What Hänel Storage Systems does

Hänel Storage Systems is a privately held, family-owned German manufacturer of automated vertical storage and retrieval systems, founded in 1953 by Gerhard Hänel and now led in its third generation by CEO Dr. Christina Hänel. The company designs and produces vertical lift modules (Hänel Lean-Lift, Multi-Space) and vertical carousels (Rotomat, Lockomat) at three ISO 14001-certified manufacturing plants in Europe, with global headquarters in Bad Friedrichshall, Germany and a regional US headquarters in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. Its products use microprocessor controllers (MP 14 N, MP 14 B), the Hän

Name

Hänel Storage Systems

Legal name

Hänel GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://hanel.us

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems

NAICS

Warehousing and Storage (493)

SIC

Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)

akta.pro primary industry

Warehouse Automation Systems (AS/RS, Shuttle Systems, Vertical Lift Modules) (IMAHABAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Warehouse & Intralogistics Automation Systems (AS/RS, Sortation, Conveyance Controls) (IMAHAHAN)

Keywords

• Vertical lift modules
• Automated storage systems
• Industrial storage equipment
• Warehouse automation solutions
• Vertical carousel storage

Headquarters

HQ city

Warrendale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Automated Storage Systems: Sale of vertical lift modules (Lean-Lift, Multi-Space) and vertical carousels (Rotomat) for industrial and office storage applications
2. Controllers and Software: Microprocessor controllers (MP 14 N, MP 14 B), inventory management software (HänelSoft-N), ERP integration solutions, and tool management systems
3. Service and Maintenance: 24-hour service, maintenance packages, and customizable service contracts provided through factory-certified technicians

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Hänel Storage Systems manufactures and sells automated vertical storage and retrieval systems, primarily vertical lift modules (Lean-Lift®, Multi-Space®) and vertical carousels (Rotomat®, Lockomat®), along with proprietary microprocessor controllers (MP 14 N, MP 14 B) and inventory management software (HänelSoft®-N). Systems serve industrial warehouses, manufacturing facilities, automotive dealerships, offices, and healthcare environments with direct ERP integration via REST-API and SOAP.

Product overview

Hänel Storage Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of automated vertical storage and retrieval systems. The core product line includes the Lean-Lift® (Vertical Lift Module for industrial use up to 60 feet tall), Multi-Sift® (3-axis vertical lift adding horizontal dimension), Rotomat® storage carousel (vertical carousel for industrial storage), and Rotomat® office carousel (for document/file management). These primary systems are complemented by the Lockomat® (secure retrieval system with compartment doors), a full range of Controllers & Software including the MP 14 N/B controllers, HänelSoft®-N warehouse management, and SAP integration solutions. Energy efficiency is addressed through the EcoConcept suite (EcoMode®, EcoDrive®, EcoLoad®). Additional advanced capabilities include Tool Management (TDM), Warehouse Management System, Augmented Reality, Pick-by-Voice, and Robotic Handling integrations. All systems support ERP integration via REST-API and SOAP web services, enabling seamless connection to SAP, Microsoft Navision, Infor/Baan, and other ERP platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HänelSoft®-N: Powerful software package that can be tailored to each customer's needs with configuration options and standard modules
• EcoConcept
• EcoDrive®
• EcoMode®
• EcoLoad®
• Lean-Lift®
• Multi-Space®
• Rotomat®
• Lockomat®
• MP 14 N
• MP 14 B

Products and services

• Hänel Lean-Lift® Vertical Lift Module Vertical Lift Module (VLM) using the elevator principle to deliver goods to the operator; stores items in height-optimized positions with up to 60 feet maximum height and delivers up to 85% floor space savings. Targeted at manufacturing plants, warehouses, and industrial storage environments.
• Hänel Multi-Space® 3-Axis Vertical Lift System Three-axis vertical lift storage system that adds a horizontal dimension to vertical storage, usable as a stand-alone solution or networked with other systems for innovative intralogistics. Targeted at industrial storage environments.
• Hänel Rotomat® Industrial Storage Carousel Vertical carousel storage system using a bi-directional rotating support set within a compact system that automatically brings stored goods to the retrieval opening. Targeted at industrial warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers for parts and inventory storage.
• Hänel Rotomat® Office Carousel Filing and office organization carousel that brings required files to the retrieval area in seconds while utilizing available room heights, delivering up to 85% floor space savings. Targeted at corporate offices, government agencies, and administrative organizations for document management.
• Hänel Lockomat® Secure Retrieval System Vertical carousel with manual or automatic compartment doors that guarantee error-free retrieval and protect stored articles from unauthorized access, featuring user authorization via ID card, password, or transponder. Targeted at industrial and office environments storing valuable or sensitive items.
• Hänel Controllers & Software Range of microprocessor-based controllers (MP 14 N, MP 14 B, MP 100 D) and software for managing Hänel storage systems, including warehouse management, ERP integration via REST-API and SOAP, and configurable inventory modules. Targeted at enterprises running Hänel Lean-Lift and Rotomat systems.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 85% floor space savings compared to traditional storage
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• SAPcoreTechnology or IntegrationHänel controllers (MP 14 B-HostWeb, MP 14 N-HostWeb) equipped with REST-API and SOAP web service interface for middleware-free integration with SAP ERP systems. Direct real-time management without data exchange overhead.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• TGW Logistics Group: TGW is an Austrian integrator of warehouse automation, conveyor, and AS/RS solutions. It overlaps with Hänel in automated storage and competes for large distribution and manufacturing fulfillment contracts in Europe and globally.
• Dematic: Dematic, part of KION Group, is a global supply chain solutions provider offering AS/RS, sortation, WMS, and robotics. It overlaps with Hänel's Lean-Lift/Rotomat at the unit-load AS/RS layer while competing more broadly across full warehouse automation projects.
• KNAPP: KNAPP is an Austrian intralogistics specialist with a strong focus on distribution and e-commerce fulfillment automation. It overlaps with Hänel's Distribution & Logistics customer segment via shuttle-based AS/RS and order picking systems.
• Swisslog: Swisslog (KUKA Group) provides automated storage, material handling, and healthcare automation. It competes with Hänel in automated storage and intralogistics, especially in European manufacturing and distribution customers.
• SSI Schäfer: SSI Schäfer is one of the world's largest intralogistics integrators offering AS/RS, conveyor, WMS, and rack systems. It overlaps with Hänel in automated storage but typically bundles its hardware with broader warehouse execution software and integration services.

Emerging players

• AutoStore: AutoStore pioneered cube-based AS/RS for high-density storage in e-commerce and micro-fulfillment. It is not a direct VLM competitor but increasingly wins the same warehousing RFPs where Hänel pitches Lean-Lift and Rotomat.

Direct peers

• Mecalux: Mecalux offers a broad portfolio of storage solutions including automated storage and retrieval systems, carousels, and shelving. It competes with Hänel in industrial storage and serves similar enterprise and 3PL customers across Europe and the Americas.
• Modula: Modula is an Italy-based specialist manufacturer of vertical lift modules and automated storage systems. It competes directly with Hänel Lean-Lift and Rotomat in industrial and warehouse storage, targeting similar manufacturing, automotive, and healthcare customers.
• Kardex: Kardex is the closest direct competitor, manufacturing vertical lift modules (Kardex VLM), vertical carousels (Kardex Remstar), and industrial carousels globally. Like Hänel, it serves enterprise customers needing space-saving automated storage and competes head-to-head in the same VLM category.
• BÖHM Büro- und Lagersysteme: BÖHM is a German manufacturer of vertical carousels and office storage systems. It is a smaller, regionally focused peer that competes with Hänel's Rotomat office carousel and Lockomat lines across the German-speaking market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/hanel_storage

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hänel Storage Systems