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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 is cutting jobs
SBB Cargo is cutting jobs
Photo: SBB
The cargo subsidiary of Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) plans to cut 80 full-time positions by the end of the year. SBB employs around 35,500 people. While this is almost 600 more than last year, freight operations incurred significantly higher losses than expected for the past year.
The results deteriorated further in 2024, and transport volumes continued to decline. The reduction in staff is to be achieved primarily through internal transfers within SBB and through natural attrition. Layoffs are to be the exception. Demographics and the shortage of skilled workers in many professions are "helping" in this regard.
The increase of 600 employees last year addressed previously insufficient staffing levels, internalized external positions, and accommodated the rising volume of construction work. The increase in staff over the past few years has primarily involved operational roles, such as locomotive and train crews, engineers, technicians, skilled tradespeople, and IT staff.
Increased by 600 last year
Despite this, SBB remains committed to a strong, future-proof rail freight sector. "To that end," according to top management, "we are fundamentally restructuring it." The "Suisse Cargo Logistics" concept serves as the framework for this realignment, which aims to utilize rail for long distances and the transport of heavy goods.
Through investments in a modern fleet, automation, and a new production model, SBB aims to reduce costs by CHF 60 million.
For the restructuring of its single wagonload traffic, SBB is counting on temporary financial support from the federal government. This support is based on the comprehensive revision of the Freight Transport Act. Following the transformation, SBB's freight operations will be self-sustaining, reinvest, and meet federal targets – without support from the public sector or the parent company, SBB.
