Smart solution for new logistics center

Balluff is expanding its location in Veszprém, Hungary, with a state-of-the-art logistics center. Fully and semi-automated warehouse technology will ensure optimal production supply and distribution to regional Balluff distribution centers in the future. The sensor and automation specialist is thus taking the next step towards strengthening its own global production and logistics network

Ceremonial opening of the new logistics building. From left to right: Gyula Porga, mayor of Veszprém | Tamás Ötvös, managing director, Balluff-Elektronika Kft. | Árpád Melles, former managing director, Balluff-Elektronika Kft. | Frank Nonnenmann, managing director and head of global supply chain, Balluff GmbH | Zsuzsanna Deutsch, logistics manager, Balluff-Elektronika Kft. | Hondo Santos, head of logistics, Balluff GmbH | Zsolt Kulcsár, head of operations, Balluff GmbH | Péter Ovádi, member of Hungarian Parliament | Attila Nagy, mayor of Csetény

Balluff has achieved record results in recent years - the sensor and automation specialist is consistently on course for global growth. Accordingly, the company has strengthened the capacities of its own production and logistics network this year: After the production expansion in Chengdu, China, and the opening of the new series production site in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Balluff opened a new 5,000 m² logistics center in Veszprém, Hungary, on November 16. With these investments, Balluff is creating the conditions for resilient global supply chains and shorter delivery times in its three main regions, Americas, EMEA, and APAC.

Intelligent warehousing

With the expansion of the logistics center in Veszprém, Balluff is bringing three local warehouse locations together centrally. A new hall now provides more capacity in Veszprém. This includes a fully automated small parts warehouse for components and semi-finished products as well as a new narrow-aisle storage system for pallets and long goods. Both storage systems enable high travel and lifting speeds with optimum use of space and can be expanded flexibly and quickly during operation to accommodate further growth.

With the new small parts warehouse, Balluff has introduced an intelligent, fully automated storage system. "With this solution, small parts are stored in stacks of bins without spaces in between. This means that no space is wasted - the storage density is increased," explains Managing Director Frank Nonnenmann. He adds: "This way, we get four times the storage capacity in the same space as with conventional solutions."

The system scores points not only in terms of storage density, but also in terms of speed: high-speed robots running on rails above the storage area transport the bins to ergonomic workstations in an energy-efficient manner

A Hungarian success story

Balluff's production in Veszprém began in 1989 with coils for proximity switches. Since then, the site has continuously grown and developed into the largest of the three series production sites: Today, Balluff-Elektronika Kft. manufactures over 4.2 million sensors, identification solutions, components for industrial communication and networking technology, as well as other products annually. From prototypes to pre-series and from small to large-scale production, Balluff-Elektronika Kft. covers the entire production spectrum.

"The establishment of the Hungarian subsidiary in 1989 was a courageous and important step that has paid off," emphasizes Nonnenmann. It is not only the number of employees that has grown continuously. Today, Veszprém is also Balluff's second largest development base. Originally started with 13 employees, Balluff-Elektronika Kft. now employs around 1,000 people and has grown to become the fourth largest and popular employer in the region.

About the company Balluff

Founded in 1921 in Neuhausen a. d. F., Balluff with its 3900 employees worldwide stands for innovative technology, quality and cross-industry experience in industrial automation. As a leading sensor and automation specialist, the fourth-generation family-owned company offers a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality sensor, identification, network and software solutions.

In 2022, the Balluff Group recorded sales of around 567 million euros. In addition to its central headquarters in Neuhausen a. d. F., Balluff has sales, production and development locations around the globe and is represented by 38 subsidiaries and other agencies in 61 countries. This guarantees customers fast worldwide availability of products and a high quality of advice and service directly on site.