WAGNER Switzerland AG
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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 " 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.
Fuel-efficient fleet powered by biogas
Fuel-efficient fleet powered by biogas
For over a year, SPAR in St. Gallen has been using a biogas-powered semi-trailer truck to supply its branches and TopCC markets. The vehicle proved so successful in its first year of operation that the fleet will soon be expanded with eight more of these CNG commercial vehicles.
In the coming months, seven more Scania CNG trucks, two tractor units with city trailers and five 6x2/4 trucks will be added to the fleet, thus contributing to a significant reduction in the fleet's CO2 emissions.
When asked which factors particularly convinced the fleet managers at SPAR, 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 cylinders on each side
Furthermore, the vehicle impresses with its very low fuel consumption, without compromising performance or acceleration. Drivers, branch managers, and residents near the various SPAR and TopCC stores also particularly appreciated the low noise level. Deliveries typically take place very early in the morning so that customers can access the full range of fresh produce as soon as the stores open.
After initial hesitation, the drivers were quickly enthusiastic about the new vehicles. Driver "Flou," who has been with the company for over 37 years, categorically stated that he wouldn't give up his Scania for anything. The available 420 hp and 2,100 Nm of torque quickly made the previous diesel vehicles a distant memory. The combination of the sustainable powertrain and the comfortable and extremely spacious CR20N cab made the drivers' hearts beat faster even before they got in. After engaging the automated Opticruise transmission, they were off quickly. The next surprise: While the CNG engine was barely audible from the outside, it was almost imperceptible in the superbly 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 pallet or 45 roll container spaces features integrated transport refrigeration and a vertical liftgate. This vehicle concept, with a maximum gross vehicle 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 future expected demand for (bio)gas ourselves, intensive work is already underway on our own refueling infrastructure for the planned 90,000 kilometers per year.
The SPAR Group Switzerland comprises 250 neighborhood markets, express convenience stores, and mini-markets, as well as 11 TopCC cash & carry wholesale markets. A quarter of the neighborhood markets are company-owned branches, while the other three-quarters are operated by independent retailers under a franchise 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 in 50 countries under a licensing agreement, 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, as the logo suggests, means "fir tree" in Dutch – and not, as one might assume, a reference to low prices.
