Trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull is set to expand its Vreden site, investing more than €50 million to boost production capacities for refrigerated and box body semi-trailers. The investment focuses on enhancing the company’s competitiveness through a range of measures including the construction of a new 4,500 m² production hall.
The new facility will feature cutting-edge technology aimed at increasing production efficiency. The restructuring will enable the production of up to 40 refrigerated vehicles per shift, with the cycle time per trailer being reduced from 15 minutes to just 10 minutes due to increased automation and digitalisation.
A significant aspect of the project is the use of digital tools for planning new buildings and machinery, optimizing work processes and ensuring efficiency. Digital simulations will validate new production workflows early on.
The Vreden site is a key player in the “Datenfabrik.NRW” project, which promotes the development of data-based factories. Schmitz Cargobull is setting a new benchmark for digital transformation within the industry.
Alongside the new production hall, a new logistics concept will refine internal workflows. Upgrades to components production will also be implemented to future-proof the site. Significant measures will take place at the main refrigerated vehicle production plant in Südlohner Diek.
The expansion includes increasing the supply center at the Große Mast site and doubling existing parking capacity by extending into a neighboring brownfield site. This will speed up vehicle delivery and reduce costs by eliminating the need for rented parking areas. The use of electrically powered tractor units will enhance the efficiency and sustainability of logistics processes.
Schmitz Cargobull’s investment in the Vreden site underlines its commitment to achieving environmental goals and fostering ecological and economic sustainability.
