Focus on the future of food logistics: Exclusive insights from Nagel-Group at the 18th VDKL-KÄLTEFORUM
On 19 and 20 November 2024, around 200 experts from industry, trade and logistics gathered at the 18th KÄLTEFORUM, the annual industry meeting for temperature-controlled food. Organised by the Association of German Cold Storage and Refrigerated Logistics Companies (VDKL) and the German Frozen Food Institute (dti), this year’s event not only offered exciting presentations and discussions, but also exclusive insights into innovative logistics solutions.
Highlight: Visit to the Nagel-Group’s multi-temp plant in Nuremberg
A particular highlight was the tour of the Nagel-Group’s multi-temp facility at the Nuremberg site. Nagel-Group operates a state-of-the-art logistics facility for fresh and frozen products on the 60,000 square metre site. With its transshipment warehouse, the Nuremberg site is an important hub for food logistics in all temperature ranges. Dairy products, sweets and customers’ meat and sausage products are dispatched from here throughout Germany and Europe.
Jens Kleiner (COO of the Nagel-Group) und André Pleines (Executive Director Real Estate of the Nagel-Group) at the VDKL-Kälteforum.
Jens Kleiner, COO of Nagel-Group, emphasised: ‘Our multi-temp facility in Nuremberg symbolises the future of food logistics. Here we combine efficiency, sustainability and flexibility to meet the growing demands of our customers.’
The guests were particularly interested in the extent to which automation contributes to increasing efficiency. The automated high-bay warehouse in particular generated lively discussions and opened up perspectives on how modern technologies can optimise processes in refrigerated logistics.
André Pleines, Executive Director Real Estate at Nagel-Group, also emphasised the special features of the complex: ‘The extension was realised in one and a half years. The multi-temp facility is energy-efficient and designed to conserve resources. In addition to the expansion of storage capacity, a large truck workshop for the region and a multi-storey car park with 208 parking spaces were also built.’
Another highlight is the 4,200 square metre roof photovoltaic system with 1,440 modules and an output of 613.5 kWp. The electricity generated is consumed directly on site. A cooling system with low refrigerant use and intensive heat recovery was also installed.
Future topics on the agenda
The KÄLTEFORUM offered a wide range of specialist presentations and discussions, including:
- E-mobility in refrigerated logistics: How sustainable drives are changing the industry.
- Smart Cooling – The future of refrigerated logistics: Focus on new technologies and automation.
- Cybersecurity in logistics: protecting sensitive data and systems from digital threats.
Networking and tradition
In addition to the professional impulses, networking also took centre stage. The traditional evening event offered participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and make new contacts in a relaxed atmosphere.
The 18th KÄLTEFORUM once again demonstrated the importance of dialogue and cooperation in the industry in order to master the challenges of the future together.