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MAGA in the approach path
German technology remains highly regarded when it comes to rapid material handling, the elimination of weaknesses, and service quality. Following successful projects in Oklahoma and Texas, the steel trader " Steel and Pipe Supply " once again relied on saws and storage systems from the Rhine Valley in Kansas City.
Rent warehouse equipment instead of buying it
Bito is launching an offensive with an economical alternative for companies that want to re-equip, expand, or temporarily supplement their warehouse and production areas, but don't want to tie up their capital long-term: renting instead of buying is the motto. The advantages – especially in " dynamic times " – are obvious.
«Kanpai» with sake on the pharmaceutical chain
Logistics provider Yusen is presenting an expanded global platform for the healthcare sector at LogiPharma in Vienna, where companies such as Novartis, Bayer, Takeda, and hospital supplier UCB are currently participating. The platform focuses on the professional delivery of specialized healthcare solutions.
Streamlined logistics
Coop's own rail connection for urban logistics in Zurich, streamlined logistics vehicles and the outsourcing of all operating room logistics in a cooperation between the Seeschau Clinic and the Swiss Post are the projects that are entering the final sprint for this year's Swiss Logistics Award from GS1.
Vacuum technology makes mobility possible
Compressed air has traditionally been used primarily for fixed installations. Schmalz's vacuum grippers also mainly operate with lines that often have to run across halls and facilities. However, mobile robotics increasingly requires flexible solutions – a need that Schmalz now intends to address more effectively.
A foray into drive technology
Safelog, the specialists for software for controlling intralogistics processes, have entered into a cooperation with the drive experts from SEW Eurodrive at LogiMAT in order to jointly develop a high-performance software for controlling mobile and stationary processes in intralogistics.
Networking with perspectives
“Never walk alone” could be the motto of a networking event hosted by the consulting experts from “Adnovum”, where the Digital Product Passport (DPP), cybersecurity and IT opportunities with Petra Merino (GS1 Switzerland) and security expert Andreas Achterholt are on the agenda on May 7th in Zurich.
Maintenance in Austria
With a new workshop in Obersiebenbrunn near Vienna, rail manufacturer Stadler is expanding its capacity for the commissioning, approval, and servicing of modern rail vehicles in Austria. The workshop has been used to maintain Westbahn's high-speed trains since March 2026.
Idealworks pushes into the US market
Idealworks, part of the Munich-based Agile Robots Group, with more than 1,700 AMRs and AGVs worldwide and one of the pioneers in industrial automation through AI in robot-controlled logistics processes, has founded a US company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.
New chain belt sorting
At LogiMAT, conveyor technology provider Interroll attracted attention with a new chain-belt sorting system developed after the acquisition of Sortteq. Together with MCP Play, this creates a material flow ecosystem that combines single-item transport with intelligent sorting.
MAGA in the approach path
MAGA in the approach path
German technology remains highly regarded when it comes to rapid material handling, the elimination of weaknesses, and service quality. Following successful projects in Oklahoma and Texas, the steel trader " Steel and Pipe Supply " once again relied on saws and storage systems from the Rhine Valley in Kansas City.
Storage capacity maximized
PLC (not to be confused with the programmable logic controller in " good old Europe " ) looks back on an eventful history: Founded in 1933 by Sam Goldstein as " Kansas Hide and Wool " it entered the metal and steel trade in 1954. Since 1959, the company has operated under the name Steel and Pipe Supply Co. and is today one of the largest privately owned steel service centers in the USA – with several locations throughout the Midwest.
One of the biggest ever
The portfolio encompasses a wide range of carbon steel products – from flat and profile steel to coils – for industries such as construction, energy, chemicals, and petrochemicals. This is complemented by comprehensive services including sawing, drilling, flame cutting, chamfering, and laser and plasma cutting – tailored to individual customer specifications. A dedicated fleet of vehicles ensures on-time delivery.
KASTOlogic on the monitor. Photos: A1/Kasto
According to the company, the existing systems had already noticeably accelerated processes, improved workplace safety, and drastically reduced the error rate – incorrect deliveries are now virtually impossible. However, like many steel traders, SPS faces challenges such as limited storage space, high safety requirements when handling heavy goods, and the need for precise warehouse management.
More difficult conditions
In Kansas City, the company manages approximately 16,000 tons of material – and under challenging conditions: Due to its proximity to an airport, strict height restrictions apply to the warehouse building. The decision was made to use the Unicompact 5.0 honeycomb storage system – a solution precisely tailored to the requirements in Kansas City.
Fully automated picking station
The compact design ensures maximum storage density in a minimal footprint – a crucial advantage in buildings with limited height. Automated loading and unloading processes significantly reduce manual effort, accelerating material flow and order picking.
" Goods-to-person " principle
Thanks to the " goods-to-person " principle, order processing is not only faster but also more ergonomic – which has a positive impact on employees' working conditions. Long goods and pipes can be moved more efficiently, minimizing errors and material losses. The storage system at SPS is individually designed for long goods up to seven meters in length and a maximum height of 40 centimeters.
Permanent inventory overview
The thousands of honeycomb cells enable significantly higher storage capacity compared to traditional racking solutions. Fully automated material handling increases operational safety: direct contact with heavy materials is eliminated, considerably reducing the risk of accidents.
Quick cassette changes
Rapid cassette changes further accelerate material flow. The company states that the system has made daily work not only safer, but also more efficient, pleasant, and motivating – which in turn has a positive impact on team morale and productivity.
Bridge crane with magnetic traverse
The warehouse is controlled by the intelligent software KASTOlogic. It records all material movements in real time and digitally documents inventory. According to SPS, Kasto's US service team worked professionally and solution-oriented throughout the project, helping to minimize downtime.
