Experts in fire protection
Minimax protects the world’s largest automated high rack storage system constructed from wood.
March 31, 2015 - Solutions

Sprinkler Protected award for Alnatura

Minimax protects the world’s largest automated high rack storage system constructed from wood.

To ensure the best possible safety for people and stored goods, Alnatura has installed a state-of-the-art sprinkler system designed in accordance with the most recent environmental standards in their distribution center in Lorsch. 22,528 sprinklers ensure all-round protection for buildings and the automated high rack storage system.

Investing in a state-of-the-art fire extinguishing system is extremely important in a building consisting of a wooden structure or with a stock of wood to the extent used by Alnatura. A total of approximately 5,000 cubic meters of wood were built in. The automated high rack storage system houses 31,000 pallet units on eight levels. For example, there is space for more than 223 million Alnatura fruit bars or for 18.5 million packages of flour. Each one of the 1,335 shelf units has a height of 20 meters. The shelf system is anchored at a depth of 2.5 meters and well insulated. Hence the newly constructed building requires neither heating nor cooling and has no harmful impact on the environment as a result.

"With their well-conceived fire protection concept, Alnatura has demonstrated that an environmentally friendly construction with easily combustible materials can be operational in combination with top fire protection technology. It is an example for real sustainability in all its facets, which amply deserves the quality hallmark of 'Sprinkler Protected'," explains Dr. Wolfram Krause, CEO of the Federal Association for Technical Fire Protection [Bundesverband Technischer Brandschutz].

"In line with the Alnatura philosophy, we decided quite consciously to use wood as a natural material. Of course, we were aware that we would require an absolutely top-notch fire protection system for this architecture. We are delighted about the award, which is a pleasant confirmation of our consistent commitment to sustainability approach," says Klaus Böhmer, head of the logistics division at Alnatura.