Markus Egger’s original idea was to make the delivery of goods to city centres more efficient. Trucks that are only partially loaded should not drive directly into the city, but should consolidate their loads at a hub on the outskirts of the city. This would reduce traffic congestion and CO2 emissions. Despite initial interest from various stakeholders in business and politics, the implementation initially fell by the wayside due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But Markus Egger stuck to his sustainable mobility vision. In discussions with partners such as the Office for the Environment and Energy, the University of St. Gallen and the OST Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, an even more promising service idea for trade and construction companies emerged.
Sustainability as the ultimate goal
The newly developed solution decouples tool and personnel logistics. This enables installation companies to reduce their costs, lower CO2 emissions and minimise traffic congestion. Fitters no longer have to drive to the construction site in diesel minibuses or carry their tools around with them all the time. This saves time, reduces stress and allows for better use of working hours.
Company vehicles are responsible for a significant proportion of CO2 emissions in the construction industry. Using vehicles to commute to and from work and to transport tools generates additional, unnecessary emissions. Unproductive activities such as searching for a parking space and transporting tools can now be avoided.
Schindler AG on board as a partner
The sustainable mobility concept also appealed to Schindler Aufzüge AG. The company has one of the largest vehicle fleets in Switzerland and has set itself ambitious climate targets. By 2027, 50% of the fleet is to be electrified. Schindler recognised the potential of the collaboration and became an important partner in the innovation project funded by Innosuisse.
Once the project funding was confirmed, the IDEE Institute for Innovation, Design and Engineering at the OST and the project partners embarked on an intensive development phase.
Valuable feedback from over 300 fitters was collected through workshops and visits to around 40 construction sites. These insights were incorporated into the development of a new type of equipment box that contains all the necessary tools and is optimised to the size of a pallet. Emil Egger AG is responsible for the delivery of the boxes directly to the construction sites, while the assembly personnel can travel comfortably by small car or public transport.
Practical orientation as a success factor
Markus Egger is impressed by the efficiency of the project implementation: ‘The collaboration with OST is characterised by a pragmatic and practice-oriented approach. Thanks to regular feedback rounds and close coordination, we are always up to date.’
The goal is clear: the developed logistics solution should not only be attractive for Schindler, but also for other construction companies. ‘After all, many SMEs face similar challenges when it comes to sustainable tool logistics,’ emphasises Markus Egger.
Innovation as a continuous process
Innovation is an ongoing process at EMIL EGGER AG. ‘To stand still is to fall behind. We monitor trends, develop new solutions together with our customers and are constantly exploring innovative ideas,’ explains Markus Egger.
He recommends that other companies remain courageous and curious and seek open dialogue with research and science. ‘Innovation comes from exchange and new perspectives,’ Egger sums up.
With the ongoing innovation project, EMIL EGGER AG is demonstrating how sustainable logistics solutions can be successfully implemented, thereby setting new standards in the industry.
