TUP modernizes material flow control at Hermes shipping center – “Goliath61” project paves the way for future-proof logistics
The Hermes Fulfilment shipping center in Haldensleben near Magdeburg is one of the largest and most efficient logistics centers in Europe, shipping up to 200 million items to over 20 countries every year. With around 3,600 employees, the site is not only an economic driver for the Saxony-Anhalt region, but also confidently sees itself as the “heartbeat of logistics.” In order to secure this leading position in the long term, the existing conveyor and storage technology is currently undergoing comprehensive modernization – the focus is on the major project “Goliath61.”
The project is named after the impressive scale of the planned renovation: A total of 61 new aisle-bound storage and retrieval machines (SRMs) will be installed, replacing the previous 39 SRMs with eight transfer units. The new equipment will be implemented in several batches by the end of 2028. This far-reaching conversion to a more efficient structure promises not only higher performance but also improvements in the energy efficiency of the facility.
New material flow control as the first efficiency booster – during ongoing operations
TUP was commissioned to implement the software side of the project. We are replacing the previous material flow computer (MFC) with the modern TUP.MFC system—while operations continue as usual. Instead of a lengthy parallel operation, a clear break was deliberately chosen:
In the first step, the new TUP.MFC will take over control of the existing storage and retrieval machines, transfer units, and upstream conveyor technology. This will be followed by the expansion of the software for controlling the new SRMs – including ECO and sleep modes. Hermes Fulfilment will thus immediately benefit from modern, intelligent control logic that is designed to meet current and future requirements.
Web-based dialogue environment – tailored to the operational needs of end users
A key element of the modernization is also the redesign of the user interface. The text-based dialog world of the user interfaces used to date has given way to a newly developed, web-based interface (Web GUI). This is specifically tailored to the needs of users in the company, significantly improves user-friendliness, and reduces training times. At the same time, it marks a clearly visible change: the modernization is not only technological, but also visual and functional for everyone to see.
Prelude to an exciting phase of hybrid operation
“Goliath61” is a joint project involving three strong partners: Hermes Fulfilment as the client, Stöcklin Logistik AG from Switzerland as the hardware partner, and TUP as the software partner. Together, they are setting standards for future-proof intralogistics with a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. Once the MFR conversion is complete, further optimizations will follow gradually, bringing additional functions and intelligence to the system.
First new SMR installed at Hermes
The first new SMR from Stöcklin was installed at the beginning of December 2025. This special and exciting event was covered by the media. The short report by MDR and the blog post by Hermes Fulfilment itself provide an impression and further information.
Retrofit with immediate benefits
Although it will take a few more years until all new storage and retrieval machines have replaced the old ones, the IT project with the new material flow computer will be completed in spring 2026, and the state-of-the-art, adaptable material flow control system has long since demonstrated all its advantages for the customer.
The Goliath61 project not only marks a significant milestone in the history of the Haldensleben logistics location, but also lays the foundation for meeting the high demands for speed, precision, and scalability in the fulfillment sector in the future. Hermes Fulfilment is thus impressively demonstrating how continuous innovation contributes to securing competitiveness – supported by experienced partners such as TUP.
