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Day: 4 February 2022

Ferag on show at UK exhibition

Posted on by David Priestman

Ferag, a global leader in advanced conveying and sortation solutions, is to display its Swiss engineered overhead pouch and sorter systems at one of the UKs most important retail technology events, Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo 2022, 2nd – 3rd March, ExCel, London (Stand SC2460).

Visitors to the Ferag stand will be able to see technology developed for some of the most testing of handling applications, the international print industry, where high-speed overhead conveyors are required to offer ultra-reliable performance on daily newspaper production runs in the millions. The same materials, technology and design expertise has been successfully applied by Ferag across the intralogistics sector, bringing reliable, high-performance conveying at speeds of up to 12,000 units per hour to retail, ecommerce, automotive and general merchandise businesses.

Darcy de Thierry, Managing Director, Ferag UK Ltd, says: “Ecommerce fulfilment is a time-critical operation demanding ultra-reliable, high-performance automation. Downtime or mechanical failure can cause huge disruption, with delays to customer orders resulting in disappointment and refunds. But more importantly, these service failures can bring significant brand damage and the loss of repeat sales. We’re here in the UK to deliver ultra-reliable performance across our extensive range of sorters and conveyors – technology that we are keen to show to UK retailers.”

Principle products in Ferag’s extensive range of innovative sorters and conveyors include:

  • Skyfall, an overhead pouch system that combines conveying, buffering, sorting and consolidating, suited to a wide variety of goods weighing up to 20kg. The solution makes efficient use of available overhead space;
  • Denisort, a tilt-tray sorter that provides order picking, conveying and sorting in one seamless and scalable solution;
  • Denisort Compact, a modular vertical sorter designed for items weighing up to 12kg;
  • Deniway, a plate chain conveyor with low-friction rollers for long conveying distances, offering smooth transfers with the minimum number of drive units;
  • Easychain, a largely maintenance-free continuous and seamless conveying system with an ultra-narrow curve radii, making it well suited to complex, 3D layouts.

Ferag has installed intelligent conveyor and sortation systems for some of the world’s largest brands, such as: DHL, Auchan, Nestle, Zeiss, Cewe, Zalando, Mayoral, Viapost, Peerless Clothing International, Dumoulin, AstraZeneca, Stage, VW, Shoebox, along with many more.

Ferag on show at UK exhibition

Posted on by David Priestman

Ferag, a global leader in advanced conveying and sortation solutions, is to display its Swiss engineered overhead pouch and sorter systems at one of the UKs most important retail technology events, Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo 2022, 2nd – 3rd March, ExCel, London (Stand SC2460).

Visitors to the Ferag stand will be able to see technology developed for some of the most testing of handling applications, the international print industry, where high-speed overhead conveyors are required to offer ultra-reliable performance on daily newspaper production runs in the millions. The same materials, technology and design expertise has been successfully applied by Ferag across the intralogistics sector, bringing reliable, high-performance conveying at speeds of up to 12,000 units per hour to retail, ecommerce, automotive and general merchandise businesses.

Darcy de Thierry, Managing Director, Ferag UK Ltd, says: “Ecommerce fulfilment is a time-critical operation demanding ultra-reliable, high-performance automation. Downtime or mechanical failure can cause huge disruption, with delays to customer orders resulting in disappointment and refunds. But more importantly, these service failures can bring significant brand damage and the loss of repeat sales. We’re here in the UK to deliver ultra-reliable performance across our extensive range of sorters and conveyors – technology that we are keen to show to UK retailers.”

Principle products in Ferag’s extensive range of innovative sorters and conveyors include:

  • Skyfall, an overhead pouch system that combines conveying, buffering, sorting and consolidating, suited to a wide variety of goods weighing up to 20kg. The solution makes efficient use of available overhead space;
  • Denisort, a tilt-tray sorter that provides order picking, conveying and sorting in one seamless and scalable solution;
  • Denisort Compact, a modular vertical sorter designed for items weighing up to 12kg;
  • Deniway, a plate chain conveyor with low-friction rollers for long conveying distances, offering smooth transfers with the minimum number of drive units;
  • Easychain, a largely maintenance-free continuous and seamless conveying system with an ultra-narrow curve radii, making it well suited to complex, 3D layouts.

Ferag has installed intelligent conveyor and sortation systems for some of the world’s largest brands, such as: DHL, Auchan, Nestle, Zeiss, Cewe, Zalando, Mayoral, Viapost, Peerless Clothing International, Dumoulin, AstraZeneca, Stage, VW, Shoebox, along with many more.

Automated DC for Slovakian 3PL

Posted on by David Priestman

The new warehouse of isklad in Senec, Slovakia, will be equipped with a high-performance Micro-Fulfillment-Center (RSX1-Micro) from ROCKETSOLUTION GmbH. The RSX1 system from ROCKETSOLUTION integrates the complete material flow from goods receipt and storage to picking and packing.

The high-density RSX1-Micro System maximises the use of the available space, creating many times the previously existing storage capacity. The system performance, which is tailored to the order volume and the business processes, will enable isklad to process its order faster and more efficiently. Isklad can now easily manage its rapid growth in business due to the flexible scalability of the RSX1-Micro.

The new automated warehouse for isklad is one of the first systems implemented by ROCKETSOLUTION in the market, making this installation an important milestone in the company’s history.

isklad is a fast-growing and globally active Third Party Logistics (3PL) Provider offering a complete logistics solution for all categories of e-shops (small or large, with or without warehouse). This is a modern and efficient way to provide warehousing services and to offer order preparation and delivery of shipments directly to e-shop customers in the shortest possible time and at the lowest possible cost.

The transport and warehousing services offered are complemented by isklad’s proprietary, transparent and intuitive online software (EGON). EGON acts as an extension of existing online shops so that data on orders, products, stock levels and costs can be tracked at all times.

“Our customers rely on reliable, fast and uncomplicated order processing. To ensure that we can continue to provide this in the future, we automate our previously manual warehouse,” says Martin Mitošinka, CEO of isklad.

“With Rocket Solution, we can not only improve the use of our shop floor, but also make our work processes much more efficient. The integration of the RSX1 enables us to continue to operate as a reliable logistics service provider worldwide as well as to achieve our growth targets.”

The RSX1 automated small parts storage system for totes and trays is based on an innovative shuttle technology. The system consists of the following four main components:

  • RS-Rack
  • RS-Shuttle
  • RS-Lift
  • RS-Software

The RS-Shuttles within the storage levels handle the totes using an innovative load handling device with an integrated lifting technology. The compact system is characterised by maximum storage density, enormous robustness, as well as simple integration capability, whereby the latter refers to material flow systems and IoT as well as to the building structure. This enables reliable system availability and fast, uncomplicated system integration and implementation. The innovative RSX1 significantly improves space efficiency compared to conventional automated systems.

isklad offers fulfilment services for a steadily increasing number of suppliers from a wide range of industries. This is reflected in the variety of goods to be stored and handled. Multiple tote heights can be stored within the RSX1, allowing the system to be optimised to the inventory. Unused space in the warehouse is thus further reduced.

The two-aisle system for isklad offers 33,800 storage locations and is designed for a performance of 2,000 double cycle per hour. Workstations at the front of the aisles are used to repack the goods into automatically provided empty totes of different heights. The workstations for highly dynamic picking and the following packing stations are located on the rear end of the aisle.

The RSX1-Micro can easily be extended by adding new aisles to add more capacity and performance to the system. This scalability is important for the 3PL Provider isklad as the integration of new customers is a core component of their future growth and the successful management of peak seasons a basic requirement of this business model.

“The RSX1 technology integrates perfectly with our existing business processes and optimises them as well. By investing in the flexible RSX1 system, we can meet our increased requirements and expand the system at any time in the future,” Mitošinka continues.

Automated DC for Slovakian 3PL

Posted on by David Priestman

The new warehouse of isklad in Senec, Slovakia, will be equipped with a high-performance Micro-Fulfillment-Center (RSX1-Micro) from ROCKETSOLUTION GmbH. The RSX1 system from ROCKETSOLUTION integrates the complete material flow from goods receipt and storage to picking and packing.

The high-density RSX1-Micro System maximises the use of the available space, creating many times the previously existing storage capacity. The system performance, which is tailored to the order volume and the business processes, will enable isklad to process its order faster and more efficiently. Isklad can now easily manage its rapid growth in business due to the flexible scalability of the RSX1-Micro.

The new automated warehouse for isklad is one of the first systems implemented by ROCKETSOLUTION in the market, making this installation an important milestone in the company’s history.

isklad is a fast-growing and globally active Third Party Logistics (3PL) Provider offering a complete logistics solution for all categories of e-shops (small or large, with or without warehouse). This is a modern and efficient way to provide warehousing services and to offer order preparation and delivery of shipments directly to e-shop customers in the shortest possible time and at the lowest possible cost.

The transport and warehousing services offered are complemented by isklad’s proprietary, transparent and intuitive online software (EGON). EGON acts as an extension of existing online shops so that data on orders, products, stock levels and costs can be tracked at all times.

“Our customers rely on reliable, fast and uncomplicated order processing. To ensure that we can continue to provide this in the future, we automate our previously manual warehouse,” says Martin Mitošinka, CEO of isklad.

“With Rocket Solution, we can not only improve the use of our shop floor, but also make our work processes much more efficient. The integration of the RSX1 enables us to continue to operate as a reliable logistics service provider worldwide as well as to achieve our growth targets.”

The RSX1 automated small parts storage system for totes and trays is based on an innovative shuttle technology. The system consists of the following four main components:

  • RS-Rack
  • RS-Shuttle
  • RS-Lift
  • RS-Software

The RS-Shuttles within the storage levels handle the totes using an innovative load handling device with an integrated lifting technology. The compact system is characterised by maximum storage density, enormous robustness, as well as simple integration capability, whereby the latter refers to material flow systems and IoT as well as to the building structure. This enables reliable system availability and fast, uncomplicated system integration and implementation. The innovative RSX1 significantly improves space efficiency compared to conventional automated systems.

isklad offers fulfilment services for a steadily increasing number of suppliers from a wide range of industries. This is reflected in the variety of goods to be stored and handled. Multiple tote heights can be stored within the RSX1, allowing the system to be optimised to the inventory. Unused space in the warehouse is thus further reduced.

The two-aisle system for isklad offers 33,800 storage locations and is designed for a performance of 2,000 double cycle per hour. Workstations at the front of the aisles are used to repack the goods into automatically provided empty totes of different heights. The workstations for highly dynamic picking and the following packing stations are located on the rear end of the aisle.

The RSX1-Micro can easily be extended by adding new aisles to add more capacity and performance to the system. This scalability is important for the 3PL Provider isklad as the integration of new customers is a core component of their future growth and the successful management of peak seasons a basic requirement of this business model.

“The RSX1 technology integrates perfectly with our existing business processes and optimises them as well. By investing in the flexible RSX1 system, we can meet our increased requirements and expand the system at any time in the future,” Mitošinka continues.

IAG Cargo boosts Latin American service

Posted on by David Priestman

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has increased services to Colombia and Argentina from Madrid, whilst offering daily capacity between Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires. The business now services 17 destinations in Latin America from Madrid, London and Barcelona.

IAG Cargo has particularly increased services to Colombia, with 14 flights per week now operating between Madrid and Bogota (up on the previous 10), while the three flights per week schedule into Cali is maintained. It has also increased services between Madrid-Buenos Aires from 8 to 10 flights per week, and services between London-Heathrow and Mexico City increase to 7 per week (up from the previous 5).

IAG Cargo’s new service between Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires will enable the flow of goods between the two cities and the opportunity to fly freight across its network onto busy transatlantic trade lanes. All services utilise the Group’s wide-body aircraft.

IAG Cargo now offers capacity to nearly every destination in Latin America which it operated pre-pandemic with over 250 weekly services in total and all utilising wide-body aircraft. This service has proved particularly valuable to the automotive and manufacturing industries which utilise air freight between the regions, and to the medical sector.

The extra capacity also benefits perishable exporters seeking to transport fresh produce into Europe and the UK, an important period in the run-up to Valentine’s Day.

Rodrigo Casal, Regional Commercial Manager for Latin America at IAG Cargo, said: “These additional flights will provide a welcome boost to businesses trading between Europe, UK and Latin America. Additionally, we are delighted to be able to offer regular wide-body capacity between Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, on flights that feed into London and Madrid.

“Our global network allows customers a gateway to the world, connecting automotive freight to assembly plants in Europe, or perishables onto the supermarket shelves in the UK.”

The news of IAG Cargo’s expanded offer in the region follows strong performance in 2021, when a new route from Heathrow to Guayaquil, Ecuador was announced and increased flights to Sao Paolo, Brazil and Mexico City. Regular flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico and from Heathrow to Rio de Janiero were also re-started in 2021.

Eligible customers seeking to book their freight with IAG Cargo can benefit from its loyalty programme – FORWARD.REWARDS and FORWARD.PLATINUM.

IAG Cargo boosts Latin American service

Posted on by Keith McKinley

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has increased services to Colombia and Argentina from Madrid, whilst offering daily capacity between Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires. The business now services 17 destinations in Latin America from Madrid, London and Barcelona.

IAG Cargo has particularly increased services to Colombia, with 14 flights per week now operating between Madrid and Bogota (up on the previous 10), while the three flights per week schedule into Cali is maintained. It has also increased services between Madrid-Buenos Aires from 8 to 10 flights per week, and services between London-Heathrow and Mexico City increase to 7 per week (up from the previous 5).

IAG Cargo’s new service between Sao Paolo and Buenos Aires will enable the flow of goods between the two cities and the opportunity to fly freight across its network onto busy transatlantic trade lanes. All services utilise the Group’s wide-body aircraft.

IAG Cargo now offers capacity to nearly every destination in Latin America which it operated pre-pandemic with over 250 weekly services in total and all utilising wide-body aircraft. This service has proved particularly valuable to the automotive and manufacturing industries which utilise air freight between the regions, and to the medical sector.

The extra capacity also benefits perishable exporters seeking to transport fresh produce into Europe and the UK, an important period in the run-up to Valentine’s Day.

Rodrigo Casal, Regional Commercial Manager for Latin America at IAG Cargo, said: “These additional flights will provide a welcome boost to businesses trading between Europe, UK and Latin America. Additionally, we are delighted to be able to offer regular wide-body capacity between Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires, on flights that feed into London and Madrid.

“Our global network allows customers a gateway to the world, connecting automotive freight to assembly plants in Europe, or perishables onto the supermarket shelves in the UK.”

The news of IAG Cargo’s expanded offer in the region follows strong performance in 2021, when a new route from Heathrow to Guayaquil, Ecuador was announced and increased flights to Sao Paolo, Brazil and Mexico City. Regular flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico and from Heathrow to Rio de Janiero were also re-started in 2021.

Eligible customers seeking to book their freight with IAG Cargo can benefit from its loyalty programme – FORWARD.REWARDS and FORWARD.PLATINUM.

Digital trucking platform driveMybox expands

Posted on by David Priestman

Hamburg-based startup driveMybox more than doubled its sales in 2021 compared to the previous year and is on a strong expansion course. The online platform has succeeded in expanding container transport to the Northern and Western ports as well as the German hinterland hubs.

Through the expansion of the digital platform and thanks to the high commitment of the employees in the daily operations, the team of driveMybox was able to ensure the high demand for container transport and satisfaction for customers and service providers.

Aaron Spandehra, CBDO, points out: “June to December 2021 was more than satisfactory for us. In addition to strong organic growth, we made important strategic progress and were thus able to establish further interesting partnerships. Moreover, the number of registrations, bookings and tours grew rapidly on the customer and service provider side. Through our existing and new customers, we were able to further expand the business and significantly increase revenue.”

The intuitive and user-friendly digital platform was launched in Germany in 2020. It offers an all-in-one solution for containerised transport: the entire transport process from price request to scheduling to invoicing is digitised – in just a few clicks, any company that wants to have a container transported by truck can book a transport via the platform.

The registered service providers, on the other hand, are getting the optimised transport orders directly on their smartphones via push notifications, so that they can accept trips flexibly and on their own responsibility.

The process is fast, simple and similar to booking a flight. Live tracking, automatic payment processing, direct communication and digital documents are just some of the advantages.

driveMybox handles the transport on its own responsibility and is thus a fixed contractual partner for both sides. Moreover, driveMybox provides more flexibility and transparency in container trucking and that even free of charge.

A recent customer survey proved that driveMybox is seen as a strong and reliable partner that can react flexibly to requests, even in times of strong fluctuations and disruptions in the supply chains.

“In recent months, we have primarily worked on developing value-added services for our customers and service providers and prepared the digital platform for international expansions,” says co-founder and CTO Dr. Leonard Heilig. “An important focus for 2022 is to enable sustainable container transports and to be able to react flexibly to changes in operational processes in an automated and intelligent way based on our AI. With new innovations, we want to enable, among other things, CO2-optimised or even zero-emission transport and create further added value, for example for customs clearance and equipment rental through cooperation with strong partners.”

In the meantime, driveMybox is not only on the road nationally, but also internationally. In addition to the Northern ports and inland hubs, this also includes the Western ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. The customer base includes shipping companies, intermodal companies, shippers and forwarders.

Heilig and Spandehra anticipate significant revenue growth in fiscal 2022 based on expected macroeconomic and industry-specific conditions. Focusing on the seven building blocks – market penetration, growth, expansion, innovation, operational efficiency, strong corporate values and sustainability – driveMybox aims to further expand the logistics tech company by early 2023.

To achieve the strategic goals, investments will be made especially in the further development of the platform as well as in the expansion itself. In addition, the focus will be placed on the sustainability of the platform and cooperation in the form of collaborations and partnerships will be intensified.

 

Digital trucking platform driveMybox expands

Posted on by David Priestman

Hamburg-based startup driveMybox more than doubled its sales in 2021 compared to the previous year and is on a strong expansion course. The online platform has succeeded in expanding container transport to the Northern and Western ports as well as the German hinterland hubs.

Through the expansion of the digital platform and thanks to the high commitment of the employees in the daily operations, the team of driveMybox was able to ensure the high demand for container transport and satisfaction for customers and service providers.

Aaron Spandehra, CBDO, points out: “June to December 2021 was more than satisfactory for us. In addition to strong organic growth, we made important strategic progress and were thus able to establish further interesting partnerships. Moreover, the number of registrations, bookings and tours grew rapidly on the customer and service provider side. Through our existing and new customers, we were able to further expand the business and significantly increase revenue.”

The intuitive and user-friendly digital platform was launched in Germany in 2020. It offers an all-in-one solution for containerised transport: the entire transport process from price request to scheduling to invoicing is digitised – in just a few clicks, any company that wants to have a container transported by truck can book a transport via the platform.

The registered service providers, on the other hand, are getting the optimised transport orders directly on their smartphones via push notifications, so that they can accept trips flexibly and on their own responsibility.

The process is fast, simple and similar to booking a flight. Live tracking, automatic payment processing, direct communication and digital documents are just some of the advantages.

driveMybox handles the transport on its own responsibility and is thus a fixed contractual partner for both sides. Moreover, driveMybox provides more flexibility and transparency in container trucking and that even free of charge.

A recent customer survey proved that driveMybox is seen as a strong and reliable partner that can react flexibly to requests, even in times of strong fluctuations and disruptions in the supply chains.

“In recent months, we have primarily worked on developing value-added services for our customers and service providers and prepared the digital platform for international expansions,” says co-founder and CTO Dr. Leonard Heilig. “An important focus for 2022 is to enable sustainable container transports and to be able to react flexibly to changes in operational processes in an automated and intelligent way based on our AI. With new innovations, we want to enable, among other things, CO2-optimised or even zero-emission transport and create further added value, for example for customs clearance and equipment rental through cooperation with strong partners.”

In the meantime, driveMybox is not only on the road nationally, but also internationally. In addition to the Northern ports and inland hubs, this also includes the Western ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. The customer base includes shipping companies, intermodal companies, shippers and forwarders.

Heilig and Spandehra anticipate significant revenue growth in fiscal 2022 based on expected macroeconomic and industry-specific conditions. Focusing on the seven building blocks – market penetration, growth, expansion, innovation, operational efficiency, strong corporate values and sustainability – driveMybox aims to further expand the logistics tech company by early 2023.

To achieve the strategic goals, investments will be made especially in the further development of the platform as well as in the expansion itself. In addition, the focus will be placed on the sustainability of the platform and cooperation in the form of collaborations and partnerships will be intensified.

 

Kyburz turns to ABM for performance technology

Posted on by David Priestman

KYBURZ Switzerland AG, a manufacturer of urban delivery vehicles, relies on the know-how and drive technology of ABM Greiffenberger for its electric vehicles

KYBURZ is an international leader for high-quality mobility and transport solutions used e.g. by postal operators for delivery of letters and parcels. When it comes to drive technology, the provider relies on the comprehensive support of ABM Greiffenberger, from concept to series production. ABM supplies everything from a single source.

Martin Kyburz founded KYBURZ Switzerland AG in 1991. Today, with 150 employees the company is one of the leading manufactures for urban delivery vehicles, which thanks to automatic parking brake and reverse gear arrive at their destination safely and quickly even in wintry conditions. This includes the KYBURZ DXP.

The E-Mobile fleet combines the efficiency of a two-wheeler with the safety and stability of a three-wheel vehicle. DXP is used by postal operators in various countries such as Germany, Finland or Austria, as well numerous cities such as Winterthur or Montreux.

However, postal and logistics companies are not the only ones relying on this environmentally friendly vehicles, the electric sport cars for leisure sector are also extremely popular and ensure lots of driving pleasure. That is why, among others, the Swiss have developed the eRod (pictured), an electrically powered racing car approved for the road.

“We offer a comprehensive service package,” says Daniel Weber, Head of Development at KYBURZ. “We develop, produce vehicles and take care of the after sale service. We also take them back after being used, process them or take care of their recycling.”

Currently, over 23,000 of these electric vehicles are on the roads worldwide. Apart from the USA, the company is active in all markets worldwide.

High Performance and Efficient Drives

Users have high expectations. Especially postal services, which have to deliver their shipments quickly and reliably, require vehicles that are efficient, environmentally friendly, reliable and inexpensive to maintain. This places particularly high demands on the drives. Because the postman must be able to manage steep streets with his fully loaded vehicle and be able to accelerate at all times. Since these vehicles are used on daily basis, both acceleration and range play a major role. This requires motor performance and efficiency.

KYBURZ Switzerland AG turned to ABM Greiffenberger to manage this balancing act, this was in October 2011. As a full-service provider, the drive specialist with registered office in Marktredwitz in Upper Franconia develops and manufactures systems for stationary and mobile applications which are installed e.g., in logistics in conveyors, hoists or forklifts. In addition to modular system solutions, ABM Greiffenberger also impresses with customer and application specific drive solutions that ensure customers measurable added value.

ABM works closely and in partnership with the customer. “Even before the turn of the millennium we had started to transfer our know-how from battery-powered applications to E-Mobility. Even back then we were able to implement the first customer-specific projects,” reports Jürgen Schliermann, Head of Mobile Drive Technology Development at ABM.

“We recognise new trends early on – this is important, especially in a future-oriented industry such as the electric mobility. We take this into account thanks to our comprehensive development and production capabilities.”

High Acceleration from Standstill

“We were looking for a reliable partner for our ever increasing quantities and for the growing demands of the users”, explains Daniel Weber from KYBURZ. “We were familiar with the high level of expertise of ABM and the good reputation of the supplier.”

The drive specialist supplied the AC end shield motors for the DXP series delivery vehicles. Weighing only around 22kg, these powerful three-phase asynchronous motors are quiet, environmental friendly and optimised for the stressful stop-and-go operation. They impress with their high acceleration capacity even from the standstill position, just the right one for these applications.

“The weight-optimised AC end shield motors are also robust, durable and with their special design without housing they are suitable for applications with high load peaks and high dynamics,” explains ABM expert Schliermann. Heat generation is a major issue with high torques and low speeds. This challenge can be managed with the ABM drive.

It was also important for KYBURZ to have a drive which requires little or no maintenance. In addition, the motor draws the energy from maintenance-free lithium iron phosphate batteries. External drive controllers assume the power supply and speed/torque control. Thanks to the optimised interaction with the controller the system is very well regulated, ensuring high level of power density.

“We can deliver a light, efficient and compact drive that optimally accelerates, provides a good driving dynamic and therefore also achieves a long range,” says Schliermann.

Emotions Instead of Emissions

Thanks to the good cooperation and reliable products ABM drives are also installed in eRod. The 600kg vehicle achieves a top speed of 120km/h and a range of around 180km. Thanks to the powerful electric drive the sports car provides the passionate driver with maximum driving pleasure.

“We had already developed our ring rib motor, and only had to adapt it to the electrical properties,” reports Schliermann. In contrast to the end shield motors, the compact and only about 43kg AC drive has a housing. There is also the ring-shaped design of the ribs. Both protect the motor against dirt and ensure a good heat dissipation. It is installed on the differential axle transversely to the driving direction.

“Thanks to this installation position we have adapted the ribs of the drive in such a way that an optimal air cooling is ensured”, explains Schliermann. This solution is suitable for journeys with high load peaks and high continuous performance.”

In other words, perfect for a vehicle which is not only emission-free but with which the driver can also be quickly on his way. The dynamic drive accelerates very quickly even from a standstill position. Voltage supply and speed/torque control are performed by an external control. The ring cooling fin motor is also optionally available with higher protection class (IP6K9K). In addition to a cost-effective solution the performance values were particularly decisive for KYBURZ.

Benefit Across the Board

“With ABM drive solutions we have achieved optimal performance across all our applications,” gladly mentions Weber. “This also includes higher temperature resistance, allowing vehicle operation at performance limits for longer periods.”

KYBURZ is very satisfied with both drive solutions: Because postal vehicles are in use daily, the eRod usually only occasionally: ABM drives are suitable for short, dynamic stretches as well as for the continuous operation in postal services.

A cooperative relationship has developed out of the project. “We are always get quick, competent support. Should modifications be required, together we always quickly find the suitable solution,” describes Weber. “It is thanks to this cooperative partnership that we always find a perfect system solution. Thanks to our extensive experience with this drive technology our development cost is usually held within limits,” adds Schliermann.

For its part, ABM opted for a sustainable delivery vehicle of DXP series for its energy efficiency and zero emission. “We use the vehicles for journeys between our two plants in Marktredwitz in Upper Franconia. Our employees are also excited,” happily reports Schliermann.

Kyburz turns to ABM for performance technology

Posted on by David Priestman

KYBURZ Switzerland AG, a manufacturer of urban delivery vehicles, relies on the know-how and drive technology of ABM Greiffenberger for its electric vehicles

KYBURZ is an international leader for high-quality mobility and transport solutions used e.g. by postal operators for delivery of letters and parcels. When it comes to drive technology, the provider relies on the comprehensive support of ABM Greiffenberger, from concept to series production. ABM supplies everything from a single source.

Martin Kyburz founded KYBURZ Switzerland AG in 1991. Today, with 150 employees the company is one of the leading manufactures for urban delivery vehicles, which thanks to automatic parking brake and reverse gear arrive at their destination safely and quickly even in wintry conditions. This includes the KYBURZ DXP.

The E-Mobile fleet combines the efficiency of a two-wheeler with the safety and stability of a three-wheel vehicle. DXP is used by postal operators in various countries such as Germany, Finland or Austria, as well numerous cities such as Winterthur or Montreux.

However, postal and logistics companies are not the only ones relying on this environmentally friendly vehicles, the electric sport cars for leisure sector are also extremely popular and ensure lots of driving pleasure. That is why, among others, the Swiss have developed the eRod (pictured), an electrically powered racing car approved for the road.

“We offer a comprehensive service package,” says Daniel Weber, Head of Development at KYBURZ. “We develop, produce vehicles and take care of the after sale service. We also take them back after being used, process them or take care of their recycling.”

Currently, over 23,000 of these electric vehicles are on the roads worldwide. Apart from the USA, the company is active in all markets worldwide.

High Performance and Efficient Drives

Users have high expectations. Especially postal services, which have to deliver their shipments quickly and reliably, require vehicles that are efficient, environmentally friendly, reliable and inexpensive to maintain. This places particularly high demands on the drives. Because the postman must be able to manage steep streets with his fully loaded vehicle and be able to accelerate at all times. Since these vehicles are used on daily basis, both acceleration and range play a major role. This requires motor performance and efficiency.

KYBURZ Switzerland AG turned to ABM Greiffenberger to manage this balancing act, this was in October 2011. As a full-service provider, the drive specialist with registered office in Marktredwitz in Upper Franconia develops and manufactures systems for stationary and mobile applications which are installed e.g., in logistics in conveyors, hoists or forklifts. In addition to modular system solutions, ABM Greiffenberger also impresses with customer and application specific drive solutions that ensure customers measurable added value.

ABM works closely and in partnership with the customer. “Even before the turn of the millennium we had started to transfer our know-how from battery-powered applications to E-Mobility. Even back then we were able to implement the first customer-specific projects,” reports Jürgen Schliermann, Head of Mobile Drive Technology Development at ABM.

“We recognise new trends early on – this is important, especially in a future-oriented industry such as the electric mobility. We take this into account thanks to our comprehensive development and production capabilities.”

High Acceleration from Standstill

“We were looking for a reliable partner for our ever increasing quantities and for the growing demands of the users”, explains Daniel Weber from KYBURZ. “We were familiar with the high level of expertise of ABM and the good reputation of the supplier.”

The drive specialist supplied the AC end shield motors for the DXP series delivery vehicles. Weighing only around 22kg, these powerful three-phase asynchronous motors are quiet, environmental friendly and optimised for the stressful stop-and-go operation. They impress with their high acceleration capacity even from the standstill position, just the right one for these applications.

“The weight-optimised AC end shield motors are also robust, durable and with their special design without housing they are suitable for applications with high load peaks and high dynamics,” explains ABM expert Schliermann. Heat generation is a major issue with high torques and low speeds. This challenge can be managed with the ABM drive.

It was also important for KYBURZ to have a drive which requires little or no maintenance. In addition, the motor draws the energy from maintenance-free lithium iron phosphate batteries. External drive controllers assume the power supply and speed/torque control. Thanks to the optimised interaction with the controller the system is very well regulated, ensuring high level of power density.

“We can deliver a light, efficient and compact drive that optimally accelerates, provides a good driving dynamic and therefore also achieves a long range,” says Schliermann.

Emotions Instead of Emissions

Thanks to the good cooperation and reliable products ABM drives are also installed in eRod. The 600kg vehicle achieves a top speed of 120km/h and a range of around 180km. Thanks to the powerful electric drive the sports car provides the passionate driver with maximum driving pleasure.

“We had already developed our ring rib motor, and only had to adapt it to the electrical properties,” reports Schliermann. In contrast to the end shield motors, the compact and only about 43kg AC drive has a housing. There is also the ring-shaped design of the ribs. Both protect the motor against dirt and ensure a good heat dissipation. It is installed on the differential axle transversely to the driving direction.

“Thanks to this installation position we have adapted the ribs of the drive in such a way that an optimal air cooling is ensured”, explains Schliermann. This solution is suitable for journeys with high load peaks and high continuous performance.”

In other words, perfect for a vehicle which is not only emission-free but with which the driver can also be quickly on his way. The dynamic drive accelerates very quickly even from a standstill position. Voltage supply and speed/torque control are performed by an external control. The ring cooling fin motor is also optionally available with higher protection class (IP6K9K). In addition to a cost-effective solution the performance values were particularly decisive for KYBURZ.

Benefit Across the Board

“With ABM drive solutions we have achieved optimal performance across all our applications,” gladly mentions Weber. “This also includes higher temperature resistance, allowing vehicle operation at performance limits for longer periods.”

KYBURZ is very satisfied with both drive solutions: Because postal vehicles are in use daily, the eRod usually only occasionally: ABM drives are suitable for short, dynamic stretches as well as for the continuous operation in postal services.

A cooperative relationship has developed out of the project. “We are always get quick, competent support. Should modifications be required, together we always quickly find the suitable solution,” describes Weber. “It is thanks to this cooperative partnership that we always find a perfect system solution. Thanks to our extensive experience with this drive technology our development cost is usually held within limits,” adds Schliermann.

For its part, ABM opted for a sustainable delivery vehicle of DXP series for its energy efficiency and zero emission. “We use the vehicles for journeys between our two plants in Marktredwitz in Upper Franconia. Our employees are also excited,” happily reports Schliermann.

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