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Tour through WITRON headquarters in Parkstein (English)
WITRON Gruppe
Overview
This video provides a comprehensive tour of WITRON's headquarters in Parkstein, Germany, showcasing their state-of-the-art facilities and corporate philosophy. WITRON is a global leader in designing and implementing dynamic storage and order-picking systems. The tour highlights their commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability, detailing their various plants responsible for IT, administration, electronics manufacturing, service, and mechanical production. The video also emphasizes WITRON's dedication to employee development through apprenticeships, their focus on employee well-being with amenities like cafeterias and recreational facilities, and their deep roots in the local community.
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Chapters
- WITRON is a world leader in designing and implementing highly dynamic storage and order-picking systems.
- The company prioritizes cost efficiency, dynamism, durability, ergonomics, and energy efficiency in its solutions.
- As a general contractor, WITRON assumes full system responsibility from design to lifecycle services.
- Commitment to responsibility, nature, and local partnerships are core elements of WITRON's corporate culture.
Understanding WITRON's core business and foundational values is crucial to appreciating the scale and purpose of their operations and facilities.
The company builds its facilities using local wood and by regional companies, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and community.
- Plant 1 houses the IT department, with approximately 250 employees, and has been a site since 1974.
- WITRON leverages expertise from over 2000 projects and close client contact to ensure maximum availability and investment security.
- Real-time simulations are used to digitally model systems before physical installation.
- Key software components, logistics modules, and interfaces are developed in-house using modern tools.
- WITRON's subsidiary, we.bond, located in Plant 1, develops digital visualization systems for optimizing production and logistics.
This plant showcases WITRON's dedication to in-house software development and advanced simulation technologies, which are critical for creating efficient and reliable logistics systems.
Using real-time simulations to digitally bring systems to life for customers before they are physically built.
- Built in 1988, Plant 2 serves as the administration hub and houses project teams and over 200 PLC programmers.
- This facility is where WITRON's electronics are manufactured, including the crucial control technology.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) process sensor signals in real-time to command system components, ensuring efficient movement of goods.
- WITRON Service, responsible for system maintenance and operation, is also based in Plant 2.
This plant is central to the operational intelligence of WITRON's systems, highlighting the importance of robust control technology and dedicated service for 24/7 operations.
PLCs process signals from sensors to direct motors and controllers, ensuring totes and pallets reach their correct destinations.
- Over half of WITRON's global employees are part of WITRON Service, emphasizing its importance.
- With more than 40 on-site teams worldwide, they provide comprehensive system responsibility and support.
- A 24-hour help desk in Parkstein ensures smooth customer operations 365 days a year.
- Service requests and their status are visually managed on large LED screens for all service employees.
- An open architecture and short distances between teams at headquarters foster information exchange and service quality improvement.
The extensive global service network and 24/7 support are critical differentiators, ensuring customer satisfaction and system uptime throughout the lifecycle of the logistics solutions.
The 24-hour help desk operating continuously to resolve customer issues and maintain smooth operations.
- Plants 3 and 4, operated by WITRON subsidiary FAS, are dedicated to the design and manufacturing of mechanical components for WITRON systems.
- These facilities produce mechanics for tote and pallet conveyor systems, covering an area equivalent to approximately 16 soccer fields.
- WITRON decided to develop and produce conveyor system elements in-house to guarantee top quality.
- The production area features state-of-the-art technology, including laser punching machines, edging machines, and a modern galvanization station.
- Final assembly and testing of components are performed here before shipping, ensuring high product quality and shorter startup times globally.
These plants demonstrate WITRON's commitment to vertical integration and quality control by manufacturing critical mechanical parts in-house, ensuring precision and reliability.
The production area is equipped with advanced machinery like laser punching machines and edging machines to create high-quality mechanical elements.
- WITRON places a strong emphasis on training and development, offering around 80 new apprenticeships annually.
- The company provides comprehensive training in 15 different professions, fostering loyalty and commitment among staff.
- International apprenticeships bring together trainees from various nations, promoting diversity and collaboration.
- Employee well-being is supported through three cafeterias offering fresh, affordable meals, and a company restaurant, 'Stuebl'.
- Recreational facilities, including a gymnasium and sports courts, along with company events, contribute to a positive work environment.
WITRON's investment in its workforce through training, benefits, and a supportive culture is presented as a key driver of its long-term success and innovation.
Offering well-founded training in 15 different professions, with many former apprentices now holding key positions within the company.
- The 'Logistic Office' serves as a think tank where the founder and his team develop new systems and future strategies.
- This space offers a unique, cozy Alpine atmosphere for business guests and partners to collaborate.
- WITRON ensures guest comfort through its four-star hotel, 'Altstadt Hotel Brauhaus', and an on-site brewery.
- A nearby cafe, 'Cafe Center', complements the gastronomic offerings with an ice cream parlor and coffee house.
- These facilities reflect WITRON's commitment to hospitality and creating a conducive environment for business and partnerships.
This section highlights WITRON's dedication to fostering innovation and providing exceptional hospitality, creating an environment that supports both internal development and external collaboration.
The 'Logistic Office' features an imported Alpine mountain hut and fireplace lounge to create a unique working and meeting environment for guests.
Key takeaways
- WITRON's success is built on a foundation of continuous innovation, comprehensive system responsibility, and a deep commitment to customer needs.
- Vertical integration, including in-house design and manufacturing of critical components (IT, electronics, mechanics), ensures high quality and reliability.
- A strong emphasis on employee development through apprenticeships and ongoing training cultivates a loyal and skilled workforce.
- WITRON's operational philosophy extends beyond logistics systems to encompass employee well-being, community integration, and environmental responsibility.
- The company's global reach is anchored by its strong roots and continuous development within its Parkstein headquarters.
- Advanced technologies like real-time simulations and in-house software development are crucial for delivering dynamic and efficient logistics solutions.
- Comprehensive 24/7 service and support are integral to WITRON's value proposition, ensuring maximum uptime for customer operations.
Key terms
Logistics sectorGeneral contractorLifecycle servicesCorporate philosophyProgrammable Logic Controller (PLC)Control technologyWITRON ServiceOn-site teamsHelp deskVertical integrationMechanical productionConveyor systemsApprenticeship programThink tank
Test your understanding
- How does WITRON ensure maximum availability and investment security for its clients' logistics systems?
- What role does the control technology manufactured in Plant 2 play in the operation of WITRON's automated warehouses?
- Explain the significance of WITRON's in-house manufacturing of mechanical components in Plants 3 and 4.
- How does WITRON's apprenticeship program contribute to its long-term success and innovation?
- What is the purpose of the 'Logistic Office' and how does it reflect WITRON's approach to innovation and collaboration?