials between production, warehouse, and logistics areas. Up to 250 trucks are loaded and unloaded daily.
“The extension of this major contract is a strong sign of our customer’s confidence in us. In recent years, we have continuously improved empties management at the site through digitalization, data analysis, and process optimization. We have established a solid foundation for successfully meeting future logistics challenges together,” says Markus Glaser-Gallion, CEO of Leadec.
From operations logistics to data-driven management
Since taking on the contract, the processes have undergone extensive development. A particular priority has been the digitization of workflows. To this end, Leadec has developed its own data analysis solution that enables forecasting for empties management and provides a basis for capacity and resource planning, allowing material flows, utilization rates, and demand to be identified and managed early on for optimal efficiency.
New requirements in automotive logistics
With the contract extension, Leadec has taken on new responsibilities. As part of the ongoing development of its logistics networks, the automotive manufacturer is increasingly relying on cross-docking concepts. After delivery, empty containers are sorted, consolidated, and prepared for further transport without intermediate storage. Leadec is already aligning its dispatch and control processes with these requirements and expanding its expertise.
At the same time, Leadec is advancing automation in empties management. In collaboration with its in-house Automation & Engineering division, Leadec is developing a fully automated system for processing containers. This solution will also be available for use at other industrial sites in the future.
"Through investments in digitalization, automation, and intelligent logistics solutions, Leadec is setting the framework for efficient and resilient material flows. From AI-supported sorting processes to fully automated systems for sorting small load carriers, we are developing solutions that ensure sustainable industrial value creation for the future. Our customers benefit from a seamless, circular production supply from a single source,” says Markus Glaser-Gallion, CEO of Leadec.
