News items February 2015

The moisture inside the bales is a critical parameter for the quality and durability of the Lucerne. Material which is too moist can start degrading and the risk of self-ignition is even high. A moisture measurement is carried out on the bales to make sure that the moisture content is within the desired range of 8...15 %. Furthermore, when Lucerne is used in Bio-Ethanol production or power generation the online measurement of moisture is an important factor for an efficient process. Please find the application on our product page Microwave Moisture Analyzer MicroPolar LB 567

The interface position between two liquid phases or the height of different product layers can be easily determined with the radiometric measurement solutions from Berthold. Our products are even used to monitor emulsion layers. By measuring the density profile of the liquids, separation processes can be reliably monitored. Find more information on our product page Interface and Multiphase Level Measurement

Processing reliability in screwdriving assembly 2014 was a record year for vehicle recalls. The Center of Automotive Management (CAM) in Bergisch Gladbach published a study on 14.01.2015 which discovered that in the past year more vehicles than ever before had been recalled due to safety defects such as leaking brake lines, brake failure and defect airbags. One source for this was the US market where almost 63 million vehicles were recalled to garages due to safety issues – more than twice as many as the previous highest number in 2004. The factors responsible for this trend are structural causes, such as the increasing technological complexity of vehicles, the increased pressure to keep costs low and the use of modular and common part systems in production. In order to remain competitive in the fierce market the producers must guarantee the highest quality and safety at every single stage of production. DEPRAG supports their customers in this by fulfilling legal requirements for screwdriving systems and tools

J-Tec recently engineered, built and successfully commissioned a turnkey blending line in Poland for an international key player within the baby food industry. J-Tec opted for a gravitational setup for hygienic considerations, but also to minimize energy consumption. Innovation The customer demanded J-Tec to install a hoist with integrated loading cells above the FIBC discharging stations. On first sight not a big challenge, if it wasn’t for the limited space available. J-Tec was in need of a device with high loading capacities that is highly accurate, but has limited dimensions. After skimming the market it became clear that such equipment was not available. Therefore J-Tec decided to engineer such a system themselves, resulting in a state of the art hoisting system which they have been copying ever since. Hygienic engineering Cleanability is of crucial importance in the food and especially the baby food industry. J-Tec is therefore continuously focusing

Fresh vegetables and fruit are increasingly being used for innovative and healthy food products. In order to meet increasing demand from food producers, Dinnissen Process Technology has developed an industrial blender for mashing fresh raw vegetables and fruit. Sophisticated design allows for fast, hygienic, and homogeneous mashing Food producers wishing to use fresh raw vegetables and fruit as the basis for new and healthy food products often have to first match their fresh ingredients such as apples, carrots, broccoli, and tomatoes. Dinnissen’s new industrial blender mashes raw vegetables and fruit to provide a very fine and homogeneous purée with a particle size of «1mm. To optimize the process, Dinnissen installed the blending mechanism for the new blender diagonally in the mixing container so that the propeller blender creates a turbulent flow of ingredients during the mashing process. As a result, the new blender works extremely quickly and delivers a very

New, for low capacities. A high protection class and the accurate measurement of small weights is not an easy combination. The sealing against environmental pollution is as a matter of course a source of resistance. New in PENKO’s range of industrial load cells is a model, eliminating this effect; type HPS of Revere Transducers. The specifications are: • Carrying capacities from 6 up to 60 kg • Accuracy class C3 with a 25 % utilisation • Certified in accordance with OIML R60. • Suitable for trade applications. • Protection class IP68. • Stainless steel DIN1.4542. • Single point, for a platform size up to 350 x 350 mm. So in brief this is a load cell that can be used everywhere. Platform weighers, filling machines, check weighers and process control systems can be carried out now, even under not ideal environmental conditions such as in the chemical and food processing industry.

Mobile Jaw Crusher JAWMAX 1006 ECO/MAXI The newcomer series of SBM Mineral Processing combines the joint know-how of the brands SBM and MFL. The technically sophisticated, compact and powerful track-mobile jaw crusher plant presents itself for the first time with a screening unit. This new member of the SBM family is ideal to crush rocks and recycling material and uses its strengths to the optimum. The plant convinces due to optimised work processes and proven manufacturing quality to assure profitable and homogeneous final products in a single step. Gap Release Control to Assure More Safety The single toggle jaw crusher type STE 100.60 ASV is the centrepiece of the plant. Two innovations assure more safety. On the first hand the new overload protection function prevents that ”unbreakable parts” damage or block the crusher. On the other hand the crushing gap is opened by the automatic gap adjustment, the part can safely leave the crusher and the moveable crusher jaw moves back to the pre-defined

The container-mobile series of mixing plants type SBM VARIOMIX® offers many advantages already convincing the market. This achiever combines the characteristics of a stationary plant and the flexibility of a mobile concrete mixing plant. Flexibility and adaptability of VARIOMIX® offer a maximum of possibilities to the customers. High profitability and low investment risk complete the impressive powerful package. How the Specialist Decided As a profitable new investment VARIOMIX® is the answer to existing stationary plants. The company CEMEX, one of the biggest producers of cement and concrete all over the world , has also decided to buy VARIOMIX®. This global concrete leader is currently exchanging its old tower mixing plant in Wilfersdorf/Austria for a VARIOMIX® 2500 CM 400V, which results in unbeatable advantages for CEMEX. The Facts Speak for Themselves Converting or modernising the existing plant would have been too expensive and thus non-economical;

Linemix 3000 cm 410 h In 2018, one of the most modern pumped-storage power plants will be put into operation in the Silvretta region. Two LINEMIX®-plants made by SBM will be able to show once again what they can at this project. Only the most efficient suppliers and partners are employed where latest engineering is called for and strict environmental regulations have to be observed under extreme climatic conditions. A major challenge at the exemplary power plant project Obervermunt II of VIW – Vorarlberger Illwerke AG in Vorarlberg/Austria is the year-round just-in-time production of concrete in the Alps at an altitude of 1,700 m. Ideal Choice Mobile concrete mixing plants type LINEMIX® made by SBM are the ideal choice for these challenging sites. Two plants LINEMIX® 3000 CM 410 H are used in parallel in the Silvretta region to assure trouble-free and continuous production of concrete until October 2017. This is carried out by a twin-shaft mixer with 3.0 m³ each with a quality

Overall equipment efficiency tracking at Hosokawa Micron BV Hosokawa Micron has entered into a partnership with Duursma W&O in Arnhem, the Netherlands, for the supply of customised FAG SmartCheck vibration sensors. These customised sensors give Hosokawa Micron’s customers the ability to draw on in-depth knowledge specific to Hosokawa Micron’s drying, mixing and agglomeration technologies on a continuous basis. This is an important development for all of Hosokawa’s customers, one that takes preventative maintenance to the next level. The FAG SmartCheck is a continuous monitoring system designed for measuring classic and vibration-based process parameters. It provides real time monitoring of Hosokawa drive-unit components like bearings, gears, wormshaft etc., the temperature, electrical currents and has an integrated alarm interface. “We have incorporated our in-depth knowledge of Powder Processing Technology, preventative maintenance and our customers’ applications with the intelligent monitoring capabilities of the

Allgaier VTS 1200 Allgaier VTS 1200 sieving machine with 1.1 m2 screen area and a screen insert with 0.125 mm mesh. Screening support with bouncing balls to minimize screen blinding. Cover hood for dust free operation. Product contact parts made of stainless steel AISI 316 Ti and glass-beaded. The sieving machine is mounted on a support frame of carbon steel. This sieving machine is nearly new. Product no.: 2.47A2758 Visit our website for a complete overview of our used machinery in stock. Surplus Select is partner for the fluids and solids processing industry in CSR/re-use.

BEUMER Center of Competence offers the best solutions to cement manufacturers The BEUMER Center of Competence (CoC) was established for the cement business unit to provide optimal systems and plants as a full-range supplier to customers all around the world. It is designed to optimise communication among the BEUMER experts worldwide. China’s biggest cement manufacturer also benefits from this. ”As a provider of full-range solutions, it is our goal to offer optimal support to international construction materials groups such as HeidelbergCement or Holcim for their projects worldwide”, says Andre Tissen, Director Business Unit Cement at BEUMER Group. Therefore, the expertise of all BEUMER branches that are active in this field need to be pooled together and the resulting synergies need to be used effectively. The Chinese government supports large and profitable companies in order to further promote the cement industry and become a global leader in this segment. The supported companies benefit from low-interest loans, for example, or can

Eight production lines at a new NPK fertilizer processing facility Two mixers are often deployed in parallel on a project in many industries. Installation of eight mixers at once on the other hand is something you do not see quite so often. EIRICH mixing granulators will be operating on eight production lines at a new NPK fertilizer processing facility. Worldwide demand for fertilizer continues to increase. This correlates with global population growth. Higher yields are needed from existing agricultural land. Consumers also use large amounts of fertilizer, for example to keep their lawns looking like the outfield at a major league ballpark. A major German fertilizer producer, one of the world leaders in the industry, has awarded a contract to EIRICH for construction of a new facility to make a broad portfolio of granulated mineral fertilizer. Housed in a separate new building, the facility will process more than 20 components and will be integrated into the existing plant process flows. Besides mixing granulators, EIRICH will supply

Expansion of the Gericke GMS double shaft mixer With the introduction of the GMS 5000 ECD model, the Gericke Multiflux® batch mixer line received its largest model so far. Despite the maximal useful volume of 4’000 litre, the mixer provides the same outstanding accessibility for cleaning and short mixing time that the GMS mixer line is known for. The latest addition to the Gericke GMS mixer, the model GMS 5000 ECD, provides a useful volume of 1’000 up to 4’000 litres and expands therewith the range of GMS models on the upper end. It is the only on the market available mixer of this size with fully hinged front side. Easy to clean The two horizontally arranged shafts are made of solid stainless steel, even for this mixer model GMS 5000 ECD. They are cantilevered on one side, which allows access to the mixing chamber from the front side. The only mixer in the world that offers this benefit! The front door together with the option of fully extractable mixing tools enables a complete opening of the mixer

Loop-powered indicator The process indicator is available with 4...20 mA or with HART® protocol. In the HART® version up to 4 measured values of one sensor can be indicated in alternation. For this the indicator can be set as primary or secondary HART® master and actively inquire the values from the sensor. The small voltage drop of < 1V (< 1.9 V with HART®) is a huge advantage especially in Ex-applications, where in most cases only a reduced voltage is available. Display of 4 to 20 mA measured values or optionally up to four of a sensor’s HART® process variables in all industries; Use as primary or secondary HART® master 5-digit measured value display with 17 mm (0.67”) character height with dimension and bargraph; backlight can be activated Panel-mount housing (IP65) or field housing (IP66; Ex approval) as local display; Minimal installation depth No external power supply required; Voltage drop ≤1 V (HART® ≤1.9 V) Easy 3-key operation for configuring the device Internationa

Dinnissen Process Technology develops and produces customized solutions for companies all over the world that enable them to handle and process powders, particles, and granulates quickly and efficiently. Its new and intelligent Plug & Play system is a crucial building block that allows its clients to easily install and operate complete production processes in a modular fashion wherever needed. 3-D design programme makes design and development extremely efficient In order to be able to export machines, solutions, and complete production processes to companies all over the world, it’s crucial to ensure that design, installation, and service are professionally organized. Dinnissen’s Plug & Play concept starts with the 3-D design phase of process solutions for its clients. This offers the client optimum visual insight into his customized solution early on in the design phase and also greatly increases the efficiency of the design phase itself. As Dinnissen’s

For bulk transport When dried matter is transported from the container to the silo, compressed air is used. Often, this compressed air is insufficiently dried, resulting in the powder becoming sticky and lumpy and clogging the transport pipes. Also, this moist, warm environment creates an ideal condition for bacterial growth. A definite no-no when transporting solids for food processing. Cleaning the pipework costs time and money, but this time-consuming process can be easily prevented. Installing a low pressure fridge dryer after the compressor dries the compressed air to a dewpoint of 3°C and ensures clean, dry air for the transport. Save time and money. Contact us for information.

Leading trade fair in southern Europe for bulk materials EXPOSOLIDOS, International trade Fair for the Technology and Processing of Solids will hold its seventh edition the next 17th, 18th and 19th February 2015 at La Farga, L’ Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona, Spain) - venue since EXPOSOLIDOS first edition. It is an exclusive fair for professionals looking for effective technological answers on the handling and processing of solids. Our Spanish partner ELION shows at booth 508 different solutions of measurement technologies for bulk solids. EXPOSOLIDOS 2015 will bring together over a hundred exhibitors from over 15 countries. They will present the latest developments in equipment, systems, services and auxiliary products in order to show the best in the processing technology of solid, semisolid and solidliquid separation. The event is directed exclusively to professionals in a wide range of industrial sectors: food, metallurgy, agriculture, chemical, pharmaceutical, shipping, mining, construction, cosmetics,

High-temperature preheaters for pitch with higher melting point High-temperature preheaters for pitch with higher melting point Köllemann GmbH from Germany, a well-established supplier of coke preheaters for the global primary aluminium industry, is sponding to the more stringent demands that are expected to be imposed on the production of anodes in future. New environmental guidelines for the use of pitch in this field will mean it will no longer be possible to use the standard pitch currently used. Over the last two years, the company has therefore developed special machinery to allow pitch with a significantly higher melting point to be processed safely and reliably. Preheaters currently use thermal oil as the heat source, and this flows through the screw flights, the housing and the main shaft it is capable of reaching temperatures of 300-350 °C. The new development offers a high-temperature preheating screw. Heat generation is via electrically heated pipes inside the shaft that are capable of supplying approximately

Smart Mixing 8.0 mixes faster and more energy efficiently Dinnissen Process Technology is a leader in the field of innovative mixing solutions for companies in the feed, food, pharma, and chemicals sectors. A key component of its mixers and mixing solutions is the Smart Mixing software tool developed in-house for automatically managing the complete mixing process. During Anuga 2015, Dinnissen will present an important software update, smart Mixing 8.0, which marks a further improvement in speed and energy efficiency as well as the prevention of sparking and ignition hazards. Starting in 2015, smart Mixing 8.0 will be a standard component of all mixing solutions supplied by Dinnissen. Smart Mixing 8.0 the new standard for Dinnissen’s mixing solutions Dinnissen has over 65 years of experience in developing, building, and delivering mixers and complete mixing solutions for a wide range of applications. These applications include solutions for mixing powders, particles, and granulates extremely gently, hygienically, quickly,

Thursday, February 26th @ 14:00 CET There are several challenges in the powder processing of agrochemicals. Challenges include not only reaching the requirements of the end product but also how to achieve this in a safe manner. Products can be dangerous when inhaled or, when not processed in a correct way, they can pose an explosion hazard. Hosokawa Micron B.V. will host a free educational webinar, focusing on powder processing technologies used in the production of crop protecting agents, including their challenges and safety aspects. Some processes to be covered are drying, mixing, milling, and agglomeration (wet granulation). Date and time: Thursday, February 26th @ 14:00 CET (Central European Time). Register nowThis webinar is recommended for professionals in the crop protecting agent industry with an interest in learning more about powder processing equipment and safety aspects during the production of crop protecting agents. The duration of the program will be approximately 40 minutes.

RETSCH’s New Vibratory Disc Mill RS 200 No grinder can beat the speed of a Vibratory Disc Mill when it comes to preparing samples for spectral analyses. RETSCH have now redesigned their RS 200 model for even more convenient operation and handling of the grinding sets. An ergonomic carry handle facilitates carriage of the heavy grinding jar which is slid on a rail into the optimum position inside the mill. The new clamping device allows for safe clamping of the jar with less force, an additional sensor checks its correct position. RETSCH’s RS 200 with its powerful stabilized plane drive achieves grind sizes between 20 and 100 microns within seconds and with excellent reproducibility. Grinding sets are available in a variety of sizes and materials. A set of sensors will recognize jars of tungsten or agate and automatically sets the maximum permissible speed, ensuring optimum results while protecting the material. Benefits at a glance • Very short grinding times, typically in the range of 60

Disk mill For the first time, FUCHS presents a disk mill of the type GRANOMAT JP manufactured in Japan at its stand (E021, hall 10.1) at the Anuga FoodTec fair. The GRANOMAT JP disk mill is based on the stator-rotor principle with a fixed and a rotating disk, which allows milling or rubbing of the most various dry or wet products. The mill is able to process grains from 3 mm down to 10 μm using corresponding disks with a throughput of 1 to 3000 kg/h depending on the starting product, the grinding fineness and the machine type. At present, three machines with different disk sizes are available: GRANOMAT JP S (DN 150), M (DN 250) and L (DN 380). The GRANOMAT JP machine can be used for instance when producing pastes of vegetables, fruits, meat, sesame seeds, nuts, pigments, seaweeds, soya beans, rice, etc., crushing corn, ginger, mustard seeds, almonds, emulsifying of greases, cosmetic products, as well as for grinding hard products, such as glass, minerals, medical products,

WAM GmbH presents new cylindrical WAMFLO ”Food” Dust Collector WAM GmbH exhibits for the first time at the Anuga FoodTec fair at the end of March in Cologne. The German trading subsidiary of WAMGROUP - world leader in bulk solids handling and processing equipment - displays a wide range of equipment especially developed for food processing applications. The new round WAMFLO ”Food” collector for venting and dedusting bins or silos will be In the main focus on the WAM stand. WAMFLO ”Food” features a stainless steel body design, in total absence any dead spaces, in a high grade surface finish. Captive locking devices ensure operation and maintenance in perfectly safe condition. WAMFLO ”Food” Dust Collectors come with an integrated air jet cleaning system. They are available in a version with flanged bottom ring or with a stainless steel dust collecting hopper. Further options, depending on the operating environment, are various types of filter media, a suction fan or ATEX compliance. Other highlights from the WAMGROUP®

Drum turner for highest requirements Every day, products based on various premixes are manufactured in the foodstuff processing industry requiring the use of reliable blenders. An in-ternationally active food company was again considering the acquisition of a drum turner. Various drum blenders were under discussion. The decision was however made in favour of the tiltable MIXOMAT C-HE manufactured by FUCHS Maschinen AG, Granges-Paccot. Why choosing a MIXOMAT C-HE among the numerous other blender types available on the market? The various drum tumbler applications using MIXOMAT type blenders in many food companies generated a great deal of extremely positive feedback. Users like their compact design, the fact that they are easy to use and handle the product very gently. Another decisive aspect in favour of the MIXOMAT C-HE was the possibility to use 200 litre drums, which are easy to handle with their special holder providing for ergonomic and effortless work. The MIXOMAT C-HE is used to blend

Gericke‘s new batch mixing range type GBM represents a new concept for a universal mixer The new GBM (Gericke Batch Mixer) is a single shaft paddle mixer for effective powder mixing solutions. It is based on more than 100 years of mixing experience of the Gericke Group. The GBM is offered at a very reasonable price level. The product range includes sizes from 50 to 4‘400 litres of useful volume per batch. Your high production efficiency is the result of a short mixing time, which varies between 8 to 12 batches per hour, the complete de-agglomeration of lumps and the easy cleaning facility. The modular design allows the selection of one of three drive packages, which let you adjust the power to the required product and process requirements. A contribution to a small CO2 footprint! Liquids can be sprayed into the chamber and dispersed with the optional dispersion tool. Gericke delivers the design study of the entire mixing plant including its own developed and manufactured feeders, mixers and powder handling machine group. In the Test Centre

SMC, the world’s leading provider of pneumatics, continues to dazzle. SMC, the world’s leading provider of pneumatics, continues to dazzle with the new size SY7000 of its unique all-purpose solenoid valve. Together with a mixed mounting of SY5000 and SY7000 in the same manifold, providing greater flexibility and economical operation, the new extremely compact size promotes even more air savings as a result of driving higher cylinders with reduced cycle times and without the need to use larger, more expensive, solenoid valves. In addition to a new plug-in sub-plate type that allows using this 5-port solenoid valve independently, the series also features a residual pressure release type that enables the automatic release of residual pressure in a cylinder, avoiding the need to use any external component when the supply pressure is shut off. Available with either rubber or unique metal seal, which is particularly suitable for higher operating frequencies and provides extended lifetime performance, the new SY series incorporates SMC’s

Launch of upgraded VXS Series SMC, the world’s leading provider of pneumatics, is ‘hotting’ up its fluid control valve range with the launch of its upgraded VXS Series. Designed to work with steam and heated water, the zero differential pressure type VXS series has new design features, making it more reliable and hard-wearing. With no fluid pressure required to operate the valve, it has minimal air leakage due to a piston main valve and a rubber seal made from a special type of FKM, improving overall reliability. The VXS’ service life has also been extended thanks to its construction, which means the valve can perform 3 million cycles. And with double guide rings, the VXS delivers both a constant sliding performance and improved scraper function that minimises the amount of foreign particles entering the valve, enhancing the resistance to contamination. Following a review of the VXS’ magnetic coil circuit, this latest edition consumes less power and is environmentally friendly to

in the paint and coatings industry FRITSCH is an internationally respected manufacturer of laboratory mills for grinding and mixing of different materials and mixtures and for particle size analyses according to laser diffraction, dynamic light scattering, dynamic image analysis and sieving. Here a short view of the FRITSCH instrument ranges: - Mills for crushing, micro-milling, mixing, homogenising of hard-brittle, fibrous, elastic and or soft materials dry or in suspension - Instruments for particle size determination by means of static and dynamic light scattering, dynamic image analysis and sieving - Laboratory Instruments for representative dividing of dry and wet samples, controlled sample feeding, ultrasonic cleaning Laboratories worldwide count on our quality and experience – for the fast industrial application as well as for the especially accurate research technology applications in the industry- and research laboratories. In the paint and coatings industry, the Variable Speed

ACHEMA preparations shift into high gear The countdown is on: from 15 to 19 June 2015 the doors will open on ACHEMA 2015. Over 3,100 exhibitors have already registered but, as in 2012, the organisers anticipate around 3,800. Moreover, the congress programme is shortly to be released. Already a clear trend is emerging: besides the three focal themes BiobasedWorld, Innovative Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and Industrial Water Management, the hot topics of the world forum of the process industry are energy efficiency, materials and materials testing, and safety technology. The number of papers submitted for the congress in these areas is gratifyingly high. In terms of exhibition groups, first and foremost there has been the traditionally keen interest in Instrumentation, Control and Automation Techniques, Mechanical Processes, Laboratory and Analytical Techniques, while to meet the unprecedented demand, additional space has already had to be mobilised for Pharmaceutical, Packaging and Storage Techniques. The

Pinch valves for universal use in many applications The pinch valves of the QV-series are the ideal solution for the shutting off, distributing, and dosing of powdery and grained bulk goods; viscous, soiled, and aggressive liquids; gases and mixtures. Typical applications are pneumatic conveyors and fillings lines for silos and tanks in the food industry, chemical industry, environmental industry, and construction industry. Due to the straight and not reduced passage through the valve there are no jams and no reduction of the feed pressure. Long service life of hoses and easy change of these if needed are a matter of course. The pinch valves of the QV-series are available with ATEX approvals for use in gas and dust explosive hazardous areas. The different types of the valves enable the optimal adjustment to the specific applications. MOLLET supplies these valves with 10 different nominal sizes from 13 mm to 125 mm. The required pressure air valves, needed for the control of the pinch valve, can be ordered additionally,

Ideal for handling dry bulk material in gravity flow or pneumatic conveying applications Vortex Quantum Series slide gates and diverters are the valves our customers have been using for decades to shut off, meter, and divert their dry bulk material. It’s our traditional line of valves for dry bulk processing and conveying through gravity flow or pneumatic (pressure or vacuum) conveying. Some of the industries that use Quantum valves include but not limited to: Agriculture, Chemical, Coffee, Dairy, Foods, Milling, Pet Food, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical, Plastics, Rubber, Textiles, Tobacco, and Wood – to name a few.

New order for sinter dust mixer The heavy-duty applications inside the steelwork industry fit perfectly to the AVA horizontal mixing technology. Last month another order could be won. For the Czech steel plant, AVA will deliver a humidification mixer for sinter dust. The task: Sinter dust collected in filters will be treated with water. The final product is an easy transportable, fully dust free bulk product. The AVA mixer will replace an existing double shaft mixer with poor performance. The customer was impressed from the wide experiences AVA has in that field and finally decided after a test run with his product in the AVA labs. AVA is included in other improvement budgets as well, such as a new intensive mixer for sinter raw material (replacing a drum mixer) and a coal mixer in the coke plant. If there are any steel plants in your sales region, please get in touch with us. We will tell you in which parts AVA machines could be used as well as our advantages against other,

VAS becomes an integral part of the ”LEO” Project The IT-Logistic Solution VAS® of Axians becomes an integral part of the „Logistic Efficiency Optimization“ Initiative (”LEO”) of the HeidelbergCement AG. Within this project an integrated material-flow management will be introduced that will lead to a considerable cost reduction in the fields of Logistics for the corporate group. Globally several plants in the business lines of cement, aggregates (sand & gravel) as well as concrete will be equipped with the IT solution VAS® from Axians. The implementation of VAS® will lead to a significant optimization for the dispatch and the related logistical processes, as the increased level of automation will result in a much faster execution of many activities within the plants. In this context Axians has also been announced as a ”Preferred Supplier” by HeidelbergCement AG. ”Due to the large international experience as a hardware independent IT-specialist in the industrial environment and the flexibility in creating