Delivery of new AWT vehicles for University Hospital Ulm

Delivery of 26 new AWT vehicles with lifting mechanism

At the University Hospital in Ulm, 75 AWT vehicles with lifting mechanisms are currently used to transport the containers from the shipping point to their respective destinations and back.

Of these 75 vehicles, AFT has already manufactured and delivered 49 vehicles in previous projects.

30 vehicles were delivered in project 14310 as part of the extension of the NB surgery in 2010

4 vehicles were delivered in project14526 in 2013

15 vehicles were delivered in project 14715 in 2019

The remaining 26 vehicles date back to the original supplier of the AWT system, Schindler. These vehicles will now be replaced.

The following optimizations will be implemented, as requested by the customer:

  • Use of an axial bearing on the chassis and running gear to attach the crossbeam (vehicle frame)
  • Adaptation of the chassis and running gear housing to make it easier to replace the wheels

AFT deep-freeze warehouse near Panem Bleicherode

Two years ago, AFT successfully expanded the Panem Backstube with an additional deep-freeze warehouse.

To ensure maximum energy efficiency, we used fully automated block storage with shuttle stacker cranes. This innovative solution not only reduces energy consumption, but also optimizes space utilization.

With tried-and-tested pallet conveyor technology and intelligent system control, we ensured smooth warehouse management and efficient storage and retrieval processes

Watch the video to get an exciting insight into the project!

 

Job-Bike

We make a difference – AFT offers JobBike

Cycling keeps you fit, is fun and clears your head, and there is no better means of transport for the environment.

Our employees can now use the JobBike.

Whether city or touring bike, mountain bike or road bike, e-bike or cargo bike: every bike can be a JobBike and can be used in everyday life, in leisure time and of course also for the way to work.

To ensure that our employees’ families also benefit from the JobBike, two bikes can be selected if required.

We are already looking forward to many joint tours!

 

Together against the corona virus

Supporting the health system in the corona pandemic – this is also possible as an industrial company!

Klingele Technik GmbH from Schoenau is normally active in the field of special machine construction and AFT Automatisierungs- und Fördertechnik GmbH & Co. KG from Schopfheim enables complex conveyor technology and storage system solutions for customers in the logistics and automotive industries. However, the corona pandemic demands all alternative and flexible operations, which led to a cooperation between the two companies from the Wiesental:
The district hospital in Loerrach reported an urgent need for facial visors to protect nursing staff and doctors. Therefore, the 3D printing capacities of the two companies were bundled without further ado. In close technical coordination with the purchasing department of the district hospital, a total of five printers, which were in continuous use for several weeks, were used to manufacture around 1,000 facial visors. Transparent foils and rubber bands were attached to the printed brackets for a flexible fit on the head.
We are pleased that we can support the great work of the nurses and doctors in this way.

New member of AFT-Group

AFT, a CERTINA portfolio company, acquires Wegener + Stapel GmbH, a leading developer and manufacturer of conveyor and material handling technologies for the automotive industry.

AFT-Group has successfully acquired the business activities of Wegener + Stapel GmbH. Going forward, the company will operate under the name Wegener + Stapel GmbH & Co. KG.
Founded in 1967, the tradition-rich company Wegener + Stapel, W+S for short, implements system solutions for material handling in production and distribution. Particularly in the field of light conveyor technology, W+S is a leader with its 24V technology and offers customer-oriented solutions. This technology is primarily used for the transport of containers, tires and other light components.
W+S draws on decades of know-how in the development, manufacturing and implementation of major projects for OEMs, Tier 1 automotive suppliers and blue chip companies around the world. The company is widely known for its tailor-made solutions, state-of-the-art technologies and excellent project management.
With its complementary product range and geographical positioning in northern Germany, W+S offers great synergy potential for the AFT-Group. W+S’s extensive experience in light conveyor technology (24V) will strengthen AFT-Group’s ability to react quickly and effectively to future market developments, particularly with regard to the upcoming investments in electromobility.
W+S will operate as an independent company within AFT-Group.
„W+S is a company with great potential and excellent market reputation. The acquisition generates a win-win situation for everyone involved”, says Heiko Hofmann, CEO of AFT-Group.

Website of Wegener + Stapel

AFT Polska

Foundation of a new subsidiary of AFT Industries AG in Poland

At the end of 2018, a new subsidiary of AFT Industries AG was founded in Poland. AFT Polska sp. z o. o. primarily supports the other subsidiaries of the AFT-Group with design engineering. Currently there are six designers and one technical director working at AFT Poland. All employees have years of extensive experience in the design of materials handling equipment. “It’s good that we were able to find such experienced designers,” says Heiko Hofmann, CEO of AFT Industries AG. “AFT Polska expands our group well and creates great added value for us, but above all for our customers!”

AFT is growing – quite literally

Extended and modernized 2nd floor provides more space for AFT employees.

Due to constant economic and personnel growth, it became necessary to counteract the increased space requirement with an extension of the office building at the AFT headquarters in Schopfheim. To make this possible, it was decided to add another floor to the existing office building. The timber-framed storey was designed by Lais Holzbau from Schoenau, Germany as a general contractor. It is wider than the existing building and ensures that even more space has been created. In mid-November 2018, the new 2nd floor was ready, and it was time for the employees to move into their new workspace. All 22 workstations are equipped with height-adjustable desks to enable ergonomic working, even while standing. Furthermore, special attention was paid to air conditioning and ventilation, as well as sophisticated lighting. The new floor also has a large glass windowed meeting room, kitchen and WC facilities.
During the construction period of one year, the office operations in the floors below were maintained. The neighbouring companies durlum GmbH and Würth Elektronik GmbH & Co. KG supported AFT by sharing their staircase and providing alternative parking spaces for the AFT personnel. “We are very happy to have resolved our space problem with the new second floor and the result is something to behold,” says Heiko Hofmann, CEO of the AFT Group. “Without the support and understanding of the neighboring companies durlum and Würth during the construction phase, many things would have been difficult or simply impossible. That’s why our thanks go to the two companies.”

Excellent Corporate Recognition Conference 2018

On January 9, 2019, the government of Waigang Town in Jiading District, Shanghai held an awards ceremony, to honour outstanding companies in the region.

The AFT-Group has won the Best Enterprise Development Quality Award – an award for high quality and great market awareness. Mr. Zhang Shishun, General Manager of AFT Shanghai, was invited to the award and gave a speech.
AFT has been strongly supported by the local government for many years. This is a useful aid to the success of the company. At the same time, AFT has contributed a lot to the economic growth and employment of people in the region.

Exchange program with Minsk

Minsk Trade Delegation visits AFT Bautzen.

In order to promote economic exchange and to establish business contacts with German companies, six trade delegates from Belarus are currently visiting several companies in the Bautzen district, including AFT Förderanlagen Bautzen GmbH & Co. KG.
Andrey Suslenkou, Deputy General Director of the Minsk Tractor Works BELARUS, arranged a return visit to Minsk with Peter Süssmilch, Managing Director of AFT Bautzen, to strengthen (oder: lay the foundation for) further cooperation. The Minsk based tractor manufacturer employ 20,000 people.

Now avaliable: AFT-Website in Chinese

A few weeks ago, the new AFT-Group website went online.

A new modern design as well as an easier handling are the main features of the new website.
Now we are pleased to announce, that the website is now also available in Chinese. The Chinese website provides easy access to detailed information about our equipment and solutions, as well as information about our company and the AFT-service.
Heiko Hofmann, CEO of AFT Group, is impressed by the new Chinese website: “China is an important market for AFT. Now that our website is also available in Chinese, our clients have access to the information they need about our solutions and our company in their native language!”