WAGNER Switzerland AG
WWW.LOGISTICSINNOVATION.ORG
The online magazine for Switzerland, the EU and the rest of the world
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.
The mountain is calling - Stadler is coming
The mountain is calling - Stadler is coming
The final sleeper was laid last autumn on the new Grütschalp-Mürren "adhesion railway" line. This marked the completion of the multi-year construction project, which cost 63 million Swiss francs. Part of the new rolling stock is currently being delivered in a spectacular operation and is expected to be operational in June.
This summer, the new multiple units will operate alongside the existing trains on the completely renovated line between Grütschalp and Mürren. Various tests are necessary beforehand, as is standard practice with new rolling stock. The railway, as well as the stations and stops, will also meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. Furthermore, travel times will be reduced and capacity increased, contributing to a more attractive location for the car-free village of Mürren.
The new rolling stock marks the completion of the over four-year construction project for the complete renovation, including new multiple units with level boarding and the renovated and expanded stations at Grütschalp, Winteregg, and Mürren station.
"The travel time is reduced by increasing the maximum speed from 30 to 50 km/h, which allows for a new operating concept with two trains running in rotation," explains Stefan Wittwer, head of the Lauterbrunnen-Mürren Mountain Railway (BLM), outlining the advantages of the new rolling stock. On Tuesday, the second section of the multiple unit will be lifted onto the track at Winteregg, made ready for operation, and then transferred to the Grütschalp workshop.
The first trainset was delivered in November 2023. The insights gained from winter tests could thus be directly incorporated into the completion of the two subsequent trainsets. The rolling stock was delayed because several of Stadler's suppliers struggled with supply bottlenecks as a result of the war in Ukraine and the pandemic, and testing and storage options were limited due to restricted track capacity. Furthermore, the type tests at night at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level under wintry conditions with heavy snowfall proved particularly challenging.
Since summer 2023, guests have been able to enjoy the view of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains from the new bistro on the roof terrace of Grütschalp station. In addition, the Winteregg passing loop was renovated, the Grütschalp workshop was modernized, and at Winteregg station, not only was the station itself renovated, but elevators and a pedestrian underpass were also installed.
Photos: Stadlerrail
For the complete renewal of the BLM line between Grütschalp and Mürren, several thousand tons of ballast, around 8,000 new oak railway sleepers, and approximately 9,600 meters of track were laid in several stages over the past few years. "The more than four-year construction phase was intensive and lengthy. I am pleased that we were able to carry out the work according to plan and that commissioning is now imminent," says Stefan Wittwer, head of BLM. A celebration in Mürren on Friday, August 9, will mark the occasion.
