Intralogistics specialist TGW Logistics is investing 100 million euros in expanding its production capacity at its headquarters in Marchtrenk, Austria. This expansion of the office building at the location constitutes the next step: a five-story building will provide 14,000 m² of usable space by the second half of 2028. The investment volume amounts to 50 million euros, the groundbreaking ceremony will take place in the spring of 2026. This means that the use of the construction site already set up and equipped can continue uninterrupted – with positive effects on efficiency and economy.
“Intralogistics is an industry of the future with an average annual growth rate of roughly ten percent,” asserts Henry Puhl, Chief Executive Officer of TGW Logistics. “As an internationally leading company, TGW Logistics of course aspires to consistently apply that potential and to grow accordingly. We are striving to double our revenue by 2030 and reach over two billion euros. The investment in our headquarters in Marchtrenk lays the infrastructural foundation for that.”
Groundbreaking ceremony in the spring of 2026
The new office building will be connected to the existing building via a so-called ‘Cube’. Among other things, this will house meeting rooms, creative spaces and collaboration areas, all of which will provide the fertile soil to allow teamwork and innovation to grow. The ultramodern working environment will offer a flexible spatial concept for more than 400 employees and will be completed during the second half of 2028.
The objective of the expansion is, on the one hand, the insourcing of employees who have been working in rented external facilities up until now. On the other hand, TGW Logistics is laying the foundation for the growth planned for the coming years. The use of the construction site already set up and equipped can continue uninterrupted – with positive effects on the project’s efficiency and economy.
Affirmation of the location
“The building shells of our new production hall and the highly automated storage system were completed this past summer. The interior work is already underway, and we will put it into operation in the summer of 2026,” says Sebastian Wolf, Chief Financial Officer of TGW Logistics. “The upcoming new office building will create a 14,000 m² innovative working environment for our employees. That is a clear affirmation of the Upper Austrian location and of the growth potential of intralogistics.”
Foundation-owned company setup provides stability
Sustainable investments in long-term development are part of the corporate DNA of TGW Logistics. Its unique setup as a foundation-owned company is what makes this possible: the intralogistics specialist cannot be sold and is a stable business partner as well as a reliable employer. Two-thirds of profits stay in the company and are reinvested – in the more than 4,600 employees, in innovations and in infrastructure. The other third goes to the owner, the TGW Future Private Foundation, which in turn uses at least 30 percent of that to support the charitable projects of TGW Future Wings. Those projects focus on the comprehensive personal development of children and young people.
Loadhog, an employee-owned manufacturer of sustainable reusable packaging solutions, is proud to announce the grand opening of its new factory in Obernai, France.
Strategically located on Rue de l’Innovation, the new 5,000m² facility reflects Loadhog’s commitment to innovation, a core pillar of its operations, values, and long-term goals. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Loadhog’s journey to better serve its growing European customer base.
The Obernai factory will enable Loadhog to reduce transport costs and CO₂ emissions, enhancing sustainability for both the company and its customers. While the Hawke Street site in Sheffield will remain the central hub of the business, it will play a vital role in supporting the new French facility during its initial phase and beyond.
The first products to be moulded at the Obernai site will be from Loadhog’s intralogistics range, including its automation containers and trays. These products are designed to integrate seamlessly with automated warehousing systems, such as conveyors, robotics and transfer systems. With features like RFID compatibility, stackability, durable lightweight construction, and almost silent running, they help streamline operations, reduce manual handling, and improve throughput in high-volume environments.
Built with sustainability at its core, the Obernai factory is powered by renewable energy and proudly participates in Operation Clean Sweep®, an international initiative aimed at eliminating plastic resin loss to protect water quality, the environment, and worker safety.
Nestled in a scenic location overlooking the mountains, the new site offers an inspiring workplace for Loadhog’s team. The opening of the factory will also bring employment opportunities to the local community. By introducing specialised manufacturing and engineering skills, the facility will contribute to the area’s industrial growth and innovation landscape.
Adding to the sense of community, Loadhog’s sister company Gripple is also based in Obernai, creating a familiar and collaborative environment among like-minded businesses.
Shaun Khan, Loadhog’s Group Managing Director, commented:
Opening our new factory in Obernai is a proud moment for everyone at Loadhog. It’s a testament to our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and our people. We’re excited to bring our values to France and continue growing with our customers across Europe.
A strategic expansion in Italy’s industrial heartland aims to enhance national and international logistics services. Sogedim SpA, an independent Italian logistics operator in national and international transport, freight forwarding, and integrated logistics, announces the acquisition of Transtir S.r.l., a Modena-based company specializing in forwarding and logistics services, along with its incorporated company Fratelli Meoni SpA of Prato.
This strategic acquisition expands Sogedim’s logistics network in Italy, strengthening its presence in both Emilia-Romagna (Carpi) and Tuscany (Prato) — two regions known for their industrial districts and strong manufacturing ecosystems.
A strategic union of complementary expertise
Transtir, founded with a strong entrepreneurial vision, brings to Sogedim extensive experience in international freight forwarding, a skilled professional team, and a solid customer base across key industrial areas in central Italy. The integration enhances complementary services and boosts the Group’s competitiveness in the logistics and transport sector.
We are extremely pleased to welcome Transtir… This acquisition strengthens our presence in an economically strategic area for Made in Italy. Together, we will offer faster, more efficient, and higher-quality logistics and transport services, while maintaining the values of proximity and reliability that unite us and bind us to our customers.
Tangible benefits for customers, partners, and agents
With Transtir, Sogedim expands its distribution capacity, offering greater coverage in national and European routes together with new synergies in intermodal and logistics flows. National and international customers and partners will gain access to a broader and more integrated logistics network, optimized transit and delivery times, and an extensive range of advanced solutions. These improvements support businesses seeking efficient and scalable supply chain solutions in Italy and across Europe.
Management continuity and strong local identity
Transtir will continue to operate under its own brand, maintaining its organizational structure and management team. This ensures service continuity while allowing the company to benefit from the operational, commercial, and technological synergies of the Sogedim Group.
Modern business growth is not just about numbers… It means generating productive and logistical synergies, with full respect for the people and values that define our companies, and creating even stronger, more constructive, and long-lasting relationships.
Pack it in or monitor the noise in the warehouse, says Tim Turney, Global Marketing Manager at Casella, a global monitoring equipment manufacturer, who explains the risk of excessive noise exposure in logistics hubs and the benefits of implementing an effective noise monitoring programme.
Noise is often an overlooked operational risk in logistics, overshadowed by output, efficiency optimisations and time restraints. However, the Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) recent investigatory campaign uncovered ‘serious gaps’ in noise safety knowledge among employers and employees in noisy workplaces. Logistics hubs are often subjected to levels over the safe prescribed limits as a result of machinery, manual handling equipment and commercial vehicles which, over a long period of time, can cause irreparable hearing loss to employees.
Too often, logistics managers will simply provide hearing protection to employees without considering the risks associated with over-attenuating PPE that can actually bring about additional risk, or considering other control measures in the hierarchy of controls.
Unmanaged noise can expose organisations to regulatory penalties, worker health claims, reputational damage, and hidden productivity losses that quietly erode margins and most importantly, leaves employees permanently suffering from partial to complete deafness. Consumer habits and market demands are creating busier logistics hubs which translates to a noisier working environment for employees.
The UK enforces management through the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2002, which state that employers must reduce noise exposure, provide noise control measures and personal hearing protection if noise is at a level that may cause hearing loss. Employees must have personal hearing protection made available to them at an action level and must wear hearing protection at the next exposure hearing level. This assumes that the correct hearing protection wear is effectively fitted, worn at all times and maintained in good condition.
In the UK, the HSE has set an exposure limit of 85 dB(A) over an eight-hour time-weighted average, where hearing protection should be always worn, between 80 dB(A) and 85 dB(A), hearing protection is optional.
The Business Case
Chronic exposure to elevated noise levels contributes to fatigue, heightens stress, and degrades situational awareness. Elevated ambient noise can mask alarms and verbal warnings, increasing the likelihood of collision or handling incidents which in turn increases absenteeism and reduces productivity. Studies have shown that those working in loud environments are also more likely to seek alternative employment at quieter sites with turnover and sick days directly correlating to the noise levels in a worksite .
The compound result of the stress caused by excessive noise often manifests in disruptive ways. A recent survey found that a quarter of workers have ‘snapped’ at either a co-worker or manager with 20% quitting due to the noise. However it impacts employees, it is likely to cause delays in processing, transferring and day to day tasks like packaging and palletising.
The starting point for any health and safety programme is identifying the sources and quantifying the levels of hazard. By conducting a comprehensive risk assessment across the site, breaking down activities by task family and environment to understand how noise fluctuates depending on area and task, employers can deploy noise measurement and control measures cost effectively. Consider how exposure accumulates across shifts, overtime, and seasonal peaks when facilities run hotter and longer. This mapping enables targeted, defensible interventions that reduce exposure without compromising throughput or service levels.
Measurement
Sound level meters (SLMs) and noise dosimeters can be used to quantify sound levels in a workplace. Sound level meters are handheld devices, ideal for spot measurements noise at specific locations or tasks. Ideal for commissioning new equipment, diagnosing hotspots at loading docks, comparing alternative alarm types, or validating the effect of engineering controls like barrier mats or dampers.
Always calibrate before and after surveys and modern instruments will record any deviations, take notes and include information about the location, people working there, the noise environment and any control measures in place, including PPE.
Noise dosimeters serve a purpose by measuring personal exposure over a full shift. Tasks in logistics environments are by their nature mobile, so a bodily worn device may be the best way to monitor exposure. They account for worker movement, task variation, breaks, and can identify any, providing a realistic time-weighted average for specific roles such as pickers, dock associates and maintenance technicians.
To use dosimeters effectively, position the microphone in the hearing zone near the shoulder, ensuring it is unobstructed by clothing or PPE. Modern noise dosimeters are often easy to set up and can stream real-time data directly to employers’ phones or tablet so readings can be checked remotely through the day without disturbing the wearer. Repeat measurements during known peak seasons to capture worst-case scenarios that could trigger additional controls. Using both SLMs and dosimeters creates a clear picture that supports prioritisation and investment.
Control
Once the levels of sound are understood across the facility, control strategies can be implemented that follow the hierarchy of controls. At the source, employers can select low-noise wheels and tires for material handling equipment, specify quiet conveyor rollers, add soft-close pallet stops, implement variable-speed drives, and adopt other sound dampening tools to reduce total noise output.
It’s often recommended to install barriers and sound absorber around particularly noisy static machinery. Administrative controls can then minimise exposure by scheduling noisy tasks away from busy areas, creating quiet zones for precision work, and structuring maintenance windows outside of peak hours to confine noisy activities.
PPE should always be the final refuge for employers once all engineering controls and administrative controls have been considered. Hearing protection should be selected that matches the noise profile without over-attenuating as this can lead to unnecessary accidents where employees miss sound cues from vehicles or warnings from colleagues. Being struck by a moving vehicle is the second most frequent cause of workplace fatalities, according to the HSE.
Finally, conducting regular noise monitoring to calculate any changes in ambient noise levels allows employers to be agile in noise management, control and solutions. Allowing resources to be allocated when necessary, reducing overspend. At a minimum, noise surveys should be conducted every two years or whenever there are major changes to equipment, processes or working patterns. More frequent monitoring is also necessary if health surveillance reveals a decline in employee hearing quality. Where unsure, it is always recommended to consult expert advice and guidance.
Rock and roll ain’t noise pollution
Ultimately, a durable noise program depends on culture. Educating staff and managers on the dangers of long-term noise exposure and implementing a culture of responsibility will lead to better practice and caution when working in noisy environments. Logistics leaders who prioritise noise risk management create a calmer, safer, and more productive site, while also avoiding reputational and compliance penalties.
The intralogistics market is seeing a clear trend towards electrification, With electrically-powered industrial trucks accounting for 70% of the market share, a development driven by factors such as stricter environmental regulations and technical advances in electric drive systems. At the same time, diesel engines still make more sense for many uses.
The choice of drive concept depends heavily on the operating conditions. Daily operating time, infrastructure conditions, applicable emission standards and economic considerations all influence this decision. To make the right choice, the respective strengths and weaknesses of the drive types must be carefully considered. What about forklifts in particular?
E-mobility is increasingly becoming a strategic factor in logistics. Political framework conditions such as the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ program, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, are accelerating the switch to electric industrial trucks. At the same time, technological advances – particularly in battery systems – are creating the necessary conditions for electrification.
The further development of lithium-ion technology plays a central role. Like some other companies, Bobcat is also looking for modern alternatives to the classic lead-acid battery, in warehouse technology, for example. Lithium-ion batteries offer significant advantages: they are up to two-thirds smaller, maintenance-free, allow for fast charging and their service life is three times longer. Their more compact design opens up new possibilities in future vehicle design. Electric forklifts can, in principle, be designed to be significantly smaller and more manoeuvrable – an advantage in narrow aisles and confined spaces in warehouses. At the same time, ergonomics are improved: as the central space no longer has to be built around the battery, operator cabs can be designed to be more comfortable and functional.
Maintenance and charging processes are also more efficient. Lengthy charging times of six to eight hours are a thing of the past. The new lithium-ion batteries can be easily recharged during a lunch break or fully charged in around two hours during longer stoppage times. Additional advantages of electric drives are: no emissions, no odours, no dirt and, what’s more, less noise than diesel machines. This facilitates communication between employees and alleviates stress. In terms of CO2 footprint, electric forklifts are a particularly good choice for companies if they are charged via their own PV system or green electricity contracts. This allows the CO2 consumption of the forklift fleet to be reduced significantly and quickly. If you have your own PV system, you also stand to cut down on the cost of your energy supply.
What do Diesel Forklifts Still have to Offer?
Despite the increasing proportion of electric industrial trucks, there is still a market for diesel and gas forklifts. Stricter emission standards and the trend towards greater sustainability in logistics are also influencing the further development of diesel-powered industrial trucks. Since 1st January 2020, the Stage V emission standard has been in force in the European Union for so-called non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), i.e. construction machinery, generators and also forklifts with diesel engines.
The Stage V emission class is not comparable with road standards such as Euro 6, but was designed specifically for off-highway use. The foundation was laid back in 1999 with Stage I, limiting permissible particle emissions to 0.54 grams per kilowatt hour. Today, the limit value in Stage V is as low as 0.015 grams. Thanks to modern particle filters, fine dust emissions have been reduced by around 97 per cent.
Diesel-powered models remain a popular option, particularly in challenging areas of application such as ports or heavy industry. Their performance is particularly appreciated for heavy-duty tasks and outdoor use. Diesel forklifts are characterised by their robust construction. Weather conditions such as rain, heat or frost have little effect on their operation, and the quick refuelling process further increases uptime. A diesel forklift can be made ready for a full shift within just a few minutes, minimising downtime. There are also economic advantages. The purchase costs are often lower than those of comparable electric models. On the other hand, electric models score highly for lower maintenance and operating costs.
Challenges for Electric Drives
Despite technical advances in the field of electric industrial trucks, there are still requirements that must be taken into account when envisaging electrification. Weaknesses of electric forklifts tend to be the precise areas where classic diesel forklifts come into their own. Thus they show their limits when used outdoors – especially in wet conditions, extreme cold or high humidity. However, Bobcat, for example, offers additional engine protection systems to combat wet conditions, along with high IP protection classes for reliable water protection. In hot conditions, integrated cooling fans ensure increased operational reliability of critical components.
Real Climate Neutrality
Compliance with the new limits calls for more complex exhaust technology. This also affects the price of diesel forklifts, since Stage V forklifts are generally more expensive than models based on older emission standards. In addition, larger models (optional from six tons and mandatory from eight tons) use AdBlue – a urea solution that converts harmful nitrogen oxides into water vapour and nitrogen using selective catalytic reduction (SCR). On the other hand, companies reap the benefits of a much lower fuel consumption with the latest generation of machines.
Despite the significant reduction in exhaust emissions, however, a zero-emission supply chain cannot be achieved with diesel forklifts. To achieve this goal, electrically powered forklifts or the use of alternative fuels are required, such as eFuels, synthetically produced fuels that are generated using renewable electricity, hydrogen (H₂) and CO₂. Some diesel engines are also suitable for operation with HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), a biogenic diesel fuel produced by the hydrogenation of vegetable oils and fats.
Application and Costs
Actual use cases should be thoroughly analysed before deciding between a diesel or an electric forklift. A key indicator here is the intensity of use. If a forklift is only used occasionally – for example, a few times a week – a diesel-powered model may make more economic sense. The purchase costs of diesel forklifts are sometimes up to 20 per cent lower than those of electric models with comparable performance. Moreover, operating and maintenance costs are less significant when usage is low. In continuous use or shift operation, on the other hand, an electric forklift pays off in the long term.
Lower maintenance requirements, lower energy costs and the elimination of fossil fuels lead to reduced overall operating costs. Equipment with high tonnages is an exception. Diesel is generally the preferred choice here, regardless of the intensity of use, as the price-performance ratio of electric forklifts decreases with increasing load capacity – and thus typically a larger battery. In addition, the issue of availability is a key consideration: this is limited in electric forklifts due to battery changes or opportunity charging.
Even though intralogistics is moving towards electrification, diesel drives remain indispensable for certain applications: robustness, fast refuelling and lower acquisition costs are arguments in favour of diesel forklifts. The stricter Stage V emissions standard has noticeably improved their environmental footprint. For in-plant transport and numerous related areas, however, electric forklifts are now on a par with their fossil fuel counterparts. Last but not least, they are the only way of achieving a noise- and exhaust-free working environment.
Pall-Ex continues to strengthen its network with the addition of Yorkshire-based haulier Reddo Transport. Based in Sherburn in Elmet, North Yorkshire, Reddo Transport becomes the latest shareholder member to join Pall-Ex as the network strengthens its distribution service across the country.
Since beginning with the network in late-October, Reddo has consistently achieved service levels over 97% across the YO postcode area. Alongside its pallet network offering, Reddo also provides general haulage and same-day courier services.
Despite joining Pall-Ex as a newly established business, the senior management team at Reddo Transport boast over 25 years of experience in the logistics sector, bringing with them a wealth of industry knowledge.
Becoming part of the Pall-Ex network has given Reddo Transport access to over 90+ quality members across the UK and robust international partnerships, giving its customers the ability to send freight across Europe and beyond.
Explaining the decision to join Pall-Ex, Managing Director, Tom Clarke, comments: “We believe that Pall-Ex’s long-term vision for growth strongly aligns with our own, and the senior management team all share the same values and principles as the team here at Reddo. The support that we have received since joining the network a few weeks ago is incredible and we are looking forward to growing alongside such a well-respected name in the logistics industry.”
Michelle Naylor, Managing Director at Pall-Ex, adds:
I am delighted to welcome the team at Reddo Transport to Pall-Ex. The impact that Reddo has already made on the network is fantastic and I am looking forward to seeing the partnership flourish over the coming months. Partnering with quality hauliers is a priority for us at Pall-Ex and with Reddo Transports’ customer-centric approach and consistently high service levels, the business is already demonstrating its ambition to succeed.
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