The international freight forwarder Eberl has put a new temperature-controlled high-bay warehouse into operation in Nussdorf, specifically designed for the storage of pharmaceuticals. To meet the high demands for the storage of pharmaceuticals, the company relies on a redundant ventilation technology from WOLF. This ensures constant room temperatures and uniform humidity in the warehouse with an air exchange rate of 2 x 60,000 m³/h.
In 2023, Eberl responded to the increasing demand for storage capacities for pharmaceuticals and invested in a modern logistics hall with space for 25,000 pallet spaces. The storage of pharmaceuticals is subject to strict regulations set by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). These regulations are crucial to ensure the quality and safety of the medications until their expiration date.
High standards for storage
The new hall covers 9,000 m² and is up to 13 m high. It has been certified as a temperature-controlled logistics warehouse according to the international GDP standard (Good Distribution Practices). This standard certifies the quality, temperature, cleanliness, traceability, and safety of the warehouse, making Eberl a reliable partner in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The relative humidity in the warehouse must remain consistently below 75 percent, while the room temperature must be between 15 and 25 °C.
Managing directors Thomas and Maximilian Eberl emphasize the importance of operating costs for the profitability of the company. Therefore, they placed great value on an energy-efficient ventilation solution. The WOLF Klima- und Lüftungsgeräte KG Top achieves heat recovery rates of 82 percent through modern rotary heat exchanger technology. Thomas Eberl explains: “Over a service life of 15 to 20 years, this saves operating costs in the range of 30 to 40 percent.”
Technical details and efficiency
The ventilation technology is designed so that the conditioned air is distributed via a main air duct at the ceiling of the hall. Tapered side ducts lead the air into the individual aisles of the high-bay warehouse. Ventilation flaps ensure that the same amount of air is supplied and exhausted in each aisle. The rotary heat exchanger prevents the air from becoming too dry in winter and keeps high humidity out in summer.
The temperature in the shelving area is continuously monitored to allow for immediate intervention in case of deviations. Data loggers are strategically positioned in the warehouse to ensure optimal temperature control, which is crucial for product safety and cost control.
The planning and delivery times of the ventilation units were also efficient. Only 30 working days passed from the order to delivery. The factory-installed wiring of the units and the support from WOLF as the site manager enabled a swift installation on-site. The commissioning of the ventilation units took place in just 10 days, ensuring that the hall was ready for occupancy as scheduled by July 1, 2024.
To discuss pharmaceutical supply chain management, connect with solution providers and network with delegates, attend the Pharma Logistics Summit Europe: Advances in Cold Chain, Operational Agility & Traceability, taking place December 2-3, 2026, in Munich, Germany.
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