By 2012, Dematic GmbH in Offenbach will modernize the conveying and control systems of the 16 largest mail centers of Deutsche Post AG with cutting-edge technology. The first project phase in the Leipzig mail center has already been successfully completed.
 
Dematic GmbH Offenbach has now successfully completed the first sub-project of a major contract from Deutsche Post AG (DPAG) in Leipzig, Germany. Intra-logistics specialist Dematic has been given the order to upgrade and modernize the 16 largest mail centers of the Federal Republic. In two implementation steps, the mail sorting centers’ conveyor and control systems will be upgraded to state of the art technology nationwide by mid-2012, without disrupting ongoing operations.
 
In addition to coordinating with multiple suppliers in narrow, specified time frames, Dematic will, amongst others, modernize the conveyor equipment, replace 180 programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and related material flow computers, deliver and install 16 handling robots and conveyor systems as well as optimize the control concepts of the existing sorters. "With Dematic, we have chosen a long-term implementation partner who has the necessary planning and systems expertise," says Gerhard Stoenner from DPAG's technology division in the Bonn headquarters. "Such a complex project, in which over several years different implementation phases at different locations have to be coordinated very timely and precisely, requires a high level of expertise and flexibility."
 
As a first step, in the mail distribution center of Leipzig the conveying facilities have recently been upgraded with state-of-the-art components for standard-letter sorting machines. At the same location, in parallel with the ongoing project work in the other 15 mail centers, handling equipment of the large letters sorting facilities will be modernized. In a final project phase which will be finished in January 2011, outdated control technology will be replaced and the drive concept of the mail centers’ sorters will be modernized. In total, for this demanding order, Dematic will supply four construction teams who will implement the job by 2012 in parallel at the different postal centers.