Of course, the expansion of the distribution center of RS Components (RS), a brand of Electrocomponents plc, a global omni-channel solutions partner for industrial customers and suppliers, at Schloss Eichhof in Bad Hersfeld is initially focused on the logistical feat that the company is accomplishing here as part of a €65 million project. Upon completion in August 2021, however, it will not only be the company's largest distribution center worldwide. The property will also make a significant contribution to sustainability. The reason for this is a large solar energy system on the roof of the new building.

With this system, RS is not only setting the course for the future in logistics. Almost the entire roof area of around 9,000 m² is covered with solar cells, which is enough for a production capacity of 750 kWh. This means that pure photovoltaics are used here, which convert solar radiation directly into electricity without any detours.

This has been happening at the site near the freeway since July 28, 2020, after all the necessary safety and fire protection issues had been clarified. At 2.45 p.m., the button was pressed and the system began to convert sunlight into electricity. Ten minutes after switching on, the power produced was already 425 W. In the first full month since commissioning, in August, the power plant on the roof, which is barely visible to passers-by, achieved a production of 74,946 kWh. "On many days of the year, we can supply ourselves with energy here," Jürgen Hebebrand, VP CE Operations and Transformation, sums it up. In practical terms, this meant that a quarter less electricity had to be purchased in the same month than in the same month of the previous year. The investment therefore paid off for RS from day one.

But that is not the end of the positive balance. The solar cells are also connected to the electricity grid. There is a contract with a local electricity provider to feed in and market the surplus energy, which came into force on November 1, 2020. This means that the distributor is now a member of the group of electricity producers for the public.

In general, the expansion project is making good progress despite the challenges posed by Covid-19. In August 2020, the construction company officially handed over the extension to the Bad Hersfeld distribution center to the client, RS Components. The ground-breaking ceremony took place on June 24, 2019. On December 12, 2019, just in time for Christmas, the parties involved celebrated the topping-out ceremony. All parties involved in the project are delighted with the smooth progress without any significant incidents.

The aim is to offer top performance to suppliers and customers worldwide. The extension will almost double the size of the Bad Hersfeld RS facility. There will be space for more than 500,000 different products. The distribution center thus makes an important contribution to securing the future of the company. The expansion serves to bring the product range even closer to customers and to further increase delivery speed and quality, including minimizing the risk of supply chain disruption.

"I am delighted that we are using state-of-the-art technology in every area of the project. Photovoltaics in particular shows how state-of-the-art solutions not only benefit us as operators of the distribution center. Rather, we are dealing here with a very practical combination of ecology and economy. The times when economic requirements and environmental requirements were often irreconcilable are over thanks to technical innovation," summarizes Jürgen Hebebrand.