Galliker Green Stories

As part of an article in Tagesanzeiger & Fokus.swiss, Peter and Rolf Galliker had the opportunity to talk about the "Future of Supply Chain" and thus also about the wide-ranging topic of sustainability. An exciting interview provides an insight into the mindset of the Galliker brothers, as well as their goals, strategies and assessment of the future of the transport industry.

On June 4, 2024, the time had finally come: the long-awaited mega charger and battery storage unit from Designwerk arrived at the company premises of Galliker Transport AG in Altishofen. The impressive 25-tonne device, filled with state-of-the-art technology and innovation, not only brought with it an impressive 960 kWh battery capacity, but also promises to enable fast charging of up to 1 MW in the future.

The 21st PV system of Galliker Transport AG was put into operation in Möhlin in August. Since then, the system on the roof of Logistics Center 2 has been producing electricity for the building with an output of over 900 kWp - in future, this electricity production is to be used for the entire Galliker site in Möhlin. The necessary structural and technical work is already being planned.

Since July 2024, a car transporter with an all-electric drive has been used for the first time to transport Mercedes-Benz models from the Sindelfingen plant to Switzerland. The e-truck from Galliker transports the vehicles over approx. 270 km to the headquarters of Galliker in Altishofen. The use of electric and complementary HVO drives will result in CO2 savings of around 600 tons per year, which will make a significant contribution to reducing the ecological footprint and promoting sustainable transport solutions.

Reducing the consumption of oil and natural gas and thus achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 - this is the goal of the Swiss Climate and Innovation Act, which will come into force on January 1, 2025.

Car Logistics is committed to sustainability - not only in terms of e-car transporters or solar systems, but also in terms of electric vehicles for passenger transportation on our own premises. Our Galliker jockey team, which is responsible for moving customer vehicles (new and used cars) from A to B on the Galliker site - be it from vehicle preparation to loading, to the car wash or other movements - are now being transported from A to B using two eVitos, among other things. The new vehicles were put into operation at the end of July and underline our commitment to sustainable development.

On Wednesday, July 3, the Galliker Innovation Day 2024 took place in Altishofen. Around 200 invited guests were given an insight into the Swiss family-owned company's commitment to sustainability, development and innovation through guided tours and various keynote speeches. Parallel to the actual event, the Designwerk Mega Charger, a battery storage system with a fast-charging station for electric trucks, was put into operation on the grounds of the Galliker headquarters. Culinary highlights at the flying lunch and an aperitif at the end of the event provided opportunities for personal exchanges and networking discussions.

As a partner and service provider for UCB, we have been transporting and storing various pharmaceutical products for several years. As part of the transports, which take place both nationally and internationally, we used a Galliker e-truck in a test run for the first time. The 800 km route from UCB Farchim SA in Bulle (CH) to Recipharm in Pianezza (IT) and back was mastered with the electric truck from Designwerk with an autonomous range of 500 km - saving an impressive 842 kg of CO2 emissions on the outward and return journey.

The e-truck fleet of Galliker Transport AG continues to grow steadily. In summer 2024, Designwerk will be adding more new e-autoporters - a further contribution to the Green Logistics goal that at least half of the fleet should be based on an alternative drive by 2040. However, to ensure that the electric vehicles can be operated quickly and immediately integrated into the operational process, it is essential to provide the appropriate e-charging infrastructure. Recently, the E-Power-Terminal, positioned in the Car Logistics area, became the 15th location to contribute to the capacity of the Galliker charging infrastructure with a further 12 charging connections as a central point.

Together with CKW and other partners, we have made great progress in the development of our charging infrastructure in recent months and years. One of the milestones is our e-power tunnel, which supplies 28 truck parking spaces with electricity for the installed charging stations. CKW has explained the background to the idea and the resulting power in its blog post - you can read it here.

Last Monday we were able to put four Volvo FH Electrics into operation for our branch in Italy, which are mainly used for the transportation of spare parts.

The procurement and operation of electric commercial vehicles has been part of our daily business for more than four years. Around two years ago, we took another important step towards sustainable mobility for our company: in addition to commercial vehicles, we also began gradually replacing our employees' company vehicles with electric vehicles. This process initially started with some of the management, where over 50% of the vehicles are now electric.

Michael Vogel has been part of the Galliker team for almost 17 years. As head of the workshop at Galliker Car Centers, he deals with the development of mobility and the use of renewable energies on a daily basis. A few years ago, his employer's commitment inspired him to think about investing in sustainable energy generation in his private life as well. A good two years ago, he decided to install a PV system in his own home and shortly afterwards upgraded it with a battery storage system. He is filled with pride when he talks about the system - a glance at his home in Altishofen illustrates his enthusiasm, which only grows as the benefits increase.

Innovation - an inflationary term that can be found almost as standard in the visions, strategies and values of modern companies today. This is also the case with us - but that is precisely why we go one step further. We don't so much write innovation on our company banner as effectively live it in our everyday lives, and have been doing so for years, if not decades. But what does innovation mean in our actions, in the responsibility of a traditional family business, which is how I would describe ourselves?

On Monday, April 22, 2024, the first Volvo FH Electric, one of the first ever fully electric trucks in Portugal, will be delivered to Galliker Transport Lda.

Lindt & Sprüngli and Galliker have been working together for almost two decades, with one particular route standing out: since 2005, Galliker has been responsible for transportation between the production site in Kilchberg and the warehouse in Altendorf. With up to 10 trips per day, packaging materials are transported in one direction and finished goods in the other - always maintaining the required temperature conditions for the sensitive chocolate products.

On February 8, Galliker Transport AG put its first eCube battery storage system from eSpectrum AG into operation. The eCube is an innovative storage system that provides solar power produced during the day for on-demand use, thus enabling a sustainable energy supply for the electric commercial vehicles from Galliker. By integrating the eCube into the existing infrastructure of Galliker Transport AG, the vehicles, which generally only return to their location in the evening, can also be charged with green electricity during the night. This helps to reduce the company's environmental impact and cut energy costs.

In collaboration with Designwerk Technologies AG, Galliker will be using the Megawatt Charging System from spring 2024 to store its own solar power and as a battery buffer for charging its own electric fleet. Designwerk's new Mega Charger was presented to the media, partners and customers in Winterthur on November 28 - as a pioneering project that is also intended to significantly advance the electrification of the heavy transport industry in the spirit of "Green Logistics by Galliker".

our first photovoltaic system was commissioned in 2012 - the existing PV network has now been expanded by 3,600 m2 to a total of 77,000 m2 in October 2023. Over 2,100 hours of sunshine now provide even more power in the Galliker network every year.

2021 saw the launch of "Green Logistics by Galliker" - a long-term strategy rather than just a temporary project.

Just under a year after the commissioning of our medium-voltage electricity grid on our northern site in Altishofen / Dagmersellen (see article from May 16, 2023), the second site grid also went into operation on October 24, 2023, this time in the southern part of our site.

With a transport from the production site in Eschholzmatt to Melsungen (Germany), we were able to prove that electric mobility is also suitable for international long-distance transportation. Once we arrived at the B. Braun headquarters in Melsungen, we were able to present ourselves and the e-truck at the international B. Braun logistics event. The e-truck completed the outward and return journey fully loaded with B. Braun products very successfully.

In September 2023, Logistics Center 5 became the tenth PV system to go into operation at the company's headquarters in Altishofen. The installed output of around 820 kWp and the expected production volume of over 1,000 MWh will make a significant contribution to covering the future electricity requirements necessary for the expansion of electromobility.

Our team at the La Chaux de Fonds branch was delighted and proud to take delivery of a new 100% electric Mercedes truck.

As a company with 3,500 employees, locations in five countries and core competencies in transportation and logistics, we see it as our corporate responsibility to act sustainably towards employees, customers, business partners and the general public in all our daily activities.

As an extension of the "Experience Energy" exhibition at the Museum of Transport Lucerne, the electrically powered Galliker truck will go on the road from fall 2023. In collaboration with the Canton of Lucerne, the Museum of Transport will be bringing climate change, climate protection and mobility through renewable energies closer to the public.

Since spring 2023, we have been producing our own green and sustainably produced solar power with our own photovoltaic system on the roof of our logistics center in Melzo (IT).

The branch in Ticino is predestined for the use of CO2-neutral vehicles. Following the commissioning of the first Volvo FL Electric at the beginning of October 2022, additional vehicles with electric drives have been added to the fleet on an ongoing basis. Our truck fleet in Ticino currently comprises a total of ten electric trucks from the Volvo and Designwerk brands.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you have to keep moving" (Albert Einstein). This is the hypothesis that Galliker executives set out to answer in the magnificent Swiss BikePark in Oberscherli, at the home of Thömus, manufacturer of the world's finest electric mountain bikes.

We already have 28 electric trucks and 6 hydrogen trucks on the roads in Switzerland and are continuously expanding our CO2-neutral fleet.

The companies Galliker and L'Oréal are linked by a long-standing and successful collaboration as well as a commitment to sustainable logistics solutions.

In recent weeks, we have been able to put our own medium-voltage power grid into operation between logistics centers 1 and 6 on the Altishofen / Dagmersellen company premises. The buildings of our neighbor PanGas AG were also integrated.

Galliker Transport AG has been officially validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative since March 2023, making it the first transport and logistics company in Switzerland with a validated Science Based Target for Scope 1, 2 & 3.

in 2022, virtually all Galliker staff events and training events were held under the motto "go green". Various platforms on sustainability topics were provided in an event location set up especially for this purpose.

Since the beginning of February 2023, 2 more photovoltaic systems have been producing electricity on our roofs in Altishofen. With the systems on Logistics Center 2 (994 kWp) and Logistics Center 3 (919 kWp), the amount of electricity we produce annually across Switzerland has increased to over 13,800 MWh.

LANDI Luzern-West has put one of the most powerful hydrogen filling stations in Europe into operation at its site in Schötz. Three trucks and one car can be refueled with green hydrogen at the same time. The filling station is an energy hub and thus a pioneer for the logistics and mobility of the future.

Battery-buffered charging container to make commercial vehicles suitable for long journeys and relieve pressure on power grids. Designwerk Technologies AG, based in Winterthur, is building a new type of megawatt-class charging station. It is designed to enable fast charging of electric trucks within 45 minutes.

It was with great pride and pleasure that our team at the Aclens (VD) branch took delivery of their first fully electric Volvo A Electric tractor unit in combination with the second electrically powered refrigerated trailer.

After the first Volvo FL Electric arrived in Ticino at the beginning of October, four more 100% electric vehicles from Designwerk were added to our vehicle fleet in S. Antonino in October and November.

Galliker Transport, Emmi, PanGas and CKW are planning an ecosystem of renewable energies in Dagmersellen that is unique in Switzerland. The centerpiece is a large wood-fired cogeneration plant that will produce heat and renewable energy, including for green hydrogen, from 2027. The project is an important step towards achieving the energy strategy goals of the participating companies and Switzerland. The four partners anticipate costs in the region of CHF 200 million.

With "Green Logistics by Galliker", the family-run company Galliker aims to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, they are looking in all directions: On energy-efficient infrastructures, alternative vehicle technologies or environmentally friendly transportation and logistics concepts.

We have set ourselves a major goal by promising to be CO2 neutral by 2050. However, Galliker is not afraid to actively tackle this goal today with a great deal of drive. The right infrastructure is needed to ensure that the e-trucks that are constantly being put into operation get enough "juice". That is why we have decided to set up several fast-charging stations for our growing fleet of e-trucks at our headquarters in Altishofen and at all our branches.

Our team at the Conthey (VS) branch took delivery of the first 100% electric Mercedes truck in the Galliker family with great pride and pleasure. Even after the first few journeys, our drivers were delighted with the new addition to their fleet.

While the world of mobility is preparing for a new era - with a focus on electric drives - a globally unique initiative has been underway in Switzerland for the past two years that is based on a cross-sector hydrogen eco-cycle. The goal: the decarbonization of heavy goods traffic.

Four neighboring companies make up the Solar Village: Egli-Mühlen AG, Galliker Transport AG, Imbach & Cie AG and Grob AG produce electricity with photovoltaic systems.

Galliker is among the top 25 percent of companies rated by EcoVadis. EcoVadis helps more than 90,000 companies of all sizes and industries to create new potential and opportunities from sustainability challenges.

Following a successful test phase for the cargo rail trailer designed for rail transport, we now carry out daily rail transports between our branches in Pfungen (ZH) and Aclens (VD).

In 2021, "Tischlein deck dich" saved around 5,182 tons of food from being destroyed and distributed it to people living in poverty. The food accepted by "Tischlein deck dich" is in perfect condition, but it can no longer be sold.

The mandatory CZV training courses for truck drivers become a sustainable experience at Galliker. The focus is on Green Logistics by Galliker and strengthening the Galliker team spirit - both in line with the motto - Moving big things together.

The world's first fully electric car transporter has started work. It delivered the electrically powered Volvo C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge on its premiere trip. The President of the Board of Directors of Galliker Transport AG himself was at the wheel.

Galliker is consistently driving forward the development of CO2-neutral vehicles. On March 8, the family-owned company headquartered in Altishofen took delivery of the world's first fully electric car transporter. In future, it will deliver new vehicles throughout Switzerland with zero emissions.

The wholly-owned Galliker subsidiary Bigtrans AG, which is active in the residual wood trade (sawmill by-products such as wood chips, sawdust, bark, etc.) and bulk transportation (waste paper, waste cardboard, waste and energy wood, wood pellets and various bulk goods), has been FSC and PEFC certified for 10 years.

Since the beginning of February 2022, Galliker Transport AG has been a member of aee suisse - the umbrella organization of the economy for renewable energies and energy efficiency. Aee suisse represents the interests of its industry associations and companies and provides information, raises awareness and mobilizes for a sustainable energy policy.

Our in-house operations engineering team recently took to the road with our first electric Fiat E-Ducato, ensuring that all our modern equipment is running smoothly and everything is perfectly maintained.

The two new Cargo eBikes have been successfully tested at the Galliker sites in Altishofen and Plan-les-Ouates (Geneva) for several weeks. The eBikes are being used for the internal courier service as well as for individual orders in the area of city logistics.

In collaboration with CombiFuel Swiss AG (CFS), Galliker launched a joint project in May 2021, which is currently at an advanced stage of development and has made significant progress to date.

We still have a few gas burners that supply buildings and premises with heat. Our building technology department is constantly working on eliminating them where possible and sensible and replacing them with environmentally friendly heating systems.

In mid-November 2021, the first refrigerated trailer with a fully electrically powered refrigeration unit will go into operation at Galliker thanks to the innovative and cooperative partnership with Carrier Transicold in Switzerland.

Our team in S. Antonino was delighted to take delivery of their first Volvo FL Electric. Even after the first few journeys, our drivers were delighted with the new addition to their fleet.

Galliker Transport AG, Friderici Special, Avesco Rent and Futuricum present two fully electric tractor units, each with a battery capacity of 900 kWh. This is a world first "Engineered in Switzerland". This brings electric mobility to heavy and special transportation and sets a clear signal in the logistics industry.

At Logistics Center 2 in Möhlin, the use of waste heat from the refrigeration system was optimized this summer. Thanks to the necessary hydraulic and software adjustments, a higher heat output of around 100 kW and longer operating times were achieved.

Last Tuesday, 28.09.2021, Galliker was a guest at the German-Swiss H2 Forum in Constance as a reference company for the use of H2 trucks in logistics.

It was with great pride that our team in Landquart took delivery of their first 100% electric Volvo truck. Even after the first few journeys, our drivers were delighted with the new addition to their fleet.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) supports companies worldwide in setting science-based climate targets and communicating their commitment credibly. The SBTi was founded in 2015 as part of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Estée Lauder has been one of our most important customers in the field of bodycare logistics for many years. Every day, we transport temperature-sensitive care and beauty products as well as perfume from A to B. Estée Lauder not only relies on the highest quality, but also attaches great importance to an environmentally friendly supply chain.

The 100% electric Volvo truck from the fleet of the Conthey branch of Galliker has recently started to appear in the Sion/Sierre and Martigny region. On the road for food and pharmaceutical customers, the silent and emission-free truck is not only positively perceived by the customers of Galliker but also by pedestrians in the towns and the neighbors of the pick-up and delivery locations.

On September 28, 2021, application examples of hydrogen technology from Switzerland and Baden-Württemberg will be presented at the Bodenseeforum Konstanz and in a parallel online session. Galliker will be present at the forum as a user example for Switzerland.

Since mid-December 2020, the Galliker Staad branch in eastern Switzerland has been CO2-neutral with the first Hyundai hydrogen truck in its fleet.

Galliker is launching a test project from June 2021 with the use of Green Diesel HVO as an admixture to fossil diesel.

Since the beginning of May 2021, the Galliker branch in Aclens in western Switzerland has been CO2 - neutral with the first Hyundai hydrogen truck in its fleet.

In addition to an all-electric truck, this is now the second heavy motor vehicle with a completely alternative drive system.

In December 2020, Nestlé presented a climate action plan: The Group wants to halve its emissions by 2030 and reduce them to net zero by 2050. Galliker is supporting its long-standing customer in achieving this goal: a hydrogen truck is on the road exclusively for Nestlé as part of a "dedicated service".

Galliker Transport SA, Liége in Belgium has been part of the Belgian Ecocombi pilot project since April 2018. Every day, Galliker uses the Ecocombi to transport temperature-controlled healthcare products from the production plant in Lessines to the main warehouse at Galliker in Liége.

First electric truck for Imbach: The first fully electric truck was handed over to Imbach Logistik AG in January 2021.

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy awards the renowned Swiss Watt d'Or 2021 energy prize in the "Energy-efficient mobility" category to the hydrogen ecosystem for emission-free mobility.

For the second time since 2017, a building by the company Galliker has won the Swiss Solar Prize. The solar installation on the Car House in Altishofen was honored with an output of 1.97 megawatts.

On October 7, Hyundai Hydrogen Mobility AG handed over the very first series-produced hydrogen-electric commercial vehicles to the company Galliker and six other Swiss companies.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Galliker presented its alternative transport and logistics solutions and its intentions for a sustainable future to an interested audience at the first Galliker Green Logistics Day.

On January 30, 2020, Galliker took delivery of the first Volvo FL Electric from series production.