Every year Kalmar sells many reachstackers to intermodal terminal operators for handling containers, swapbodies and trailers. Occasionally though, the customer is a major manufacturing company whose logistics operations require it to handle loaded containers.
German-based Volkswagen, for example, has operated Kalmar reachstackers for some years.Now two new German customers have been added to the list: Audi and Aventis, the latter being a new company formed by a merger of Hoechst and Rhone-Poulenc.
Kalmar reachstacker speeds up Audi product range
The intermodal version of the ContChamp typically comes with a combispreader for handling both trailers and containers and is usually specified with stabilisers or jacks enabling it to handle heavy boxes even when reaching over one rail track to a second track.
The Kalmar ContChamp purchased by Audi has been critical to the smooth running of Audi-Werk in Neckarsulm, a factory with a daily output of 1,000 cars.The Audi A6, A6 Avant, A8, A8 long wheelbase saloons and the sports models Audi S6, S6 Avant and Audi S8 are all produced in the 2,000-metre long, 800-metre wide factory.Last year, Audi A2 and Allroad Quattro models were added to the range.
All the different parts must be deliveredto the production line in the right quantities and at the correct time. Some of the supplies come in to the plant in containers or on trailers via rail using the factory's private siding. The average number of daily arrivals is around 30 to 35 units.
They are lifted from the wagons using the ContChamp and moved to the required location within the plant by a tractor similar to a terminal tractor or a lorry. Empty trailers and containers included, the ContChamp handles a total of 60 to 70 units daily.
All lifts from rail wagons to roll trailers or lorry chassis are carried out with Kalmar's ContChamp, which is constructed for loads of up to 45 tonnes. Friedbert Emmerich, one of Audi's reachstacker drivers, comments:
"This machine is not only fast and economical but it also gives you maximum flexibility. When it is fitted with the necessary equipment, we are able to lift both containers and trailers rapidly and safely."
Aventis has confidence in Kalmar's reachstacker for intermodal operations
Infraserv GmbH, based in Cologne, is the recently-established logistical arm of Aventis, with responsibility for the supply of goods and materials to the various Aventis plants.
Infraserv has built an intermodal terminal in Cologne capable of receiving an entire train load of bulk containers. Assisting with operational handling at this terminal is a Kalmar ContChamp reachstacker recently purchased by Infraserv.
This particular machine is an intermodal version of the Kalmar ContChamp reachstacker.It is a variant of the ContChamp, having a long wheelbase and therefore a good second rail capacity.Its well-established design has proved itself in various circumstances, giving good flexibility to all Infraserv's handling operations at its terminal.
Both Audi-Werk and Infraserv GmbH have benefited from support from Kalmar Flurförderzeuge, Kalmar's German-based sales and servicing arm.
Kalmar sales representative Mr Björn Steffen comments:
"Kalmar Flurförderzeuge has provided excellent contact between the customer and the relevant parts of the Kalmar group, allowing customers to make informed decisions whilst also receiving future support in all aspects of the machine's running."
Note to editors:
Kalmar is a global provider of heavy duty materials handling equipment and services to ports, intermodal traffic, terminals and demanding industrial customers.
Kalmar focuses on supplying handling solutions that enable customers to operate with a high level of efficiency and reliability.
Every fourth container or trailer transfer at terminals around the world is handled by a Kalmar machine.Kalmar provides a large range of value added services such as maintenance contracts and fleet management.Nelcon and Ottawa complete the portfolio of the master brand Kalmar.
Manufacturing plants are situated in Sweden (as well as the head office), in Finland, in the USA, in the Netherlands and in Estonia.
For further information
Please contact Kalmar Industries Communications Manager
Alternatively more information can be asked from David Cheslin at Kalmar's PR agency Dunelm Public Relations on tel: + 44 20 7480 0600 or
A selection of photographs to accompany this release can be downloaded from the Dunelm PR website found at: www.dunelmpr.co.uk.By clicking on the photo gallery icon followed by the Kalmar logo you will be taken to a selection of thumbnail images.By selecting the thumbnail image you are interested in you will be taken to a larger, downloadable image.The captions for the photographs read:
"The Kalmar ContChamp in operation at Audi-Werk in Neckarsulm."
"Claudius Rupp (right), Kalmar's container handling sales manager for southern Germany and Friedrich Emmerich, one of Audi's reachstacker drivers."