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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.
Who can't believe his eyes
Who can't believe his eyes
Photo: Alcon
Just in time for Christmas, another brilliant solution with a sharp view from above. Conveyor technology specialists from Ferag have completed the installation of a Skyfall system at Alcon, an ophthalmology company in Puurs, Belgium.
Alcon tailors ophthalmic products for the surgical or laser treatment of diseases and injuries around the eye , providing the tools necessary for precise procedures. The company specializes in products and technologies that improve patients' vision and quality of life. Since its founding in 1945, it has offered a wide range of solutions, from contact lenses to advanced surgical devices.
Photo: Ferag
The integration of ferag.skyfall at Alcon serves to optimize an existing production unit with a dynamic storage system that fits into the already cramped premises and improves productivity and quality control. Conventional temporary storage solutions were either unsuitable for these requirements or offered less flexibility in production. The ferag.skyfall system has proven to be a compact and flexible alternative, cleverly utilizing unused building space and offering exceptional efficiency and reliability. It enables the transport, storage, and sequencing of products for optimal control of goods flows. The project comprises three subsystems: a conveyor system for automatic pocket filling, a dynamic storage system, and end-of-line equipment (for packing into cases), including palletizing and wrapping film.
The system includes two automatic loading stations for filling the pouches, which transport the products to the rotating buffers for dynamic storage. The pouches are selected on demand based on production requirements and forwarded to the sequencing lines for subsequent transport to the cartoning area. This system was installed on an existing 60 m long corridor with a height of 10 m and a width of just 5 m.
Photo: Alcon
Space is optimally utilized through dynamic buffers on two levels and a sequencing buffer on three levels – a total of five levels are available for storage and sequencing. This concept can handle more than 1,500 items per hour from production and efficiently absorbs even production peaks. Furthermore, this innovative solution reduces tedious tasks, optimizes flow management, eliminates internal pallet movements, and thus minimizes the associated risks.
The products are transported via belt conveyors at a speed of up to 1,600 units per hour to ferag.skyfall's two automatic loading stations. Before loading, each product is scanned and then automatically inserted into one of the system's pockets and transported to the dynamic buffer, which can accommodate up to 2,700 pockets.
During outbound storage, four sequencing lines direct the products to one of the two automatic unloading stations. Up to 1,500 bags per hour can be emptied at the two unloading stations, where the products are packed into cartons. The cartons are then automatically sealed, palletized, and film-wrapped, ready for shipping. The material flow is designed to maximize efficiency, with high production capacity and high flexibility to meet changing requirements.
Photo: Ferag
The design, which was integrated into the narrow infrastructure, and the utilization of available heights, as well as the intelligent automation of the connection between transport, storage, and sorting areas, were said to be decisive factors, as they reduced the need for manual transport and the associated risks. The system was installed in autumn 2023 and went into operation in spring 2024.
