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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.
Fears about the expansion of rail
Fears about the expansion of rail
Photo: DB
The half-year figures for the German rail industry, of which Stadlerrail is a member, reflect slightly increasing infrastructure investments. Now, manufacturers are warning of renewed stagnation and demanding "legislatively independent" financing and planning security.
The newly emerging majority for a conservative-led majority in the Bundestag, which, based on past decades' experience with the dismantling of rail infrastructure and the abandonment of industrial sidings, is not exactly known for its determined expansion of rail, is causing the rail industry to fear for the energy and transport transition. "We cannot afford a standstill on the railways now," they say. "Our balance sheets show: where investments are available, the money is demonstrably being wasted. Where funds are scarce, the rail system as a whole suffers, and with it Germany as a business location," says VDB President Andre Rodenbeck.
A. Rodenbeck. Photo: VDB
With revenue of €6.5 billion, the rail industry's revenue in Germany has already declined by around 17 percent compared to the previous six months. The rail industry, in particular, recorded a decline of 23 percent abroad. Incoming orders fell by 32 percent to €8.3 billion. However, 2023 was an absolute record year. Currently, it is said that "revenues and orders are settling back to a regular level," says Rodenbeck. It would be nice for the rail industry if this continued, given that margins are already not exorbitant.
Don’t slow down the ramp-up
The infrastructure business is experiencing positive development, with revenue of €2 billion, an increase of around 5 percent. According to the VDB (Association of German Rail Drivers and Rail Transport), revenue in the German market is growing by 8 percent, and incoming orders are rising dynamically by 40 percent to €2.1 billion. A total order volume of €2.6 billion is recorded. "Slightly increasing federal infrastructure investments are now also reaching the rail industry, and the urgently needed ramp-up to modernize the railway infrastructure is beginning. This momentum must not be slowed down under any circumstances. The government's failure to act must not lead to a standstill on the railways; we cannot afford that," said Rodenbeck.
Graphic: VDB
The rail vehicle business itself is declining. Revenues are down 24 percent to €4.5 billion. Order intake totals €5.7 billion, a 40 percent drop compared to the previous half-year. The decline is largely attributable to special effects from major international projects that were booked in 2023 and thus led to a record result. However, the German market is beginning to see the first effects of the underfunding of local rail passenger transport (SPNV).
