SSI SCHAEFER

SSI SCHAEFER is a German family-owned company whose business is focused on intralogistics: the storage, picking, handling, conveying, and transport of goods within warehouses, distribution centers, and production environments. The company traces its origins to Fritz Schäfer, who began making transport boxes in 1935 and registered a sheet-metal goods business in Burbach, Germany, on January 16, 1937. What began as a sheet-metal manufacturer developed into a provider of logistics products, systems, solutions, and software. The company describes itself as a global solution provider for intralogistics. Its portfolio spans storage equipment and systems, conveying and transport, picking and handling, and waste technology. It also supplies complete logistics systems and software, with products and components designed to work together as part of broader customer-specific solutions. The stated aim is to help customers improve the efficiency and sustainability of storage, picking, and transport processes. Its offering addresses challenges such as e-commerce and omnichannel operations, returns handling, shop-friendly delivery, and production supply. SSI SCHAEFER also provides lifecycle services for installed logistics systems. Its service portfolio includes commissioning support, reactive and preventive maintenance, inspection, system monitoring, spare parts, remote assistance, and training. The company says it uses digital maintenance tools, data-based preventive maintenance, and augmented-reality remote support. This service model extends beyond installation to ongoing support throughout a system’s operating life. The company operates internationally and presents its solutions to customers across global markets. Its website highlights projects in sectors including food distribution and pharmaceuticals, as well as warehouse automation and storage. SSI SCHAEFER describes itself as family-owned and uses the motto “Think Tomorrow.” Its present-day business combines manufactured equipment, integrated systems, software, and service, rather than focusing on a single warehouse product category.

SSI SCHAEFER began with the work of Fritz Schäfer, who sought self-employment and started making transport boxes after work in his laundry room in 1935. The company’s official history identifies January 16, 1937, as the date its foundation was formally recorded in the Burbach official business register under the description “Fritz-Schäfer - factory production of all kinds of sheet metal goods.” The original business therefore centered on sheet-metal products, rather than on the integrated warehouse systems for which the company is known today. The company’s early development included the construction of a production hall as business grew. Its history page reports that the company was successful enough to require its first large production hall in 1939, and that 20 people were employed there by 1940. A notable product milestone followed in 1953, when the company developed the Lager-Fix-Box, described as a stackable box with a viewing opening at the front. This product reflects the company’s early focus on practical storage and handling equipment. International expansion began in 1961 and 1962, when the company established its first foreign subsidiary in Switzerland, followed shortly by another in England. In 1965, the company broadened its activities into shelving and pallet racking, according to the history-page extract. These steps mark a transition from its original sheet-metal manufacturing roots toward a wider material-handling and storage portfolio, alongside an increasingly international presence. Over time, SSI SCHAEFER developed into a supplier of logistics systems, products, solutions, and logistics software. The current company presents its work as covering the entire internal material flow, including storage, conveying and transport, picking and handling, and waste technology. It emphasizes complete systems, the compatibility of components manufactured within the group, and solutions adapted to customer requirements. Its business has also expanded to include ongoing service across the life of installed systems, such as maintenance, inspection, monitoring, remote assistance, and spare-parts support. Today, SSI SCHAEFER describes itself as a leading global intralogistics solution provider and a family-owned company. Its stated focus is helping customers improve the efficiency and sustainability of storage, picking, and transport processes. Current company communications describe projects in warehouse automation and distribution, and a partnership with Moffett Automation involving high-density pallet storage and free-roaming shuttle technology. The company’s history thus spans a path from a small sheet-metal goods business to a global provider combining equipment, integrated logistics systems, software, and lifecycle services.

• 1965

  Expansion into shelving and pallet racking

• 1962

  Company established in England

• 1961

  International expansion begins

• 1953

  Lager-Fix-Box developed

• 1940

  Workforce reaches 20

• 1939

  First large production hall

• 1937

  Company formally registered

• 1935

  Fritz Schäfer begins making transport boxes

A global, family-owned intralogistics solution provider combining manufactured products, integrated systems, software, and lifecycle service.

• Storage products and systems

  Equipment and systems for storing goods in warehouses and distribution centers.

• Conveying and transport

  Products and solutions for moving goods within intralogistics operations.

• Picking and handling

  Solutions addressing warehouse picking and goods handling requirements.

• Waste technology

  A product category included in the company’s intralogistics portfolio.

• SSI SCHAEFER Service

  Lifecycle support including maintenance, inspections, monitoring, remote support, and spare parts.

• Partnership with Moffett AutomationOther

  Source

1. 1SSI SCHAEFER USA - A Global Leader in Intralogisticsssi-schaefer.com
2. 2History | SSI SCHAEFERssi-schaefer.com
3. 3SSI SCHAEFER Products and Solutionsssi-schaefer.com
4. 4SSI SCHAEFER Servicessi-schaefer.com