There are always new challenges

materialfluss: Mr. Holzer, how has the financial year gone for Gilgen so far?

Gilgen Logistics as a logistics company can look back on a very good financial year. We were commissioned with a number of major projects in Switzerland, Germany and Spain in the logistics systems, warehousing and conveyor technology division, which now need to be implemented in the best possible way. 2017 was also an optimal year for the loading technology and customer service divisions, and we were able to increase sales. We are continuing our growth strategy and aim to top the 100 million mark in turnover by 2021. We are well aware that we will then have to reach 110 to 120 million in terms of incoming orders. Thanks to our expertise and experience, we have already managed to increase turnover in previous years with the same number of employees. This is how it should remain in the coming years.

mfl: Now that intralogistics is becoming increasingly complex, does Gilgen still sell standard solutions at all?Holzer: The logistics solutions for our customers are always tailored to the customer's needs and requirements. This means that no standard solutions can be considered; each order is individually tailored. However, our standard products are used. In 2016/2017, we implemented the new LDR concept (logistics, design and realization), which makes the realization processes much more efficient. The overall package integrates logistics, design and implementation in all mechanical system elements and standardized hardware and software modules, resulting in an enormous increase in efficiency. The control components are integrated into the element modules and can therefore already be planned in during the layout phase; this allows the material flow to be optimally checked and adapted to customer requirements. The visualization with intuitive operating concept, which can be called up from any mobile or permanently installed operating panel, allows the current status of the entire system down to the individual conveyor element to be viewed in real time. The function status can also be displayed on the visualization down to the actuator and sensor level. This allows the Gilgen support team to provide customers with rapid assistance and faults can be rectified very easily via remote access.

mfl: Do you have a favorite project that was realized in 2017?

"Logistics takes place everywhere and at all times." René Holzer, CEO Gilgen Logistics AG

Coop, a leading food retail group in Switzerland, built a new production and logistics center on the Salina Raurica site with an area of around 80,000 m². As part of the merger of the three production plants (divisions: Halba (chocolate), Sunray (dry goods) and Cave (wine bottling) under one roof, commissioned Gilgen Logistics as general contractor. The scope of supply and services included the operational automatic warehouse technology with storage and retrieval machines for the temporary storage of 41,000 pallets, the fully automatic conveyor technology for pallets and roll containers, which connects the three production plants, including the associated safety systems and the control and material flow computer. Gilgen also integrated an automatic buffer system for the temporary storage of over 2,200 roll containers.

Another project currently being implemented is the delivery of a fully automated high-bay warehouse as general contractor for the largest milk powder and baby food production facility in Switzerland. At the Sulgen site, Hochdorf Swiss Nutrition AG processes up to 1.5 million kilograms of fresh milk and whey per day. Gilgen was commissioned with the entire PLC control system, warehouse management system, visualization and truck docking stations for this turnkey, automated high-bay warehouse. The individual conveyor elements must comply with the qualified findings of hygienic design and are installed in hygienic or hygienically qualified rooms. The fully automated high-bay warehouse includes four storage and retrieval machines with double load handling devices for double-deep storage and retrieval. The high-bay warehouse has space for over 9,900 pallets.

mfl: What does Gilgen want to stand for in 2018?Holzer: Gilgen Logistics AG sees itself as a leading full-service provider of intralogistics solutions. We focus on innovative and customized products and develop tailor-made complete solutions with our own products for services, trade and industry. Thanks to the fully coordinated LDR package, Gilgen can offer customized solutions with the simplest system architecture at standard prices. In addition to the quality and reliability of our products, we attach great importance to individual customer service.

mfl: You've been running Gilgen Logistics for 24 years - what motivates you year after year?Holzer: Are you sure, is that so...? It doesn't seem like a long time at all. In 1993, I was given the challenging task of setting up Gilgen Logistics AG (then Gilgen Fördersysteme AG) with twelve employees at the Oberwangen site. Every day was exciting and constantly presented us with new challenges. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by good employees and we were able to build on this over the years. Logistics takes place everywhere and at all times. I look forward to actively shaping the changes with Logistics 4.0 with our team. My biggest goal is to be able to hand over the management of Gilgen Logistics AG to a capable successor in the next 3 - 5 years. We are making very good progress here.

mfl: Last question: LogiMAT or CeMAT, 2018? Or both?Holzer: Gilgen Logistics will be exhibiting at LogiMAT for the eleventh time in 2018. The annual growth in visitor and exhibitor numbers confirms the outstanding importance and quality of LogiMAT for intralogistics in Germany and Switzerland. The trade fair offers a very good platform for presenting our solutions expertise. It is also an important trend barometer.

www.gilgen.com