As Breuninger continues its strong growth across omnichannel and e-commerce, we are proud to support the expansion of their central distribution center with one of the largest AutoStore systems in Europe, implemented by Element Logic and powered by our advanced warehouse software. 

This large-scale automation project increases throughput, speeds up order fulfillment, and enables scalable operations — supporting Breuninger’s growing fashion, beauty, and lifestyle business across ten European markets. 

Founded in 1881, Breuninger is one of Europe’s most established omnichannel department store retailers, with 13 physical locations in Germany and Luxembourg and a fast-growing online presence. With this latest expansion, the company has added 40,000 square meters to its existing 76,000–square–meter logistics center in Germany, near Stuttgart — unlocking new capacity for storage, shipping, and returns. 

“This project showcases what is possible when high-throughput automation and intelligent software come together. Breuninger now has a logistics setup that delivers speed, flexibility, and room to grow,” says Joachim Kieninger, Director Strategic Business Development, Element Logic Germany. 

Scalable Automation with High Throughput 

The centerpiece of the expansion is a custom-designed AutoStore solution that spans two fire protection zones, connected by three fire doors. Across 5,400 square meters, the system currently provides over 200,000 bins, with scalability already built into the layout to accommodate a future third system. 

Nearly 300 robots operate on the grid, storing and retrieving goods stacked up to 16 containers high. The installation consists of 35 integrated workstations (ports) — including 23 carousel ports to support high picking throughput and 12 conveyor ports for inbound goods handling. 

All ports are freestanding units, allowing seamless integration with inbound and outbound conveyor technology. The AutoStore grid is positioned on the third floor, while a two-level conveyor system manages bin movement: empty bins are delivered on the upper level and filled bins are routed out for dispatch on the lower level. 

Real-Time Process Control with Element Logic’s WCS 

To handle the complexity of automated operations, Breuninger implemented Element Logic’s Warehouse Control System. . The software acts as a control layer above the AutoStore system, managing inventory, optimizing container use, and ensuring real-time communication with the existing WMS. 

Key features include: 

• Intelligent bin management — combining or splitting SKUs to maximize storage efficiency 

• Multi-compartment bin logic — allowing different items or restrictions per compartment 

• Fill level monitoring — providing full visibility of empty and partially filled bins 

• Task prioritization — ensuring time-sensitive orders are processed first 

Element Logic’s own WCS also streamlines operations for employees. A single sign-on setup lets team members log into the system with their Microsoft credentials, and user-friendly interfaces enable direct interaction with AutoStore from within the WCS— no system-switching required. Specific order types can even be routed to dedicated ports to increase processing speed and accuracy. 

“The automated warehouse processes have made Breuninger’s logistics center more efficient and more precise,” says Kieninger. “With this solution, they’re well-prepared for the pace and pressure of today’s retail environment.” 

Built to Scale, Ready for the Future 

The modular nature of the AutoStore system means Breuninger can easily scale its capacity or performance as needed — by adding more robots, ports, or grid space without overhauling the system. The infrastructure is already in place to expand when the time is right. 

This project demonstrates the strength of Element Logic’s end-to-end approach — from strategic planning and hardware integration to intelligent software and long-term scalability. We are proud to be part of Breuninger’s journey as they continue to lead in European fashion logistics.