Univer is building on export-led growth

The 18,473 m² hall (including 585 m² of office space) allows for flexible and predictable management of the continuously growing stock of finished products. The investment is not a real estate development, but a strategic rental solution in cooperation with VGP, which fits into Univer’s capital-efficient growth strategy.

From a fragmented warehouse structure to a national logistics center

Univer has achieved dynamic growth in the domestic and foreign food markets in recent years, which has been accompanied by the expansion of finished product stocks. After a while, it was only possible to store stocks that ensure the rapid service of customer needs in several separate warehouses: the company’s main finished product warehouse has 10,500 storage spaces, and in addition, the company rented more than 12,000 m² of warehouse space at 7 external locations.

The goal of the new logistics center was for the company to organize the previously fragmented warehouse capacities into a single, modern system. As a result of centralized warehousing, finished products arriving from production are transferred to the new logistics center in the shortest possible time, from where orders from domestic retail partners, the HoReCa sector, and foreign customers are served.

“In the food market today, reliable and fast delivery is at least as much of a competitive advantage as the product portfolio itself. With the new logistics center, we are creating a supply background that simultaneously handles the needs of domestic chains and our export markets” – said Katalin Fehérné Gáspár, Deputy CEO of Logistics, IT and Projects at Univer Product Zrt.

Short implementation, long-term commitment

The preparation and implementation of the project took place under a tight schedule. The Deputy CEO of Univer Product Zrt. emphasized: “In the current economic situation, it is particularly important to implement investments that both serve growth and are cautious in terms of capital commitment. The current solution is flexible, but at the same time stabilizes our finished product logistics in the long term.”

Modern technology, expandable capacity, unchanged staff

A rack system capable of storing nearly 20,000 pallets has been built in the new logistics center, which can be expanded to approximately 40,000 pallet spaces in the future. The warehouse is equipped with 28 newly purchased, modern lithium-ion battery-powered forklifts optimized for various tasks.

The most important results of the development:

• immediate capacity of almost 20,000 pallets, expandable to 40,000 pallets,
• faster, more efficient warehousing processes,
• less material handling, higher product protection

Sustainability aspects: The center operates in a BREEAM-standard building

The new logistics center is located in a BREEAM-standard building. BREEAM is one of the world’s best-known building rating systems, which also examines aspects of energy efficiency, water use, transport connections, indoor environmental quality and waste management.

A certified, modern building ensures energy-efficient operation and a sustainability background that can be easily communicated to international partners. This is especially important in export markets, where more and more retail chains expect transparent ESG and supplier sustainability commitments.

Logistics background supporting export-led growth

Univer’s new logistics center is directly linked to the company’s medium- and long-term strategy: in addition to strengthening the positions achieved in the domestic market, it supports the further expansion of its presence in foreign markets. Centralized, expandable warehouse capacity reduces supply risks, makes inventory management more transparent, and creates a reliable basis for further development of export markets.

“In recent years, export has become increasingly important in Univer’s growth. In order to remain competitive in the long term as a strong brand in the Hungarian food industry, we need a logistics infrastructure that meets regional expectations. The new center will fulfill this role,”

– added Katalin Fehérné Gáspár.

The new logistics center will contribute to strengthening capacity, efficiency and sustainability, ensuring that Univer remains a dominant, nationally and internationally competitive player in the food industry in the coming years.