SSI SCHAEFER

Company Overview

SSI SCHAEFER was founded in 1937 by Fritz Schäfer in Germany as a manufacturer of sheet metal products, evolving over decades into a global leader in intralogistics solutions. The family-owned company has grown through innovation and expansion, developing pioneering technologies in storage, automation, and software. With headquarters in Neunkirchen, Germany, and around 80 subsidiaries worldwide, SSI SCHAEFER operates on six continents, employing more than 8,800 people and generating EUR 2.0 billion in revenue in 2024.

As one of the world's largest intralogistics providers, SSI SCHAEFER holds a strong market position, offering modular solutions from manual systems to fully automated warehouses. The company's core value proposition is empowering customers to increase efficiency and sustainability in storage, picking, and transport processes through innovative technologies and software.

Key differentiators include in-house manufacturing of components for seamless compatibility, a comprehensive one-stop portfolio, and a long-term focus on shaping the future of intralogistics under the motto "Think Tomorrow."

Core Capabilities

Technology Solutions

SSI SCHAEFER provides a broad portfolio of intralogistics technologies, including automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), shuttle systems like SSI Orbiter for pallet channels, and vertical lift modules such as SSI LOGIMAT for compact storage. Conveying and transport solutions feature modular conveyor systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs/AMRs) from subsidiary DS Automotion, and transfer carriages. Picking systems range from goods-to-person workstations to robotic piece picking and case picking solutions, while sortation includes high-performance sorters.

Robotic applications cover palletizing, depalletizing, and mobile robots like RackBots. The WAMAS software suite offers warehouse management (WMS), execution (WES), and control systems for full orchestration. These technologies emphasize modularity, scalability, energy efficiency, and in-house production for optimal integration and reliability.

Industry Expertise

SSI SCHAEFER specializes in six key industries: Food Retail with multi-temperature zone solutions, Food & Beverage for beverages and frozen goods, Retail & Wholesale for omnichannel fulfillment, Healthcare & Cosmetics for compliant handling, and Industry for production supply and automotive sequencing. Additional expertise covers e-commerce high-volume picking, fashion returns management, and cold storage distribution centers. The company tailors solutions to address sector-specific challenges like sustainability, traceability, and dynamic throughput.

Service Approach

SSI SCHAEFER delivers end-to-end services from consulting and system planning to implementation, installation, customized maintenance, modernization, and spare parts supply. Their approach includes preventive maintenance using computer-aided systems, 24/7 support, resident technicians, and data-driven optimization. The philosophy focuses on long-term partnerships, tailored packages, and global-local responsiveness for maximum uptime and sustainability.

Competitive Advantages

• One-Stop Modular Solutions: SSI SCHAEFER provides everything from a single source, including in-house manufactured components, software, and robotics, ensuring seamless compatibility and scalability.
• Innovation and Sustainability Focus: Under "Think Tomorrow," the company invests in future-proof technologies and sustainable practices to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Family-Owned Stability: Long-term orientation and pragmatic independence enable reliable partnerships and customized, high-quality solutions.
• Comprehensive Lifecycle Services: Tailored maintenance, upgrades, and preventive concepts maximize system performance and longevity.
• Global Scale with Local Expertise: Extensive network and production sites deliver responsive, region-specific implementations worldwide.

Global Presence

SSI SCHAEFER operates worldwide with headquarters in Neunkirchen, Germany, around 80 subsidiaries, and seven production facilities across six regions: North America, Europe (divided into sub-regions), Asia Pacific & MEA, and Latin America. This network supports localized planning, manufacturing, implementation, and service, enabling rapid response and tailored solutions on all continents.

Innovation & Technology

SSI SCHAEFER prioritizes innovation through dedicated R&D, focusing on digital transformation, robotics, and sustainable technologies. Emerging areas include mobile robots, AI-enhanced software, and high-performance automation like FastBots fleets. The philosophy "Think Tomorrow" drives pragmatic, future-oriented developments addressing labor shortages, efficiency, and environmental goals, with recent advances in piece picking optimization and condition monitoring.

Typical Project Profile

Project Types:

• Fully automated high-bay warehouses for food retail with cold zones
• Shuttle and robotic picking systems for e-commerce fulfillment
• Production supply automation with AGVs for automotive
• Deep-freeze distribution centers for food & beverage
• Omni-channel solutions for retail and fashion Typical Timeline: Varies by project scope Implementation Approach: Holistic from analysis and consulting through turnkey delivery, commissioning, and ongoing lifecycle services with emphasis on customization and partnership.

Why Choose SSI SCHAEFER

SSI SCHAEFER delivers reliable, modular intralogistics solutions from a single source, backed by family-owned stability and innovative expertise. Customers gain efficient, sustainable systems with comprehensive support that ensure long-term competitiveness and adaptability.

Related Technologies

• Unit Load AS/RS
• Mini-Load AS/RS
• Shuttle Systems
• AGV Unit Load
• Goods-to-Person Systems
• Pallet Conveyors
• Box Conveyor Systems
• Robotic Palletizer
• WMS, WES, WCS

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Research Notes:

• Information gathered from: https://www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-us, https://www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-us/about-us, https://www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-us/products, https://www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-us/solutions, https://www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-us/software/wamas-software-solutions, https://www.ssi-schaefer.com/en-us/about-us/locations
• Logo URL verified: Yes
• Last updated: December 24, 2025
• Confidence level: High
• Any information gaps: Specific notable clients not publicly listed as references; exact contact phone/email not prominent; Twitter/YouTube not found on site