At PICARD, the focus is on growth – and not just economically: with the official commissioning of two new buildings, we are sending a clear signal for the future. A state-of-the-art shuttle warehouse, new office space covering 1,212 m², and an additional extension with an in-house fitness studio, a unique Biophilic Room, and spacious social areas are not only creating more space but also offering new opportunities for efficient processes and an attractive working environment. After an intensive planning and construction phase, we are excited to introduce our new buildings at our facilities in Bochum.

Our Shuttle Warehouse: Cutting-edge Technology Meets Maximum Efficiency

Innovation and digital solutions are deeply embedded in PICARD’s DNA. As early as the late 1990s, we introduced the first online shop in the bearing industry as a wholesaler – and we continue to rely on advanced technologies today. A particularly visible example of this is our new, fully automated shuttle warehouse. The largest single investment in logistics at PICARD sets new standards in efficiency.

The fully automated system enables highly precise and rapid picking – even around the clock if necessary. Thanks to cutting-edge technology, the containers travel at speeds of up to 4 m/s from the shelves to the pick locations, enabling up to 1,200 containers to be processed per hour.

Another highlight is the optimized use of space: with a shelf height of 15.8 meters and a ceiling height of 16.5 meters, and a triple-deep, high-density storage system, the system accommodates almost 58,000 container positions across 42 levels. This expansion significantly increases our warehouse capacity and makes our logistics processes even more efficient – all without additional personnel costs.

Watch a time-lapse of how the racking system was installed in the warehouse here:

New Office Space for a Growing Team

As our company grows, so do the demands on our infrastructure. That’s why we’ve created 1,212 m² of new office space across three floors above the picking zone in our shuttle warehouse. This has resulted in a modern workspace with 67 new workstations, offering our employees even more room for productive work and creative exchange.

The spaces combine functionality with a well-thought-out room concept: new conference rooms, meeting areas, and comfortable lounges for short breaks not only encourage communication but also enhance well-being at work. Special attention was paid to accessibility: a passenger elevator and disabled-friendly restrooms ensure that all employees – regardless of physical limitations – have unrestricted access to all areas.

More Space, More Opportunities: New Building Complex with Fitness Studio, Social Areas, and a Focus on Well-being

We’ve also made sure to balance work, movement, and relaxation: In our second expansion, employees with a passion for fitness can enjoy a new 451 m² in-house gym. Equipped with modern cardio and strength training areas, a separate group fitness room, and direct access to the loggia, the gym provides excellent conditions for targeted training as well as for relaxing breaks outdoors after a workout. Adjacent to the gym, the Biophilic Room offers a retreat for relaxation and unwinding – a quiet space designed with unique interior architecture to focus on relaxation alongside the workday. The large rooftop terrace is ideal for internal events or informal meetings with a view of the greenery.

The offering is completed by spacious new social rooms with changing facilities, lockers, and showers, as well as accessible and gender-neutral restrooms. A special highlight is the “Kauenhimmel,” inspired by the “Kauen” from the former mines, where miners stored their clothing. We even incorporated the original baskets from the former Zeche Hugo’s washrooms in Gelsenkirchen. Now, they serve to dry towels. The “Kauenhimmel” is not only a striking design element but also highly functional – reflecting our deep regional ties to the Ruhr area.

Of course, as the company grows, so does the need for parking. We have significantly expanded the number of parking spaces from 90 to 148. The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is also being expanded: In the future, there will be eight charging stations with two charging points each – another step toward sustainable mobility at PICARD. At the same time, the infrastructure for our company’s electric vehicles is being expanded and adapted to the growing electric fleet.

Sustainable Energy Generation Focus: Large PV System on PICARD Roofs

Sustainable energy supply plays a central role in our construction expansion efforts. That’s why large-scale photovoltaic systems have been installed on the roofs of both the new and existing PICARD buildings. The goal is to make optimal use of the total roof area of around 9,300 square meters and achieve a total output of up to 1.2 megawatts peak.

With this investment in renewable energy, we are not only contributing to the reduction of our CO₂ emissions but also meeting important requirements as part of our ESG sustainability strategy. In the future, the surplus electricity production will offer the possibility of integrating energy storage systems or feeding it into the Bochum city grid – another step toward greater energy efficiency and climate protection.

At the same time, using our own solar power positively impacts our energy cost structure: we make ourselves less dependent on energy price fluctuations in the long term and promote our economic sustainability. In case of an extended power outage, we will also be prepared: a mobile backup power system will ensure continued operations – and, in turn, ensure the supply for our customers.

With the new operational buildings, we are not only strengthening our competitiveness – we are also expanding the high-tech working environment for our employees. This ensures that PICARD remains a reliable partner for our customers worldwide and an attractive employer in Bochum in the future.