Hutchinson inaugurates an automated distribution center in Mannheim to support its industrial strategy
Hutchinson marks a new milestone in its industrial transformation with the inauguration of its automated distribution center in Mannheim, Germany. This project reflects the Group’s commitment to accelerating operational performance, strengthening its proximity to European customers, and driving its industrial transformation through innovation, digitalization, and sustainability.
www.hutchinson.com
Located on one of the Group’s historic sites, this 3,600 m² center is dedicated to the distribution of sealing solutions from the O-Rings & Bonded Seals division. It reflects a clear ambition: to offer our customers faster, more reliable, and more personalized logistics, while embracing a responsible industrial approach.
A strategic project driven by a Franco-German dynamic
The official inauguration took place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in the presence of local authorities, representatives of the Hutchinson Group, and project teams. This key moment brought together, among others, Christian Specht, Mayor of Mannheim; Hélène Moreau-Leroy, Chairwoman and CEO; Arnaud Vaz, Director of the Precision Sealing activity; Michel-André Courcol, Director of the O-Rings & Bonded Seals division; Michael Klein, Site Director in Mannheim; and Laure Bavant, Director of Logistics Operations for O-Rings & Bonded Seals Europe.
“This new distribution center in Mannheim is a key milestone in the O-Rings & Bonded Seals strategy. It reflects our commitment to providing customers in Germany, Northern and Eastern Europe with logistics services that meet their expectations, while integrating sustainable and innovative technical solutions. This achievement also demonstrates our ability to implement standardized solutions, as it is a ‘copy-paste’ of the distribution center launched in March 2023 in Château-Gontier.” explains Michel-André Courcol, Director of the division leading the project.
An automated platform at the heart of a historic site
Built on the Group’s second oldest site, founded in the early 1900s, this center embodies Hutchinson’s ability to combine industrial heritage with innovation.
“I was deeply committed to keeping the company on its traditional Mannheim site during the challenging years of global crisis, and I am very proud to now celebrate the opening of our distribution center. The Mannheim city administration, in collaboration with the economic development department and all relevant services of the building authority, provided outstanding support to Hutchinson throughout the two years of planning and implementation, playing a key role in the commissioning of the distribution center,” said Michael Klein, Site Director in Mannheim.
Mannheim Distribution Center ©Goldbeck
“Hutchinson is one of Mannheim’s oldest companies and remains a model of innovation, transformation, and economic strength. The fact that the company is now investing more than 7 million euros in a new logistics center sends a strong signal for the Mannheim site and the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region,” stated Christian Specht, Mayor of Mannheim.
Hélène Moreau-Leroy, CEO of Hutchinson and Christian Specht, Mayor of Mannheim
A concrete response to customer expectations
The center features an automated small-parts warehouse with a capacity of 17,000 bins, high-speed mini-loads (up to 6 m/s), automated order-picking stations, and 8 loading docks. “This setup enables smooth flow management, enhanced traceability, and customized packaging tailored to the specific needs of our customers.” explains Laure Bavant, Director of Logistics Operations for O-Rings & Bonded Seals Europe.
This project is fully aligned with Hutchinson Group’s “Factory 4.0” vision, combining digitalization, automation, and improved working conditions. Workstations have been ergonomically designed to reduce physical strain and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Mini-load system
A concrete environmental approach
In line with Hutchinson Group’s environmental strategy, the Mannheim distribution center incorporates a reusable packaging solution for inter-plant flows, significantly reducing waste. Photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 390 kWp will cover 1,800 m² - 50% of the roof - making the building a model of energy efficiency.
www.precisionsealingsystems.hutchinson.com
