'In the end, it's about what we can add'

Have fragile fruits and vegetables machine-picked? It can be done. Stöcklin Logistik AG developed a highly sensitive machine that effortlessly picks and packs even small and especially fragile orders. As if it were picked manually, only faster, more efficient and easier. This unique novelty will be presented at various trade fairs in the near future, including the Fruit-Logistica in Berlin and the Logimat in Stuttgart. 

The Swiss Stöcklin Group is an international provider of intralogistics solutions, headquartered in Laufen, Switzerland. They operate worldwide from several local offices, including in the Netherlands. Stöcklin designs, produces and delivers turnkey automated solutions to companies from various industries, to optimize their internal material and goods flow. 

Collecting fruits and vegetables

Damaris Grütter is chief marketing officer and vice president of the Stöcklin Group. Asked about the company behind these innovative developments, she begins enthusiastically. "We support and guide our customers in their sustainable and digital transformation of intralogistics. We do this by looking together at their products, market and target groups and thus their opportunities." She points to their latest design: "Our casepicker does what previously did not seem possible in fruit and vegetable distribution centers. You can transfer products automatically and at the same time very carefully, without using intermediate storage. Via trolleys, the products go from large pallets to custom packaging for the different stores. The great thing is that our system automatically packs in order: for example, the watermelons at the bottom, then lemons and finally the cherries. And: it can be integrated into existing buildings and structures. With this solution you not only work faster and more accurately, it is also a huge relief for your staff, who until now had to order this type of product manually." 

Building relationships

In the coming months, the Stöcklin team will be at several trade shows. Grütter laughs, "The beginning of the year is always enormously hectic, but that's also what makes it so much fun. We are present in Zurich, Poland, Berlin, Paris and even America, among other places." At the Logimat in Stuttgart, they will meet many Dutch and Belgian customers and interested parties. "We are looking forward to that enormously. The BeNeLux is important to us. Not for nothing have we been based in the Netherlands for more than twenty years. We want to be close and involved. That's why we will be present at the Logimat again this year from March 11 to 13, 2025, together with our Dutch colleagues."

She continues, "We want to experience what matters most. To apply our products and services in detail to the wants and needs of our customers. This is different for each industry. At a trade show you get to talk to each other easily and personally. That is so important. Ultimately, it's about what we can add. From the expansion of existing systems to a completely redesigned intralogistics solution."

Being involved and staying involved

In doing so, they pay close attention to service. "Our solutions are future-proof. We think about what is really needed beforehand. We also stay involved during and after installation." She points to the Dutch market: "In the Netherlands, there is plenty of investment in automation and modernization. This does not mean that we indiscriminately replace existing systems. Often we can expand or improve them. Over the years we have specialized in all facets of internal logistics. From complete new construction to making existing systems more sustainable."

Because sustainability is no empty buzzword for the Stöcklin Group. You can see that in every detail. "We only live on this world for a certain amount of time," Grütter emphasizes. "We therefore consider it important to take our living environment into account. Naturally by delivering our installations and services as energy efficient as possible. In this we like to think along with our customers. But we go a step further and want to invest in our future together."     

Investing in the future

Five years ago, the headquarters moved to Laufen. "Our company had been in the same location since 1934 and had continued to expand there. We had to choose between renovation and new construction and chose the latter option. The old building was in the middle of a residential area, so there was more room for housing. We moved to an industrial area, where we were able to invest in a sustainable office on all sides. Think solar panels, batteries to deploy energy at the right time and heating or cooling through a ground source heat pump. The result is a reduction of 60% in our energy consumption. And we also like to share this knowledge and experience with our customers." It's in the DNA, Grütter knows. "For example, we have been reusing the energy released during braking for more than 20 years."

Green steel inserts

Stöcklin also invests in long-term relationships. They attach importance to a long-term and close partnership, consciously investing in the future together with the customer. "A lot of energy is required in internal logistics. Together we look at where we can make savings and how activities can run more efficiently. We also work with sustainable materials whenever possible. In our industry a lot of steel is used, a pretty polluting product, but so far indispensable. That is why we use green steel as much as possible. This is largely recycled and processed using new energy sources." She realizes that this means a bigger investment for companies. "But in the long run it pays for itself. And it's an investment in your future. We're talking about an emissions reduction of up to 60 percent."

Sustainable with wood

Currently, Stöcklin is looking at the possibilities of wood construction within internal logistics. "A hugely interesting development," said Grütter. In this, they are working with several leading research firms. "We are investigating the possibilities and the benefits. At the bottom line, wood causes far fewer emissions because it also absorbs CO2. It appears extra flammable, but in that case it is only affected locally. Steel will also collapse under the influence of extreme heat outside the fire area. These are all aspects that we take into account in our developments."

Together for innovation

Grütter concludes, "Thus, we cooperate with our customers in many ways. We see ourselves as a partner, more than just a supplier, for innovative and customized intralogistics solutions. Thus we contribute to maintaining and strengthening the competitiveness and future viability of our customers and pave the way for sustainable and responsible material and goods management."