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Staffing needs almost halved
The US cooperative Associated Wholesale Grocers keeps 54,600 dry goods, fresh produce, and frozen food items in stock for its 1,100 members using a highly automated, full-range logistics center . The facility is designed for a daily picking capacity of more than 460,000 retail units.
Knowledge transfer in the Seychelles
Natural hazards are increasingly occurring worldwide in the form of floods, landslides, forest fires, storms, earthquakes, and rockfalls. Acute crisis management is required, but so are long-term strategies for transportation routes, where Gasser Felstechnik provides assistance in the Seychelles.
German Design Award for Traigo-i
Following the Red Dot Design Award 2025, Toyota Material Handling's new 48-volt counterbalance forklift, Traigo_i, has now also received the German Design Award 2026 in the Excellent Product Design – Industry category. The focus: the complete integration of lithium-ion technology.
Long-term contracts at SBB Cargo
Numerous SBB Cargo Switzerland transport customers, such as Migros, have signed new single wagonload (EWLV) contracts with terms of up to ten years. New contracts have also reportedly been concluded with fenaco, Stahl Gerlafingen, and the Swiss saltworks.
Cooperation with Capra Robotics
Frei Fördertechnik announces its future collaboration with the Danish robotics specialist Capra. "This expands our portfolio to include mobile robot platforms that bring even greater flexibility and efficiency to production and logistics," says Michael Schüpbach, Head of Automation & Robotics. The AMRs are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications.
SSI subsidiary continues to consistently rely on SAP
Since 2021, the software specialists at SWAN have been part of the SSI Schäfer Group, responsible for the SAP projects of the globally active intralogistics experts and supporting companies in implementing future-proof solutions – from highly automated distribution centers to integrated production logistics. The course is right.
Arne Sturm will be the new CEO in Hirschthal
Jungheinrich Switzerland will have a new managing director as of January 1, 2026. Arne Sturm will succeed Martin Weber, who is leaving the company after 18 years – eleven of them as managing director – at his own request to pursue new topics and challenges.
Another 50 million for new TGW headquarters
TGW Logistics is currently investing €100 million in expanding its production capacity at its headquarters in Austria. Now, with an expansion of the existing office building at the site, a five-story office building with 14,000 m² of usable space is being constructed for around €50 million, with completion expected by the second half of 2028.
AutoStore for Belgian hospitals
AutoStore system for Maria Middelares, a non-profit medical organization in Belgium, and Aalter in East Flanders, about 60 km west of Brussels.
Reliable data instead of empty phrases.
The Basel Logistics Cluster of the Basel Chamber of Commerce (HKBB), together with the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, industry associations, and infrastructure operators, has published a guide to sustainable logistics in the Basel region. Supply chain expert Daniel Bubendorf explains why such a guide is needed.
The transformation takes time
The transformation takes time
N.Tschanz
Due to current developments in the economy, technology, environment, and society, industrial companies are undergoing a comprehensive transformation process. Swissmem spoke with Professor Nathaly Tschanz of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Matthias Kühne, Head of Digital at "Next Industries." Excerpts from the interview.
In your opinion, what are the main drivers of transformation in the industry at present?
Nathaly Tschanz: Digitalization in general certainly plays a central role, but there are other key influencing factors as well, such as demographics, the need to diversify supply chains, and decarbonization. And I would also like to specifically mention disruptive innovations, which, while concomitant with digitalization, play an important independent role for "future business."
Matthias Kühne: The strongest trend in industry right now is artificial intelligence. This was also very clear at the recent Hannover Messe. Two other drivers, in my view, are regulation and cybersecurity. Companies are increasingly confronted with various legal requirements (e.g., the Data Act, Cyber Act, NetZero, etc.), and cybersecurity cannot be taken lightly by companies. And, of course, sustainability issues are also becoming increasingly relevant.
M. Kühne
Overall, companies find themselves in an extremely challenging environment. (...) What is currently having the greatest impact on the industry?
Kühne: Generative artificial intelligence, in particular, is a technology that can generate benefits relatively quickly. Companies must definitely explore its potential here, if only to avoid losing ground in the competition. But there are other promising applications for AI, from vision applications to assistance systems to automation solutions and much more.
Tschanz : I agree. In addition to generative AI, the field of machine learning and the ability of IT systems to solve problems independently are important. This also enables interesting advancements in robotics. Other technology building blocks include powerful network technologies, augmented and virtual reality, blockchain, and even 3D modeling.
The full interview here
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