WAGNER Switzerland AG
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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.
Energy-saving fleet with biogas
Energy-saving fleet with biogas
For over a year, SPAR in St. Gallen has operated a biogas-powered tractor unit for deliveries to its stores and TopCC stores. The vehicle performed so well in its first year of operation that the fleet will soon be renewed with eight more such CNG commercial vehicles.
In the coming months, seven additional Scania CNG vehicles, two tractor units with city trailers, and five 6x2/4 trucks will join the fleet, helping to significantly reduce the fleet's CO2 emissions.
When asked which factors particularly impressed SPAR's fleet managers, Alfred Derungs, Head of Transport Logistics, was able to list several. The main reason was the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the new CNG tractor unit.
Four gas tanks on each side
Furthermore, the vehicle impresses with its very low gas consumption without compromising on performance and pulling power. Drivers, store managers, and residents of the various SPAR and TopCC stores also particularly appreciated the low noise level. Deliveries are usually made very early in the morning so that customers can already enjoy the full range of fresh produce when the store opens.
After initial hesitancy, the drivers quickly became enthusiastic about the new vehicles. Driver "Flou," who has been with the company for over 37 years, categorically declared that he wouldn't give up his Scania. The available 420 hp with 2,100 Nm of torque quickly made the previous diesel vehicles forgotten. The combination of a sustainable drivetrain and the comfortable and extremely spacious CR20N cab made the driver's heart beat faster even before boarding. After engaging the automated Opticruise transmission, the journey took off swiftly. The next surprise: While the CNG engine was barely audible from outside, it was barely noticeable in the excellently insulated cab, even when it had to work a little harder on an incline.
Photos: Scania
The city semi-trailer with a steering axle and a loading area for 28 pallets or 45 roll containers features integrated transport refrigeration and a vertical lifting platform. This vehicle concept, with a maximum gross weight of 22 t and a payload of 14,300 kg, also makes the vehicle combination extremely maneuverable. This allows even hard-to-reach loading and unloading points to be accessed easily and safely.
In order to be able to cover the expected future demand for (bio)gas ourselves, intensive work is already underway on our own refueling infrastructure for the planned 90,000 annual kilometers.
The SPAR Group Switzerland includes 250 local stores, express convenience stores, and mini-markets, as well as 11 TopCC Cash & Carry wholesale stores. A quarter of the local stores are company-owned branches, while the other three-quarters are run by independent retailers in a franchising system.
Chauffeur A. Eugster
The group employs over 2,100 people (full-time equivalents), including 200 apprentices. SPAR International is headquartered in the Netherlands. SPAR operates under licensing in 50 countries, making it the largest voluntary retail chain with approximately 13,600 supermarkets and total sales of €42 billion. SPAR was founded in the Netherlands in 1932. The name stands for "fir" in Dutch – see the logo – and not, as might be the case, for its low prices.
