voestalpine Wire Rod Austria GmbH, which belongs to the voestalpine Wire Technology Group, and its sister company, voestalpine Fastening Systems GmbH, which belongs to the voestalpine Railway Systems Group, are setting new standards in logistics. The use of intermodal transportation solutions will make delivery traffic even more efficient and environmentally friendly in the future. The aim is to create a sustainable and economically profitable transportation solution for voestalpine Wire Rod Austria GmbH's wire rod. This is supplied to voestalpine Fastening Systems GmbH, for example, for the manufacture of steel clips in the railroad industry.
In conversation with Andreas Tischler, Key Account Manager at voestalpine Wire Rod Austria and Christoph Reitgruber, Head of Logistics at voestalpine Wire Rod Austria and voestalpine Wire Austria, it becomes clear that this is more than just a change of means of transportation - it is a further step towards a more sustainable future with enormous potential.
It refers to the combined transportation of rail and road. The products are loaded directly onto semi-trailers or in containers at the terminal for intermodal loading units in St. Michael, Austria. From there, they are transported onwards by train to voestalpine Fastening Systems in Poland. The last few kilometers (approx. 20-30 km) are covered by truck. This concept makes it possible to reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining delivery reliability.
Sustainability: The higher payload enables a reduction in transportation costs and CO2 emissions.
Cost-effectiveness: Higher loading capacities mean fewer journeys - saving costs and resources.
Plannable logistics: Fixed rail schedules create clear time windows for delivery and collection.
Strong internal cooperation: The close coordination between voestalpine Wire Rod Austria and voestalpine Fastening Systems makes it possible to respond flexibly to customer requirements.
We are pleased to announce the expansion of our intermodal network to include Poland, in addition to our existing connections with Germany and the UK. By developing sustainable transport solutions, we are reducing CO₂ emissions and easing the burden on road infrastructure. For us, intermodality is not just a trend – it’s a strategic move towards efficient, climate-friendly logistics.
The switch from conventional truck transportation to intermodal transport requires precise planning on both sides. While truck transports can react flexibly at short notice, rail transport is dependent on precise advance planning and administrative coordination. However, these challenges have been successfully overcome thanks to clearly defined processes and fixed timetables. This also promotes cooperation within the Group and strengthens the relationship.
Other countries are also already benefiting from this new solution. The UK and Germany are among the growing export markets in which intermodal transportation is being expanded. In the future, e-trucks will also be used for the first and last few kilometers - another step towards green logistics.
We offer our customers not only top-quality wire, but also logistics solutions that can be decisive for competition in the long term and lead to cost savings.
Shifting the transportation of wire rod to rail is a logical step towards a more sustainable industry. Lower emissions, greater transport efficiency and increased road safety speak for themselves. Particularly coherent: The wire, which is later used in the rail industry, already travels by the most environmentally friendly route - by rail. This is what responsibility along the entire value chain looks like.
With the new logistics solution, voestalpine Wire Rod Austria and voestalpine Fastening Systems are demonstrating how sustainable industry can work - customer-oriented, innovative and climate-friendly. Intermodal is not just a trend, but a sustainable logistics model for the entire industry.
voestalpine Wire Rod Austria GmbH - innovation leader in wire rod production
voestalpine Wire Rod Austria GmbH, based in St. Peter-Freienstein (Austria), has been operating the world's most modern wire rod mill since 2016. The plant produces wire rod with diameters from 5.00 mm to approx. 52.00 mm and coil weights of up to 3 tons. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, such as thermomechanical rolling and minimal decarburization in the walking beam furnace, the company meets the highest quality requirements. Highly automated logistics with fully automatic stacking cranes, GPS-supported forklift navigation and the world's largest high-bay warehouse for wire rod coils ensure maximum efficiency and delivery reliability.
voestalpine Fastening Systems - specialist for rail fastening systems
voestalpine Fastening Systems Sp. z o.o., formerly Plastwil Sp. z o.o., based in Ujście (Poland), is part of the voestalpine Railway Systems Group and has been a leading manufacturer of rail fastening systems for over 40 years. With over 250 employees, the company manufactures high-quality fastening systems and their components using state-of-the-art production technologies. The product portfolio includes solutions for mixed traffic, urban traffic and heavy-duty applications, including systems such as SBW3, W14HH and KS-Type for concrete sleepers.
The close cooperation between these two companies within the voestalpine Group makes it possible to develop innovative and sustainable logistics solutions that offer both ecological and economic benefits for their customers.
