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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 " (SPS) in Kansas City once again relied on Kasto saws and storage systems.
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.
SBB Cargo workshop in Chiasso
SBB Cargo workshop in Chiasso
Photo: SBB
SBB Cargo handles one-seventh of Switzerland's freight traffic, transporting 180,000 tons daily within the country via wagonload, block train, and combined transport. The maintenance facility in Chiasso, renovated at a cost of 12 million Swiss francs, has now been reopened – a significant milestone, according to the company.
The expansion of the maintenance facility south of the Alps, including the reprofiling of SBB locomotives, freight wagons, and multiple units, took 18 months. With a total area of 2,000 square meters, the new workshop is longer and wider than its predecessor. It also features a new fourth track, dedicated to the reprofiling line. The new workshop will employ approximately 30 people: 20 for freight wagon maintenance, eight for reprofiling, and three in technical and administrative roles. This brings the total number of employees at the service facility, including those at the existing locomotive maintenance workshop, to 50. While the new reprofiling team members are being trained for their future tasks on the new production line and modern machinery, maintenance work on the freight wagons is commencing on the three tracks, which are equipped with new pits and modern lifting and crane systems.
“With the expanded freight wagon hall and the new underfloor wheel lathe, we are strengthening our maintenance services for locomotives and freight wagons in Chiasso,” says Jasmin Bigdon, member of the Executive Board responsible for Asset Management at SBB Cargo. “This will allow us to further accelerate maintenance and reduce vehicle downtime – not only for SBB vehicles, but also for maintenance customers who rely on our services along the transit route.”
SBB Cargo’s new workshop was built on the site of the old workshop, which no longer met current requirements after 60 years of service. However, the basic features of the former building were incorporated into the new hall and given a contemporary interpretation. Modern, large-scale glass doors, a sophisticated roof structure, and optimal space utilization ensure a pleasant and safe working environment with plenty of natural daylight. The highlight of the new workshop is the underfloor wheel lathe. With it, SBB Cargo has created a central “one-stop shop” for the reprofiling of locomotives, freight wagons, and multiple units. Thanks to the efficient handling of all work at a single location and the direct return of the vehicles to service after reprofiling, turnaround times for SBB Cargo locomotives can be reduced by up to a third, thus improving vehicle availability. The cross-border TILO trains also benefit from the services offered on the underfloor wheel lathe near their operating area.
www.sbb.ch
