Nippon Express & cargo-partner Boost Efficiency

AutoStore increases performance and speeds up spare parts fulfillment for cargo-partner in Vienna.

cargo-partner, a company of NIPPON EXPRESS HOLDINGS, INC., is a global logistics provider specializing in supply chain and contract logistics services. At its iLogistics Center near Vienna International Airport, the company manages spare parts logistics for major international customers, including ENGEL, a leading international manufacturer of injection molding machines.

To support this operation and future growth, cargo-partner implemented an AutoStore system, empowered by HÖRMANN Intralogistics within its facility. Installed in a sustainable timber warehouse, the solution enables high-density storage and efficient spare parts handling in a compact footprint, strengthening the group’s logistics performance and scalability.

“The move to AutoStore has led to a noticeable improvement in spare parts performance - so much so that customers actively asked what had changed.” 

Harald Wegerer, Vice President Customer Service Division, ENGEL, cargo-partner customer

The Challenge

cargo-partner needed to optimize spare parts logistics for a long-standing international customer while preparing for increased demand and future 3PL projects.

The operation handled a wide range of items, from very small components to larger parts, with late order cut-off times and global same-day shipping requirements. Manual processes created limitations in speed, storage efficiency, and scalability.

The Benefits of the AutoStore System

AutoStore has significantly improved operational performance at cargo-partner’s iLogistics Center by increasing efficiency, accelerating order processing, and enabling consistent, scalable spare parts logistics.

Improved system performance

The system delivers up to 200 bin presentations per hour, ensuring steady and reliable handling of spare parts. This enables cargo-partner to maintain consistent performance while managing daily order volumes and meeting demanding service requirements.

Faster order processing and fulfillment

The automation has enabled:

• 50% faster picking and storage processes, reducing order processing time

• Faster handling of both small components and larger spare parts

• Improved responsiveness to late order cut-offs and same-day shipping

Increased workforce efficiency

The transition to a goods-to-person workflow has improved productivity:

• 50% reduction in employee travel time

• More focus on value-added tasks such as picking and quality control

• Improved ergonomics at Ports

Scalable solution for future growth

The modular AutoStore Grid allows cargo-partner to expand capacity as needed:

• Flexible addition of Robots, Bins, and Ports

• Ability to support additional customers and 3PL projects

• Long-term adaptability within the existing facility

Space efficiency as an added benefit

The system has also delivered a 75% reduction in storage space requirements, enabling efficient use of the mezzanine installation and maximizing available warehouse capacity.

“AutoStore has cut travel times in the warehouse by 50% and increased handling speed while ensuring high picking accuracy and ease of use for our warehouse colleagues.”

Krisztián Haslinger, Project Manager Contract Logistics, cargo-partner

How the System Works

The AutoStore system was installed on a mezzanine level within the existing warehouse.

On top of the aluminium Grid, Robots retrieve Bins and deliver them to Ports where operators pick and process orders. The system includes 7 R5 Robots, 3 CarouselPorts, and 2 SwingPorts with BinLift, all integrated with the HiLIS warehouse management system.

This setup enables efficient goods-to-person workflows while maintaining seamless coordination between automation and warehouse operations.

“AutoStore allows us to meet growing demands with faster, more precise, and more sustainable processes - while keeping human expertise at the core of our success.” 

Martin Schenzel, Managing Director Austria, cargo-partner

Conclusion

The AutoStore system has transformed spare parts logistics at cargo-partner’s iLogistics Center, delivering measurable gains in performance, speed, and operational efficiency.

By enabling faster picking, reducing manual movement, and ensuring consistent system performance, AutoStore allows cargo-partner - part of the Nippon Express Group - to meet increasing customer demands while maintaining high service levels.

The scalable solution also positions cargo-partner for continued growth in contract logistics, supporting both existing operations and future customer requirements.

“With the AutoStore solution and the customized HiLIS software, we can make our processes more flexible and meet the increasing demands of our customers even better.” 

Krisztián Haslinger, Project Manager Contract Logistics, cargo-partner 

System Overview

Installation type: Brownfield 
Robots: 7 R5 Robots 
Workstations (Ports): 3 CarouselPorts, 2 SwingPorts with BinLift 
Bins: 14,680 (expandable to 21,030) 
WMS: HiLIS Warehouse Management System 
Integrated technology/automation: BinLift connection to ground floor, customized WMS interfaces for 3PL 
Partner: HÖRMANN Intralogistics