The Customer

The Rhenus Group is a leading global logistics service provider headquartered near Dortmund and is part of the German RETHMANN Group. It offers comprehensive solutions across the entire supply chain—from transportation and warehousing logistics to customized value-added services.

Rhenus operates more than 1,320 locations worldwide with approximately 40,000 employees. In Switzerland, the company operates at more than 15 locations, where it employs more than 1,500 people to provide specialized solutions for supply chain management, warehousing, transportation logistics, and customs services.

Project: Automated Vertical Conveyor System – Möhlin Logistics Center (CH)

In 2024, Rhenus Switzerland built a multi-story logistics complex in Möhlin (Canton of Aargau) in the border region of four countries (CH/DE/FR/AT). An automated vertical pallet conveyor system from SCHÖNAU was integrated to handle the vertical distribution of pallets and special load carriers within the building.

The system enables fast, safe, and fire-code-compliant transport between floors, playing a key role in internal material logistics.

Technical Implementation & Highlights

Conveyor system

• Type: Vertical Lifting System Type 353
• Integration: Directly into the customer-supplied concrete shaft (without a separate support structure)
• Elevator car: Locked by telescoping sliding doors during transport
• Shaft Access Points: F90 Telescopic Sliding Doors that Serve as Personal Safety Barriers
• Buffer Sections: Flush-with-floor inlet and outlet areas with integrated storage function

Operational Flexibility

• Means of transport: Loading via high-speed conveyors (2-deep), conveyor belt, hand pallet trucks, and forklifts
• Pallet Types: Suitable for EURO and INDU pallets (wood or plastic) up to 1,000 kg
• Contour Inspection: Defect Detection and Visualization at Every Level

Control & Visualization:

• Control unit: Siemens SIMATIC S7-1500 with remote maintenance
• Operation: Touch panels with intuitive visualizations at every level

Safety & Fire Protection

All shaft openings were equipped with automatic F90 telescopic sliding doors, which ensure both structural fire protection and personal safety. The system thus meets all requirements for a safe flow of materials in multi-story logistics buildings.

Conclusion

SCHÖNAU’s automated vertical system supports Rhenus Switzerland in implementing efficient, automated pallet logistics across multiple levels—with high safety standards, maximum availability, and full integration into warehouse processes.