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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.
Hydrogen or lithium.
Hydrogen or lithium.
Graphic: TMHE
“Sustainability is no longer a joke,” says Kai Hesse, fuel cell expert at Toyota Material Handling . “We are being forced to take action here by climate targets.” This also increasingly raises the question: Why not use a fuel cell system instead of battery technology?
In an intralogistics environment, it is possible – albeit not entirely straightforward – to calculate with reasonable precision whether a fuel cell or a battery-powered forklift is more cost-effective. Kai Hesse has been an expert in energy systems at Toyota Material Handling for many years. Since 2017, he has been the spokesperson for a Clean Intralogistics Net (a network of manufacturers, suppliers, and users of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen suppliers) and chairman of a working group on energy issues for industrial truck manufacturers within the German Engineering Federation ( VDMA ) .
“With a lithium system,” he , “you can’t really go wrong – except perhaps not charging it at all.” He suggests that “dusting it occasionally” might be advisable. Compared to lead-acid batteries, hydrogen doesn’t require a separate room either; “two to 2.5 square meters are sufficient.” One of the key questions , of course, is: “How do we get the hydrogen working?” But that sector is – likewise – still developing. Much of the hydrogen currently available is still “gray,” meaning it be in turn involves emissions . However, with energy from hydropower and other renewable sources, “green hydrogen” is no problem.
Photo: Toyota Material Handling
Toyota Material Handling offers a cost calculator for forklift applications that compares conventional lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and fuel cell drives. At the Otto Group in Thuringia, lithium-ion technology for 30 reach trucks with intelligent charging technology saved 16 percent on electricity costs, while maintenance costs decreased by 11 percent. Ultimately, this resulted in 185 tons less CO2 emissions. It appears that total electricity costs (3.5 million euros) were reduced by half a million euros.
With both hydrogen and lithium-ion technology, the initial acquisition costs represent a significant portion of the total expenses – which would, for example, argue in favor of renting the forklifts . Hesse: "That pays for itself after just one month."
In another study involving twelve electric forklifts in a three-shift system, functioned "perfectly well." The results, calculated using fuel cells, showed that hydrogen would reduce operating costs by 29 percent, emissions by 100 percent, and maintenance costs by 6 percent. This would result in a total reduction of 1,263 tons of CO2 emissions. Hesse commented, "That's almost half a forest." Building a hydrogen refueling station could quickly add another six-figure sum to the cost, it would also be eligible for government subsidies. Based on calculations, the return on investment compared to conventional lead-acid technology could be in just 59 months.
Toyota Material Handling offers joint analysis and selection of the drive for each individual operation . References include in Norway, Italy, and numerous other locations across Europe. Hesse: "We are also happy to modify existing equipment." Already, 90% of TMHE's entire portfolio is available with fuel cells .
