Fully automated frozen food logistics for the Block Logistik finished goods warehouse
Block Logistik and STILL
Block Logistik GmbH, part of the Block Group, is responsible for safely and precisely supplying restaurant-quality products to the Group's own restaurants and the food retail sector. The logistics subsidiary centrally picks all orders from the restaurants in the finished goods warehouse of the food production facility and delivers them using the company’s own fleet of vehicles. To further increase the efficiency and productivity of its warehouse logistics, Block Logistik is consolidating its three deep-freeze warehouses into one centralised, automated warehouse in Hamburg. The company is relying on the expertise of intralogistics specialist STILL to achieve this: a fully automated STILL iGo Cube four-way pallet shuttle system combined with a driverless transport system (DTS) suitable for deep-freeze conditions will ensure a smooth and efficient flow of goods in future.
The consolidation of warehouse sites aims to reduce the need for goods transfers, pool resources, and optimise structures. Other key indicators of success include increased storage density and reduced cold store staff workload.
Innovations made in Hamburg: Block Logistik and STILL
To bring this ambitious project to fruition, long-established Hamburg-based company Block is relying on the expert support of another long-standing Hamburg firm: intralogistics specialist STILL.
Beyond its local ties, STILL impressed with its smart, comprehensive solution comprising a fully automated pallet shuttle system, automated guided vehicles, conveyor technology, software and service, backed by a high level of expertise, experience and understanding of customer needs. "STILL clearly grasped our project requirements and developed a coherent concept for high storage density in conjunction with a fully automated warehouse," says Robin Bauszus, managing director of Block Logistik. "We are delighted to be implementing such a comprehensive project for Block Logistik," adds Kai Freitag, STILL's Project Manager Business Development Automated Solutions, enthusiastically. "In addition to the desired storage density and maximum automation, it is the deep-freeze component in particular that makes this project so exciting."
Fully automated frozen food logistics for the Block Logistik finished goods warehouse
STILL's automation specialists designed a bespoke solution for Block Logistik, comprising a STILL cold store stacker iGo — the first automated high-lift pallet truck suitable for deep-freeze environments — and a fully automated STILL iGo Cube compact storage system with 3,700 storage locations and four shuttles, all in a deep-freeze version. The iGo cube offers maximum space utilisation, high scalability and easy integration. It can be seamlessly incorporated into existing warehouse structures, and thanks to standardised modules it is flexible and ready for use in no time.
This bespoke solution will enable Block Logistik to benefit from high storage capacity in a compact space and a fully automated link between the warehouse and picking area in future. The racking and shuttle solution and the driverless high lift pallet truck work together in a smart, fully automated system to handle almost 70 pallet movements per hour safely, reliably and efficiently, while significantly reducing the workload for staff in the deep-freeze area.
Partnership-based collaboration as the foundation of shared success
The operational rollout of this pioneering project is set to begin in autumn 2026. "Given the highly professional preparations carried out so far by STILL, the main contractor, and the reliable, solution-oriented collaboration, we are looking forward to the upcoming implementation with great anticipation and confidence,” says Robin Bauszus.
