From Greenfield to Benchmark: How UPM Designed Future-Proof Yard Logistics
With the construction of the state-of-the-art biorefinery in Leuna, UPM faced a truly mammoth task: even before the first tonne was produced, the logistical processes for inbound, outbound and yard had to be in place – and set new standards.
A biorefinery unlike any other in the world – and plant logistics that must live up to this ambition. With the construction of its new, state-of-the-art biorefinery in Leuna, Saxony-Anhalt, UPM faced a major challenge: even before the first ton of product is manufactured, inbound, outbound and yard processes had to be fully defined, tested and ready to perform. Not as a temporary solution, but as a sustainable, efficient, safe and fully digital setup from day one.
As a global leader in the bio-based forest industry, UPM has been working with renewable wood-based biomass for more than 100 years. In Leuna, the company is now building a plant that produces bio-based chemicals such as BioMEG, BioMPG, renewable functional fillers (RFF) and industrial sugars on a scale that is new to the industry. The same ambition applied to logistics: high volumes, sensitive liquid products, hazardous goods regulations, international supply chains and a strong focus on CO₂ reduction through regional production.
Initial Situation
From the outset, it was clear to UPM that a conventional “add-on” IT solution would not be sufficient. The logistics platform had to be integrative, cloud-native and future-proof, capable of connecting to existing systems such as SAP TM, supporting both road and rail transport and enabling fully contactless yard processes.
In short: UPM was not looking for an isolated solution, but for a holistic logistics IT concept designed to grow with the site – with clear targets such as minimal truck turnaround times, full transparency across all yard processes, maximum process safety in a hazardous goods environment and the ability to handle increasing volumes without additional manual effort. But a high level of innovation can only be achieved with innovative partners.
What We Have Achieved Results
Reduced truck dwell and turnaround times through automated self check-in, appointment management and fast-lane access
High process reliability and planning security in a hazardous goods environment thanks to driver-specific safety workflows
Real-time transparency across yard, inbound and outbound operations as a central control KPI for logistics teams
Significantly reduced manual coordination effort through automated slotting and document processes
Scalable logistics processes designed for increasing volumes and multimodal expansion from road to rail
From Blueprint To Competitive Edge Setting A Benchmark For Chemical Logistics
The contactless yard process not only makes day-to-day work easier for staff, but also, in particular, for carriers and truck drivers. It is clear that by working closely with partners, companies can turn their logistics into a competitive advantage for the future.
UPM thus positions itself as a role model for the global chemical industry. A highly innovative production facility is consistently complemented by equally innovative logistics processes. Measurable effects such as improved planning reliability, better resource utilization, increased safety in hazardous goods handling and scalable operations demonstrate the contribution modern yard and transport logistics can make to the overall performance of a chemical site.
With the Leuna biorefinery, UPM is setting a new benchmark for sustainable, future-ready chemical logistics – and, together with myleo / dsc, shows how complex logistics requirements can be addressed early, collaboratively and with a clear focus on the future.
