Swisslog continues light goods technology expansion

State-of-the-art transport robots extend solutions offering for highly dynamic warehouse logistics

Buchs/Aarau, 20 January 2011 – Swisslog and Austrian Heron Group have founded the Servus Intralogistik joint venture to develop and manufacture state-of-the art transport robots. This innovative technology increases Swisslog’s competences in the fast-growing area of highly dynamic warehouse and distribution solutions.

“The transport robots complement our light goods technology portfolio in an ideal way. They allow us to offer innovative complete systems for highly dynamic buffer warehouses and modern integrations of picking stations,” Daniel Fink, Head of Swisslog’s Warehouse & Distribution Solutions division, explains the joint venture’s background.

The transport robots, which can be deployed flexibly, have been successfully used in production- as well as intralogistics environments. The joint venture develops and manufactures specific transport robots that will be included in corresponding projects, particularly in high-throughput warehouses for cardboard boxes, totes and trays.

Heron Group, which is based in Dornbirn (Vorarlberg state), has been distinguished with innovation awards on numerous occasions. Swisslog’s MEUR 3.5 equity participation gives it control over 25.1% of Servus Intralogistik’s shares.

Calendar:
8 March 2011: Publication 2010 Annual Result
14 April 2011: General Meeting of Shareholders
25 May 2011: Investor Day
16 August 2011: Publication 2011 Half-Year Result

About Swisslog
Swisslog is a global provider of integrated logistics solutions for warehouses, distribution centers and hospitals. Its comprehensive services portfolio ranges from building complex warehouses and distribution centers to implementing Swisslog's own software and technology to intra-company logistics solutions for hospitals.

Swisslog’s solutions optimize customers’ production, logistics and distribution processes in order to increase flexibility, responsiveness and quality of service while minimizing logistics costs. With years of experience in the development and implementation of integrated logistics solutions, Swisslog provides the expertise that customers in more than 50 countries around the world rely on.

Headquartered in Buchs/Aarau, Switzerland, Swisslog currently employs over 2 000 staff in 20 countries worldwide. The group’s parent company, Swisslog Holding AG, is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (security number: 1232462, Telekurs: SLOG, Reuters: SLOG.S). Swisslog refers to an order as “major order” if its financial volume exceeds the threshold of MCHF 20.
For more information, please visit www.swisslog.com

Heron Group
Heron Group is an emerging Austria-based industrial company that has developed from being a special equipment manufacturer into a distinguished producer of automation components. It is active worldwide. Over the years, the four operational subsidiaries Heron-CNC-Technik, Robotunits, Servus Robotics and Vecon have been established. They serve their markets independently but take advantage of synergies. The parent company, Heron, acts as a services provider for its four subsidiaries, offering coaching, personnel development, financial, and product development services.
For more information, please visit http://www.heron.at