HENSOLDT opens logistics centre in Wolfhagen, Germany

The large-scale project was carried out by bauWerk Gesellschaft für Projektberatung und Baumanagement mbH, based in Gießen. In addition to project development, the company also managed the entire project through to its turnkey handover. Here, HENSOLDT, as the tenant, is responsible for the storage of selected spare parts and replacement parts for the Bundeswehr, as well as faulty equipment, which HIL GmbH is responsible for repairing. The logistics centre not only sends an important signal regarding defence policy, but, as an employer of more than 70 staff, is also essential for the region in North Hesse.

In his welcome address to the approximately 100 guests, including representatives of the Bundeswehr and politicians from the region, Stephan Heitz, Head of Logistics Management at HENSOLDT, emphasised that the company is now implementing its eighth ZEBEL contract: “We know that requirements will increase. We know that speed is becoming ever more important and that resilience, transparency and adaptability will be crucial. We know that security does not begin at the border, but in depots, in supply chains, in data, processes and facilities. With our current set-up, we are prepared for this! We are well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future!”

Major General Jochen Deuer, Commander of the Bundeswehr Logistics Command, explained in his speech just how important ZEBEL is not only for the Bundeswehr but also for the Federal Republic of Germany: “The development and expansion of logistical capabilities are crucial to ensuring a credible deterrent and genuine defence capability for the Federal Republic of Germany.” He went on to say: “The ZEBEL project represents a unique collaboration which has now been a core element and integral part of the Bundeswehr’s logistics system for 27 years.” He praised the collaboration with HENSOLDT and its predecessor company, ESG, and described ZEBEL as a successful project that serves as a model for fruitful cooperation between industry and the Bundeswehr.

Jens Nielsen, Head of the Services & Training Division at HENSOLDT, put the importance of the logistics depot into perspective: “HENSOLDT is committed to ensuring the operational readiness of our armed forces, equipping them effectively and keeping downtime to a minimum. ZEBEL makes exactly that visible.”

ZEBEL began in 1999 with a pilot project. Since then, it has been run by ESG – or, more recently, HENSOLDT – with a fulfilment rate of 98 per cent, “a unique figure”, as General Deuer emphasised. In Wolfhagen, the logistics centre has expanded from 32,020 m² to 40,000 m², of which 30,000 m² is allocated to ZEBEL and 10,000 m² to the component hub commissioned by the Army Maintenance Logistics (HIL GmbH). There are also additional office spaces. In the future, around 70,000 supply items will be stored in this vast area, and more than 1 million transactions will be processed annually.