The AutoStore system, implemented in 2025, has transformed the handling of small parts at the iLogistics Center near Vienna International Airport. By combining advanced robotics with intelligent warehouse management, cargo-partner has reduced storage space requirements by 75%, halved picking times, and enabled continuous operation.
Martin Schenzel, Managing Director Austria at cargo-partner, opened the event: “Since 2018, we have worked closely with ENGEL to continuously improve our customer’s spare parts logistics. 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.”
ENGEL, a leading international manufacturer of injection molding machines and cargo-partner’s main customer at the iLogistics Center Vienna, played a key role in motivating the investment. Harald Wegerer, Vice President Customer Service Division at ENGEL, stated: “The move to AutoStore has led to a noticeable improvement in spare parts performance – so much so that customers actively asked what had changed. This is a clear result of our joint commitment to precision and reliability.”
Operational background before AutoStore
cargo-partner has been managing spare parts logistics for ENGEL since 2018. The range of stored items spans from very small components to large parts, with cut-off times as late as 6:30 p.m. – ensuring that orders placed by ENGEL customers before this time are shipped the same day worldwide. On average, the iLogistics Center processes around 1,000 order lines per day and dispatches approximately 300 parcels daily.
Transition to AutoStore
The AutoStore system was implemented via two parallel workstreams: construction and IT integration. The construction phase involved assembling 12,856 individual parts, delivered across five truckloads weighing a total of 16.5 tons. Simultaneously, the IT integration required 736 programming hours (92 workdays) to connect cargo-partner’s warehouse management system with the AutoStore and develop and test the necessary interfaces, ensuring seamless communication between the systems.
Results after AutoStore go-live
The automated system now performs 200 bin movements per hour, reducing required storage space for small parts by 75% and bin usage by the same proportion. Picking and storage processes are 50% faster compared to manual operations, with significantly reduced travel distances for warehouse employees.
Krisztián Haslinger, Project Manager Contract Logistics at cargo-partner, commented: “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. This was a complex IT project, but thanks to strong teamwork and close cooperation with ENGEL, we achieved our goals without compromising quality.”
The press conference concluded with a live demonstration of AutoStore in action, highlighting its speed, accuracy, and ergonomic benefits for warehouse staff. The system continues to learn and adapt, ensuring that cargo-partner can respond quickly to customer needs while maintaining the highest service standards.
