Wago Sondershausen fully automated: State-of-the-art central warehouse revolutionizes company logistics – Image: Xpert.Digital
Wago opens state-of-the-art logistics center: Sustainability meets automation
Wago Sondershausen: State-of-the-art central warehouse transforms company logistics
In May 2025, the connection and automation technology specialist Wago opened its new central warehouse at its Sondershausen site. With an investment of over €50 million, the company underscores its long-term commitment to the Thuringian location. The new, highly automated logistics center doubles the previous storage capacity and sets new industry standards through innovative technologies and sustainable concepts.
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The development of the Sondershausen site
From the beginnings to regional economic power
Wago's involvement in Sondershausen dates back to 1990, when the company began production with just six employees in the former social building of Kali-Südharz AG. Over the past three decades, the site has developed continuously and, with over 1,000 employees, has grown into the largest employer in North Thuringia. Since its founding, more than €200 million has been invested in the site, making Wago one of the most important companies in the region.
The history of the logistics center
A key milestone in the site's development was the opening of the central logistics and distribution center in July 1999 in the Kalkhügel industrial park in Sondershausen. With an initial area of 5,300 m², the center served as the base for the international logistics of the world market leader in spring clamp technology. Rainer Baade, then head of the central warehouse, recalls: “When we packed the first shipping carton in December 1999, no one could have imagined the remarkable development the Sondershausen central warehouse would undergo. A fully automated high-bay warehouse was truly pioneering work at the time.”.
Over the years, several expansions have already been carried out – first in 2003 and then again in 2015. With the current expansion in 2025, the logistics center now reaches almost four times its original size.
The new central warehouse: Technical dimensions
Structural measures and capacities
The logistics center expansion was completed in an impressive 17 months on a 35,000 m² site. At its heart is a state-of-the-art high-bay warehouse with an area of 11,000 m², more than doubling the previous capacity. With space for up to 160,000 containers and 5,700 pallets, a significant increase in capacity has been achieved.
The original storage capacity was limited to 45,000 containers and 3,600 pallets, with an annual processing capacity of approximately 195,000 orders. With the current expansion, the logistics center can now accommodate a total of 300,000 containers and process over one million orders annually – a remarkable increase that reflects the growing importance of the site.
Automation and modern technologies
The new central warehouse is built to the highest technological standards. It comprises a five-aisle, fully automated high-bay pallet warehouse, a two-aisle automated small parts warehouse, and a shuttle warehouse, all interconnected by extensive conveyor technology for palletized, containerized, and carton goods. This advanced infrastructure, once fully operational, will enable the daily processing of up to 12,000 orders.
Automation is complemented by numerous robotics solutions for depalletizing, palletizing, and order picking. This includes automatic carton erectors and sealers, as well as comprehensive automation in the shipping area. State-of-the-art, ergonomically optimized picking workstations have also been installed for employees, enabling efficient and healthy work.
Sustainability as a central component
Environmentally friendly building technology
In line with the company's sustainability strategy, the responsible use of resources and energy-efficient technologies were given special consideration in the planning of the new logistics center. A key feature is that the new building operates entirely without fossil fuels. Instead, it is heated by an intelligent heat pump system and features a large-scale photovoltaic system for generating its own electricity.
Innovative packaging technology
A particularly innovative feature is the introduction of a "paper wrapper" for wrapping pallets – a technology being used for the first time in German-speaking countries. Unlike conventional packaging methods, this special machine uses paper instead of plastic film. Diana Wilhelm, Vice President Corporate Logistics at Wago, explains the background: "Sustainability is not an option for Wago, but a central component of our corporate strategy. [...] We also wanted to break new ground in shipping and opted for a paper wrapper to reduce our CO2 footprint by over 50 percent compared to stretch film.".
The paper wrapper works similarly to a conventional wrapper, but encases the palletized goods in special, fully recyclable paper made from responsibly sourced fibers. This innovative approach underscores Wago's commitment to sustainably reducing packaging waste.
Strategic importance for Wago
Logistics hub in Europe
Sondershausen's central location in the heart of Germany and Europe makes it the ideal "gateway to the world" for Wago. The logistics center serves as a hub for worldwide shipping, supplying subsidiaries in 80 countries as well as direct customers. This strategic position enables Wago to guarantee fast delivery times: customers in Germany receive their orders within 24 hours, while deliveries across Europe typically take 48 to 72 hours.
Future viability and growth
With the expansion of its logistics center, Wago is proactively responding to the dynamic development of the markets and ensuring the future viability of its distribution logistics capacity. Dr. Heike Sengstschmid, Vice President Operations, emphasizes: “With our new logistics center, we have reached the next milestone in Wago's history. We are committed to innovation and sustainability in order to offer our customers worldwide first-class products and optimal service.”.
Diana Wilhelm, Vice President Corporate Logistics, adds: “With this expansion, we are taking automation and digitalization to the next level and making our central warehouse scalable to meet tomorrow's customer requirements.” This scalability is crucial to keeping pace with continued product and company growth and to maintain a high level of delivery service.
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Regional economic importance
Economic engine for northern Thuringia
As the largest employer in North Thuringia with over 1,000 employees, Wago plays a significant role in the region's economic development. The investment of over €50 million in the new logistics center – the largest investment the company is currently undertaking – underscores its long-term commitment to the Sondershausen location.
Interaction of production and logistics
The success of the Sondershausen site is largely based on the seamless integration of production and logistics. A large proportion of WAGO connectors manufactured worldwide, including the well-known WAGO 221 series connector and the more sustainable Green Range of the 221 series, are shipped from Sondershausen to destinations around the globe. This efficient integration is crucial for the company's international success and future viability.
Economic boost for the region: Sondershausen benefits from Wago
The opening of the new central warehouse in Sondershausen marks another significant milestone in Wago's development history. With an investment of over €50 million, the company demonstrates its confidence in the location and simultaneously sets new standards in automation, digitalization, and sustainability within the logistics industry.
The state-of-the-art technical equipment of the logistics center enables Wago to meet the increasing demands of the market and further expand its position as the world market leader in spring clamp technology. At the same time, the company underscores its responsibility towards the environment and future generations with its sustainable approach.
For the North Thuringia region, the expansion means a strengthening of the economy and the long-term security of jobs. The close interaction between production and logistics at the Sondershausen site will continue to be a crucial success factor for Wago and contribute to the company's further growth.
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