When we published our first article “FRICKE goes Tholey” about the construction of the new logistics center, the project was still in its infancy. Today, large warehouse buildings rise where there was once only a muddy field. The groundbreaking took place in July 2024, and the first construction phase was recently completed. Commissioning of the logistics center is planned for spring 2026. Until then, a lot still needs to happen behind the scenes. Every day, the team works hard to stay on schedule. With this update, we’d like to share where the project currently stands and introduce some of the team members involved.
Andreas – In Full Control as Project Lead
Andreas will be the future site manager of the logistics center in Tholey and has been part of the FRICKE Group for three years. Originally from the Saarland region, he’s happy to be working in his home region again, having left it at the age of 18. His first six months at FRICKE were all about getting to know the company and its processes. To best do that, Andreas spent this initial phase on-site in Heeslingen. Today, he only travels there every two to three weeks, spending the rest of his time in Tholey.
While the offices there are still located in construction containers, the team is expected to move into the finished office space within about a month. Andreas is currently focused not only on completing the automation and defining on-site processes but also on building the entire infrastructure. Everything that already exists at the main site in Heeslingen needs to be newly set up in Tholey – from recruiting staff and sourcing consumables to organizing cleaning services and waste disposal. It’s a full-time job!
Hendrik – Interface Between Software and Warehouse Technology
Hendrik was already involved in selecting the site for the new logistics center, making him the first FRICKE Group employee to visit the Tholey site back in late 2017. Since February 2022, he has been actively involved in the project again. At the Tholey site, SAP EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) will be used – the same warehouse management system already in place at our subsidiary Hofmeister & Meincke.
Just like at Hofmeister & Meincke, Hendrik is responsible for implementing SAP EWM and ERP integration in Tholey. This includes mapping the entire process chain from goods receipt to goods issue, and answering overarching questions such as: How will we steer fulfillment in the web shop and SAP ERP system? Which orders will be dispatched from which site? What shipping options will each site offer, and how will they be displayed to customers? How are stock transfers between warehouses handled?
Additionally, the material flow controller must be mapped in EWM, and the automated shuttle warehouse must be integrated. Hendrik works closely with Wesley, especially regarding the shuttle warehouse, to define future software solutions for the Tholey site.
Wesley – Responsible for Automation and Logistics Planning
Wesley has been involved in the Tholey project since the very first kick-off meeting in spring 2021. He began as a working student and took over the role of subproject manager for automation after completing his master’s degree in spring 2022. While his passion originally lay in production engineering, he became increasingly engaged with logistics planning throughout the year-long project preparation phase.
Wesley has supported the project from the very first concept discussions with external logistics consultants to the procurement of automation technology and now through the current implementation phase. The installation of the automated intralogistics systems inside the buildings is progressing rapidly. Still, planning is far from over. The process is evolving from rough to detailed planning, and the team is currently finalizing the last steps. This includes designing efficient workstations for future employees, conducting final system simulations, and preparing for technical testing and ramp-up.
With the addition of the Tholey location, a new GRANIT logistics network is also emerging. Wesley is therefore working on network planning questions such as: “Which customers will we serve from which logistics center in the future?”
While Wesley knows the conveyor system like the back of his hand, part of his role now is to pass this deep technical knowledge on to the technical team. This is where Randolf and his team come in.
Randolf – Keeping an Eye on the Technology
Randolf was the second permanent team member on-site in Tholey after Andreas. He is the team lead for systems and building technology and has been with the FRICKE Group since April 1. Like Andreas, he is from the region and witnessed the development of the logistics center up close. The site is located along his former commute, allowing him to observe progress daily. The project quickly became well-known in the area and sparked his curiosity.
His team will eventually include 11 electricians, electrical engineers, and mechatronics specialists. Together, they will be responsible for keeping all systems and machines running smoothly and making repairs when needed. To prepare, they are currently undergoing extensive training on the system components and maintenance routines.
In terms of building technology, the team manages fire sprinkler systems, ventilation and heating systems for climate control, and backup generators that ensure uninterrupted operations during power outages. Randolf’s team will be in charge of the entire intralogistics system, ensuring that internal material flows run smoothly.
Tholey as a Team Effort
The project is progressing right on schedule, and the team expects to ship the first packages by March. The gross floor area of 28,000 square meters from the first construction phase corresponds to about one-third of the warehouse space in Heeslingen. With this capacity, the Tholey logistics center will support and relieve Heeslingen, especially in serving customers in southern regions. Once fully completed, Tholey’s warehouse will even surpass the size of the Heeslingen site.
The project surrounding the new logistics center in Tholey is a true mammoth task that can only be achieved together. In addition to the local project teams, other subprojects are crucial to its success. A comprehensive IT infrastructure and network planning are essential to ensure efficient goods flow between Heeslingen and Tholey. And of course, qualified personnel must be recruited to keep processes running smoothly.
Thanks to the excellent collaboration throughout the project, the timeline has remained intact—and the entire team is looking ahead to the big go-live with optimism.
