STRAIL - Goodrail Sweden AB

Transcription

STRAIL - Goodrail Sweden AB
For customers, employees and friends.
newsletter > issue 01/2008.
level crossing systems.
2008
Fu
ulll sspe
p ed
pe
e ahead!
Content
veloSTRAIL > Installation in Itzling /
STRAIL in Romania / Investments in
Tittmoning
2
Top TRAILS
3
STRAIL conference
4
Workshop in Paris / SNCF Customer
audit / ÖQS (Austrian certification
association for quality and management systems) supervisory audit
5
STRAIL > First installation in Brazil
6
Fascinating India
7
RH terminal in the Czech Republic
8
STRAIL – Customer workshop / level
crossing symposium at South-East
Bavarian railways
9
STRAIL in Hungary / STRAIL in Croatia
Re-railing station at Vattenfall
10
Project > Platform edges, Marseille /
Nordic-Rail fair in Sweden
11
STRAIL Team / Training offensive
12
STRAIL Team / Motorbike tour
13
Team spirit / Association for helping
colleagues in need
14
STRAIL management in the same boat
15
Development department develops
itself / STRAIL in Japan
16
Development in new directions /
One for all
17
Project „Bomag“ / Track markings
18
STRAILastic – Bringing stability to the
rail track
19
Brief information
20
Many thanks
for your team work in 2007.
We wish you all the best for 2008 and
good health, strength and happiness for the
coming year, so that we can continue in good
spirits with ‘full steam ahead’.
STRAIL - Christmas
On the last Friday before Christmas, we traditionally celebrate our ‚STRAIL Christmas’ – this time in the
“Siglhaus” in Austria, as many of our colleagues come from this neighbouring country of ours.
Thank you very much for another extremely good year.
However, it goes without saying that working together on a ‘human level’ is as important as job success.
This is expressed in the following story which was read out at our Christmas party.
Two friends were walking through the desert. During the walk they started to argue and in the heat of the
moment one friend hit the other in the face. The friend who had been hit was hurt and without saying a
word, he knelt down and wrote the following words in the sand:
“Today, my best friend hit me in the face.”
They continued their walk and soon came to an oasis. There they decided to take a bath. The friend who
had been hit, suddenly got stuck in the mud and was in danger of
drowning, but his friend saved him at just the last minute.
After the friend who had nearly drowned, had recovered, he took a
stone and engraved the following words on it:
“Today my best friend saved my life.”
The friend who had hit the other one and also saved him, asked
astonished: „When I hurt you, you wrote that sentence in the sand, but
now you’ve engraved these words on a stone. Why?”
The other friend replied:
„When someone hurts or offends us, we should write in the sand, so
that the wind of forgiveness can erase it,
but when someone does something good for us, then we should
engrave it on a stone, so that no wind can ever erase it.”
Kind regards - your STRAIL team
page - 2 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
newsletter > issue 01/2008
veloSTRAIL
Salzburg > Austria
Installation of „longest“ veloSTRAIL level crossing!
During a large installation project in Itzling, a city district of Salzburg,
the design and lay-out of the roads were also completely reconfigured.
The roads now cross the local Salzburg railway line at an extreme 40°
crossing angle.
The combination of such a crossing angle with an open rail groove
means a very high risk of accidents for cyclists. As road users’ safety is
taken extremely seriously by the Salzburg magistrate and railway authority, they ruled that veloSTRAIL should be installed – of course, not
without the professional support and advice of employees of the Salzburg local railway.
Here, we were able to fall back on the experience gained during test
instalments in the track bed of the Salzburg local railway. These test
crossings greatly contributed to the development of veloSTRAIL.
L
STRAIL in Romania > continued success.
In 2007, our STRAIL systems meant we actively helped with the modernisation of Romania’s infrastructure, supplying a total of 41 level crossings.
The outlook for 2008 couldn’t be more positive, so we can count on at
least a similar delivery quantity, if not more.
Marcel Stoleru
STRAIL Representative Romania
L
Large investments at Tittmoning location
Things are moving at our Tittmoning factory! We will be extending
production capacity at both STRAIL and our sister company AGRI. The
building for the new STRAIL production facility (see picture) is completed and production is planned to start in August 2008. This investment
means we have the opportunity to manufacture products with larger
dimensions, thus increasing our flexibility even further. Construction
of our new office building is also underway and we plan to move in
during August.
Christian Brandner
Systems engineering manager
In order to complete the process for a safe and modern railway level
crossing, the road connection was laid with our new outer panel system
pontiSTRAIL.
We are convinced that this level crossing will give pleasure to all road
users, the SLB (Salzburg local railway), as well as the town of Salzburg.
Technical Data
Length:
Radius:
Crossing angle:
48 m
195 – 250 m
40 °
Walter Gruber
Export manager
page - 3 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
We also have yet another hiking route on page Nature and difficulty
3 of this issue – this time from Gerhard Kuch, 2/3 shady path, partly tarmacked and sandy hiAdministration manager > Have fun reading king trail. Easy tour. 460 m altitude difference.
and hiking!
Places of interest
Top TRAILS
Pilgrimage church Maria Gern (considered one
of the most beautiful baroque churches in Upper
Bavaria) and the Aschauer-Weiher-Bad, a natural outdoor pool with mountain panorama.
welcome to the home of STRAIL
Duration
3 hours altogether (without breaks/up and
Kneifelspitze (Paulshütte) in the
Berchtesgaden Alps
down)
Places to eat
Mountain inn Kneifelspitze (Paulshütte) and
My wife and I (we) are passionate mountain
restaurant at the church in Maria Gern
walkers! We have small children and therefore
have to adapt our goals and activities to the
needs of our children at the moment.
Our tour on the Kneifelspitze, which we did
in 2005 (our son was then 3, and our daughter, Viktoria, 4 years old) was a fantastic experience because of the varied route, good rest
stops along the way and the great view. This is
why we would like to draw attention to this tour
as part of “TOP (S)TRAIL “ activities and warmly
recommend it to all who would like to experience this fantastic mountain region on foot.
This is suitable for the sporty mountain walker
who just wants to do a “quick” evening hike, as
well as for families and “lowland walkers” who
want to do some physical exercise in the fresh
air, surrounded by wonderful countryside.
The Kneifelspitze has the nature of an easily
reachable lookout point in the middle of the
Berchtesgaden mountain region. The Kneifelspitze (1,189 m high) is a very popular peak due
to the panorama from the top (we therefore recommend the tour during the week rather than
the weekend). In the north, the precipice of the
Untersberg completes the panoramic view. In
the south is the Hoher Göll, in the east Watzmann and Hochkalter.
Directions/ starting point
Starting point is Maria Gern (730m). If approaching from the north, the car route follows
the A8 and the B20 to Bischofswiesen with the
approach to Maria Gern via Stang and Anzenbach...
From the east, via the A10 Tauern motorway. Exit
at Salzburg Süd towards Berchtesgaden. At the
beginning of the town, turn off towards Etterschlössl and then from there on to Maria Gern.
Route
The sign-posted trail starts at the restaurant
opposite the pilgrimage church. The trail (steep
and tarmacked at first) continues through the
woods becoming gradually steeper and leads
across the meadows to the Marxenhöhe. The
climb continues to the left of the trench and at
Kneifellehen you will see the G8 trail marking.
This path keeps to the left of the forest edge
and leads into the forest at a moderate incline. A sign shows where the trail diverges in the
direction of the Paulshütte. From here the trail
to the Paulshütte (food and drink available) is
more winding and steeper. The trail down again
follows the same route, or another alternative is
via Kasperllehen and Kneifellehen to the Marxenhöhe and from there back to Maria Gern.
newsletter > issue 01/2008
Further information
Maps:
Kompass hiking map 1:50 000
www.kneifelspitze-berchtesgaden.de
page - 4 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
newsletter > issue 01/2008
STRAIL-Conference
Hotel Gmachl > Elixhausen near Salzburg
STRAIL Partner reunion
For the first time since 2003, all STRAIL representatives worldwide were invited to a conference
in May last year. The 2003 conference took place
in Velen in Münsterland and last year’s conference was originally planned for 2006, parallel
to the iaf fair (Münster), but due to the football
World Cup taking place in Germany at that
time, we could not find an appropriate conference hotel. As a result,
the event was postponed by a
year and we made good use
of the time by arranging to
meet our sales partners
near to home.
fer of knowledge in one direction. However, we
wanted to counteract this by actively involving
all the sales partners present in events. Presentations from various countries, discussions at
Of course, we couldn’t let our guests go
without a visit to the old historical
part of Salzburg. Most of those,
who were visiting Salzburg for
the first time, found the guided tour through the old
ruins of Hohensalzburg
castle, rounded off with
an evening meal in the
Burgschenke, to be
one of the highlights
of the few days together.
44 visitors from 26
different countries
arrived at Hotel
Gmachl in Elixhausen near Salzburg
to exchange shared
experiences with our
products and to discuss, as well as to find
out the most recent information from STRAIL.
In the run-up to the two
working days, we did not want
to miss the opportunity to show
our international visitors the beauty
of our home country. We therefore offered various trips, like a mountain tour to the
Schellenberg ice cave or a ride on the cog railway to the Schafberg in St. Wolfgang, or a journey back into our local past in the Großgmain
open-air museum, and many took us up on this
offer. Unfortunately, the weather did not smile
upon us. After weeks of dry weather, the late
April rain arrived right on time for the first day of
our programme, but still didn’t manage to spoil
our good mood.
the relevant national railway authorities make
it necessary for us to rapidly adjust to market
requirements in a highly flexible way, in order
to have continued success on an international
level.
The final climax of the
event was probably
the first ever “STRAIL
Oscar” awards. It became clear how difficult
it is to honour the right
person when we were trying to elect nominees. After
long and intensive discussions,
the decision was finally made to
nominate 8 sales partners for this
award. We purposely wanted to incorporate more than just factors like turnover and
the length of our sales partnership into our decision, but also to consider human factors like
particular personal qualities and achievements.
the “round table”, specialist presentations from
our development department, completed and
current projects as well as visions for the future – The winner, Dr. Mario Casoni from Italy, was
these were the contents of two interesting con- awarded the STRAIL Oscar by Andreas Herder.
ference days.
Other measures regarding cost ratios, varying local competitive circumstances, unstable political
Such events often turn out to be a simple trans- relations or also various organisational forms of
Robert Kaser
Export manager
STRAIL level crossing systems
page - 5 -
newsletter > issue 01/2008
F r a n c e
Workshop > Paris
„Event marketing“ on the Seine
Good ideas sometimes originate in a roundabout way.
We were looking for a centrally located hotel in
Paris with a suitable conference/ seminar room
for an affordable price, where our workshop
could take place in November – WRONG!
The offers we received
¬ we either didn’t like
¬ or the prices were exorbitant.
We took a few days to think about the situation
and that’s when Cécile came up with a fantastic
alternative:
SNCF –
customer audit 2007
The SNCF always performs the SNCF customer
audit every year at STRAIL.
French railways uses this audit to find out if
we are working in accordance with the quality requirements of the SNCF. In 2007 the audit
took place at STRAIL on 24th and 25th October.
We had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Roero
de Cortanze (SNCF), Mr. Du Peloux (SNCF) and
Mr. Pastor to the audit.
Our colleagues from STRAIL France, Ingrid
Pauchet and Cécile Mahé were also present
in Tittmoning. Over the two days, the auditors were able to gain a positive insight into
our processes and in their report acknowledged our extremely high quality standard.
Next year, STRAIL will have the position of an
A-class SNCF supplier as a result of the new
classification.
Andreas Draak
Quality management
STRAIL division representative
Excursion boats can be hired on the Seine, that
if required, can be transformed into a wedding
hall or ballroom, but also equally into a conference room.
The price is per person, including half-board.
As we had enough people to be able to fill the
entire boat (approx. 60 people), the end price
was quite reasonable and so we started to
enthusiastically make preparations.
The conference day arrived and on 13th November the „RIVER PALACE“ was done out for 60
STRAIL customers. A section of track was mounted
in front of the boat on the quay wall, displaying
the most recent highlights from the STRAIL
product range.
At a completely successful event, we were able
to transfer our own enthusiasm to our customers and gain a few new friends.
I would like to pay a big compliment to Ingrid
Pauchet, Florent Vautherin and Matthias Hoeke
for their committed and competent presentations, as well as Cécile Mahé for her fantastic
organisation.
Andreas Herder
Managing Director
ÖQS (Austrian certification association for quality
and management systems) –
Supervisory audit 2007
On 17th and 18th July 2007 the Austrian certification association for quality and management
systems performed their annual audit at KRAIBURG Tittmoning.
This audit examined our processes according to ISO 9001 norm requirements.
On the morning of the first day, the main focus was on the KRAIBURG Tittmoning management
team. In the afternoon, the
auditors split up to examine our two sales divisions
STRAIL and AGRI. Mr. Rußegger performed the audit
for the STRAIL division and
Mr. Pliem for AGRI.
We are very pleased about
the good audit result and
are very grateful for the
constructive proposals
made by Quality Austria
GmbH.
Andreas Draak
Quality management
STRAIL division representative
STRAIL level crossing systems
STRAIL >
First installation
in Brazil
In November 2007, a year after my visit to the
most important rail fair in Sao Paulo, Brazil, the
first ever STRAIL level crossing in Brazil was installed!
The president of the railway company MRS gave
the order for the installation of three different
systems, which should be tested over the next
three months >
a) Concrete panels from a Brazilian manufacturer (first of all only inner panels, as the
outer panels need to be laid on an overdimensional kerbstone-prefab foundation
combination, which would have taken too
long and therefore gone way over the time
allocated for the railway to be blocked off).
b) STRAIL rubber panels
c) Concrete panels from another Brazilian manufacturer.
So, our assembly manager, Jürgen Dehner and I
headed off for Sao Paolo and the next morning
hired a car and drove to Juiz de Fora, approx.
150 km north of Rio de Janeiro.
The next day (Friday) we met up with engineers
of the private railway company MRS in a nearby
building yard, where a piece of track had al-
page - 6 -
ready been prepared for the installation team
training. Everyone from the assembly posse
were very friendly, open, inquisitive and really
got stuck in, so that this “dry assembly run” posed no problems at all. Afterwards, we visited
the designated crossing in Rua Pinto de Moura,
where there is a great deal of heavy traffic, but
mostly cars and a relatively low level of heavy
vehicles (mostly only 10-15 tonne trucks and buses).
On Saturday morning, the day after our training,
the tarmac on “our” crossing was removed, the
existing ballast renewed and the distance between the softwood sleepers (which, of course,
are not as durable as hardwood sleepers and
must be renewed approx. every five years) corrected. It is noticeable that still many things are
done manually over there.
After two and a half hours, all inner panels (9.60
m STRAIL with 4.50 m pedeSTRAIL each on both
sides) had been installed, just in time to enable
the numerous visitors to the evening Mass in the
nearby church to cross over.
All the workers took part with great enthusiasm
and were eager to get involved in the installation
of this “exotic” product. Each panel was carried
to the assembly site by six men. The truck loading crane was only used to unload material.
The people in charge from MRS, as well as residents, showed that they were very pleased with
the first rubber level crossing in Brazil. An engineer from CVRD (Brazil’s largest railway company) also turned up at the first installation and
seemed very impressed with our system.
newsletter > issue 01/2008
6
PANORAMA
JUIZ DE FORA • terça-feira, 13 de Novembro de 2007
INDICADORES
Correção da Poupança
Dólar
Ouro
Preço do grama R$ 43,500
Dia
12/11
PIONEIRO EM JF | Empresa destaca durabilidade de materiais
MRS faz teste inédito de
piso em passagem de nível
DIVULGAÇÃO
Um teste inédito no País será
realizado na linha férrea em Juiz
de Fora pela MRS Logística. As
ruas Benjamin Constant e Pinto
de Moura, no Bairro Poço Rico,
estão entre os locais escolhidos
para a aplicação de pisos alternativos ao asfalto convencional. No último final de semana,
uma placa de borracha reciclada
foi colocada na Pinto de Moura.
Ainda nos próximos dias, a passagem de nível da Benjamin deve receber um piso de concreto
pré-moldado.
De acordo com a MRS, os
dois modelos serão comparados
e aquele que tiver melhor resultado deve ser instalado em
outras passagens ao longo da
linha férrea. Não há data prevista
para o encerramento dos testes.
Para instalar as placas de
borracha e concreto cabos
metálicos são conectados às
plataformas. A instalação é feita rapidamente, com ferramentas especiais, que permitem o posicionamento do bloco entre os trilhos.
Entre as vantagens, a empresa destaca a durabilidade dos
Placa de borracha reciclada foi colocada no Bairro Poço Rico
tráfego rodoviário será reduzido
em relação a uma pavimentação, por exemplo.
A iniciativa é inspirada em
países da Europa, em especial a
Alemanha, de onde o material é
importado. Em outras localidades, como Inglaterra e França, o
piso de borracha é usado em
calçadas e garagens.
PISO DE BORRACHA
boa alternativa, desde que o
Conselho Nacional do Meio
Ambiente (Conama), através
da Resolução nº258/99, obrigou os produtores e importadores de pneus a coletá-los e
colocá-los em locais ambientalmente adequados.
Além disso, ficou estabelecido que, a partir de 2005, para
cada quatro pneus produzidos,
cinco deveriam ser reciclados,
f
d
d i
Dólar comercial - 12/11
Turismo - 12/11
Euro Turismo - 12/11
Compra R$ Venda R$
1,775
1,777
1,680
1,840
2,584
2,590
Índice
12/11
13/11
14/11
0,5161% 15/11
0,5464% 16/11
0,5769% 17/11
Índice
0,6101%
0,5747%
0,5814%
Obs: Segundo norma do
Banco Central, os
rendimentos dos dias 29,
30, 31 correspondem ao
dia 1º do mês
subseqüente.
CINEMA | Organização divulga vencedores do evento
Festival Primeiro Plano
reuniu 7 mil pessoas
A sexta edição do Primeiro
Plano Festival de Cinema de
Juiz de Fora reuniu sete mil
pessoas durante seis dias. Os
nomes das produções vencedoras foram divulgados ontem.
(Confira o quadro abaixo).
De acordo com o coordenador geral do evento, Aleques
Eiterer, a programação deste
ano atraiu um público que não
era cativo em outras edições,
devido, sobretudo, às novas oficinas oferecidas e aos bons filmes que inscritos.
— Tivemos uma grande procura pelas oficinas, que completaram as vagas em poucos dias. A
criação de novas linhas para a
mostra, com mais salas para a
exibição, inovaram, auxiliando no
sucesso do festival de 2007, superando as nossas expectativas —
define o coordenador.
Das quase 80 produções
inscritas, o Festival de Cinema
Primeiro Plano selecionou 23
curtas de todo País e 22 vídeos
da cidade e região para participarem de mostra competitiva, oferecendo prêmios em
11 categorias.
O Festival busca a interação
com público, levando alunos de
escolas públicas ao cinema e
fazendo exibição de filmes no
Parque Halfeld e em outras salas
na cidade. Além disso, todos as
atividades foram gratuitas.
O evento ofereceu oportunidade aos novos cineastas
para divulgar obras locais sem
compromissos comerciais. Outra novidade em 2007 foi a
abertura de espaço para os cineastas de países vizinhos na
Mostra Mercocidades.
those in charge regarding STRAIL. At first, there was some uncertainty due to fears that panels could catch fire from flying sparks or be
set alight by vandals. However, we were able
to significantly allay these fears. Now we hope
that the test phase will run successfully and that
many orders from Brazil will follow!
Articles on this first rubber level crossing have
already been published in the local press, as
well as in the trade journal „Revista Ferroviária“
(also look up: http://www.revistaferroviaria.
com.br).
Hubert Mayer
Export manager
Basically, we had very positive feedback from
Rua Pinto de Moura before the installation (tarmac)
Dia
Dia
Rua Pinto de Moura after the installation (STRAIL)
STRAIL level crossing systems
page - 7 -
newsletter > issue 01/2008
Fascinating India
On 30th March 2007, Andreas Starnecker, Mr. Parmar and I (Andreas Herder) headed off to New Delhi for an information trip. The Himalayas form
India’s natural northern border and the Indian Ocean surrounds the southern border of the country. India’s multifaceted culture, which looks back
on traditions that are sometimes thousands of years old, is the result of it‘s status as a melting pot and place of origin for all sorts of cultures, races,
religions and ideas. These have had an impact on each other in many different areas, but at the same time, have managed to maintain their own
independence. India is a densely populated country and with 1,129,866 inhabitants (2007) is the second most populous country and most populous
democratic State in the world. The construction of a rail system in India already began in 1853 and today is one of the largest in the world. You can
see our impressions of the country below>
First impression> „calm down“,
here the clocks tick differently!
A street seller standing behind
his goods, reading the newspaper.
„Securing“ the level crossing
infrastructure.
The people are very friendly.
The taxis look different to those
at home.
Standard level crossing with
minimal traffic, laid with paving
stones.
(still ...).
The domestic animals look identical to ours to some degree…
but with slightly different
housing…
Standard level crossing with
heavy traffic, tarmacked
(still ...).
and to some degree look very
different!!
Organiser and initiator of our trip
> Mr Sanjay Parmar from Bonn.
Long queues start to form at the
railway’s (IR) ticket counters.
Presentation room at the railway
administration, with the most
modern technology and circular
wooden panelling.
IR employs more than 1.5 mio
people and is counted among the
largest employers in the world.
At the level crossing barriers
there is normally a lodge with
the classical gatekeeper.
Conclusion > unique impressions, we opened doors and
opportunities for the future!
Well> Cheers…. of course only
non-alcoholic on our day off!!!!
STRAIL level crossing systems
page - 8 -
newsletter > issue 01/2008
STerminal
T Rin A
IL
Lovosice
RH (Rolling Highway) > Czech Republic
Due to the ever-increasing amount of heavy
traffic on Europe’s roads, (increased 7-fold in
Germany since 1950) governments and the EU
are trying to find new ways forward in transport
policy.
The following figures demonstrate that this is a
necessary step:
In the EU 75% of all transport methods use roads
and the ratio in Germany still averages 66%.
Lovosice, Czech Republic with STRAIL panels?
STRAIL was familiar with the requirements of a
covering for a terminal (e.g. longitudinal and
rotating traffic, heavy vehicle traffic,
frequency, ...).
The first section, which is approx. 315 m long,
was to be already installed in the summer of
2007.
What methods and possibilities could be considered a relief for our roads? Over the last few
years, one solution has been successfully increased and is consistently being developed all
over Europe:
The rolling highway (RH)! Trucks drive into a
special terminal and on to trains, and without
any major stops, are brought through narrow
straits like mountains or zones burdened with
heavy traffic.
In addition, our customer desired some further
technical details, for which we needed to acquire a solution:
¬ as a result of the length > the possibility of
a reinforced panel every 20-30 m.
¬ insulation between rails (signals)
¬ outer panel only on one side
¬ unusual track superstructure
(S49-SB6 with base plate)
The map below shows where such RH terminals
are situated in central Europe.
After visiting the site, we at STRAIL decided how
to design the panels:
In spring 2007 we received a query from our Czech
sales partner, Mr. Lubomir Vit, asking whether
STRAIL would be able to cover a terminal in
¬ very flat rhombus surface
> advantage with rotating traffic
¬ the panels were completely strengthened
with a special textile
¬ filler blocks strengthened in the same way
¬ the flange groove was reduced from 75 mm
to 60 mm (the set regulation for the Czech
railway is 75 mm, but as this was not an
“official track”, the flange grooves could be
reduced in size).
We were also able to solve the problem of the
reinforced panels. These were designed in such
a way that the base of the reinforced panel was
also made as a movement stopper. We could
thus guarantee the STRAIL panels would remain
in place after installation.
In the middle of June 2007 we were ready. Only
four months after project commencement, we
were able to install this extraordinary level crossing.
Our assembly supervisor, Jürgen Dehner was on
site, as well as Hubert Dumpler, who had designed the reinforced panels. Our team was completed by Dusan Vit (STRAIL sales partner, Czech
Republic). The first section (approx. 35 m) could
be installed, whereby particular attention was
paid to correct assembly of the reinforced panel.
The construction company on site then took over
the rest of the installation.
The pictures show the installation of the reinforced panel, as well as the end result.
We would like to thank all those involved for
their efforts, particularly our STRAIL sales partner, the company Vitesse > Lubomir
and Dusan Vit.
Direct trains
Connecting trains
(Map used with the kind permission of KOMBI-Verkehr, Frankfurt)
Matthias Hoeke
Project planning / Export team
STRAIL level crossing systems
STRAIL >
Customer workshop
page - 9 -
In the Kapuzinerhof in Laufen (an der Salzach)
we were able to welcome our guests from the
German railway bases in Crailsheim, Karlsruhe,
Murnau, Nürnberg, Stuttgart, Ulm and Weiden
with an evening meal.
The next morning we got to work >
The presentation of the KRAIBURG group was
followed by further presentations on STRAIL’s
entire product range.
newsletter > issue 01/2008
tiSTRAIL and veloSTRAIL by looking at the practical example.
Due to bad weather (it was pouring down) we
had to cut our visit to the test crossing short and
made our way to Gundertshausen to the „Steinerwirt“.
Here a substantial „Brat´l in da Rein“ (a roast
pork speciality) was waiting for us and was followed by a game of skittles, which rounded off
a pleasant and sociable evening rather nicely.
Particular attention was paid to our new proThe last day’s agenda consisted of a tour at our
ducts pontiSTRAIL and veloSTRAIL.
One of the workshop topics was also the profes- plant in Tittmoning and an assembly demonstration of our products. After lunch in our cansional installation of each product.
teen, we said goodbye to our visitors, who then
Following our presentations, we talked to our returned home.
customers about their experiences with STRAIL, Thank you very much for your interest! It was
the advantages and disadvantages of our pro- very nice to meet you!
ducts and we also discussed opportunities of
improving the systems from our customers’ point
Rainer Hendlmayr
of view. When visiting the site of our test level
Industrial field sales, South Germany
crossing in Siggerwiesen we were then able to
discuss the advantages of the new systems pon-
Railway level crossing symposium 2007 in Mühldorf >
South-East Bavarian railways
On 28.02. and 01.03.2007 a railway level crossing symposium took place at Sout-East Bavarian railways (SOB) in Mühldorf. This should be
the starting point of an international initiative
(D, A, CH) for working together in the future on
the issue of safety on railway crossings.
Aims of the railway level crossing symposium
were: The development of strategies for increasing level crossing safety relating to:
¬
¬
¬
¬
¬
road safety questions
funding
new technical safeguards
the closure of level crossings
level crossings in the media
After introduction of the issues by Mr.Essl (SOB)
and Dr. Böhlke, Doctor of Engineering from
the Federal Railway Authority (EBA), a series of
presentations were made with the following
content:
1. Level crossing safety:
Wilfred Ruhs MEng (EBA-Munich) How are level
crossings safeguarded today? What problems
result from this?
What are the most common causes of accidents?
What new possibilities exist as additional protective measures?
2. The road user’s viewpoint: Dr. PhD Eng
Norbert Klassen (ADAC-Münich)
The issues in this presentation were shown
particularly from the perspective of a road user.
3. Responsibility at the level crossing: Mr.
Klaus-Dieter Wittenberg (Syndikus DB Netz AG)
What do general legal regulations look like at
the intersection of road and rail?
The second day of the conference began with
best practice presentations. Mr. Wilhelm BEng
(ÖBB – Austrian railways), Dr. Leemann (CH)
and Mr. Moroder (I) were able to demonstrate
in their presentations how the issue of level
crossing safety is dealt with in their countries
respectively. New, innovative approaches were
also presented.
Following these presentations, workshops then
took place on the topics: funding, international
experience, new technical safeguards, closure
of level crossings and communication.
I would like to congratulate the SOB very much
on a successful conference and at the same
time express my thanks to them for allowing
us to present our products within this pleasant
setting.
Rainer Hendlmayr
Industrial field sales, South Germany
page - 10 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
newsletter > issue 01/2008
STRAIL in Croatia
L
Advancing forward for further success.
Highest ever turnover in Hungary
In 2007 we reached an all-time turnover record in Hungary, which is
about 100 % above that of the previous year!
This success is a result (amongst other things) of being awarded the
contract of various invitations for tender from the MAV (Hungarian State
Railway), to deliver our material directly.
This is indeed a success made possible by us all, but especially by our
location colleague, Mr. Károly Felföldi. His tireless work and excellent
connections due to more than 30 years employment at MAV, ensure that
STRAIL is constantly viewed in a very positive light by the state railway.
I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank Károly Felföldi
very much for his work and to congratulate him on this success!
In 2007 we were able to continue our successful co-operation with the
Croatian rail company “HZ” with three great projects >
1. Zagreb - Rijeka passage with 9 STRAIL level crossings
2. Refurbishment of the Vinkovci – Osijek line with 15 STRAIL level crossings
3. Project for “HZ“ general maintenance on various sections with 31
STRAIL level crossings
These successes in Croatia are also a result of good product quality, the
Tittmoning service, good team work with our STRAIL sales partners in Croatia, as well as the responsible people at “HZ”.
Many thanks.
Walter Gruber
Export manager
Hubert Mayer
Export manager
Export manager Hubert Mayer (freezing!!!) and
Károly Felföldi (in shirtsleeves!!!)
Re-railing stations at Vattenfall
The Vattenfall Europe Mining AG operates several open cast pits for mining
brown coal in Eastern Germany. The excavators required run on tracks,
which are regularly moved using rail shifting machines. These rail shifting
machines are two-way vehicles which have track axles as well as a caterpillar drive.
Together with employees from Vattenfall, we have developed new rerailing stations for these shifting machines, which satisfy the special
requirements of an open cast pit. The sand, on which the tracks are laid,
proved to be quite a challenge.
The results are heavily modified STRAIL panels, which are attached to a
steel pontoon. This, in turn, is connected to the track via chains, so that
the re-railing station is pulled along whenever the track is shifted. By
now, these have stood the test of almost a year of daily usage.
This project demonstrates how innovative product solutions are developed through working closely with the customer. As a result, these
solutions open up new market areas. I would therefore like to take this
opportunity to say how much of a pleasure it was to work together with
the Vattenfall company.
Hendrik Klein
Behrens & Klein Rail Systems GmbH
STRAIL level crossing systems
page - 11 -
newsletter > issue 01/2008
Platform-edge
Marseille > France
Platform edge Marseille „Nez de quai“
Through close work with architects, carriage manufacturers, STRAIL France S.A. and STRAIL in Tittmoning, we broke new ground with the development and production of a platform edge for
the extended „Tramway Marseille“ of the „Régie
des Transports de Marseille (RTM)“.
face increases the comfort level in the case of
contact with the carriage, where a simultaneous, minimal optical and technical interference
occurs. In return, the non-skid surface structure
allows for safe boarding and alighting.
In addition, custom-built border elements were
developed and produced in a form complexity
that has not existed until now, to further improve technical and optical quality.
The satisfactory production of the first prototypes in February was followed by serial production, delivery to the customer and finally, installation from May to June 2007.
The background for the development was to
enable comfortable, gap-free boarding, with
greater accessibility for children and the handicapped.
The generally required safety distances between
carriage and platform could only be guaranteed
because of the use of elastic rubber. The low
installation height allows boarding of the lowlevel carriages to be made on the same level.
The platform can also be stepped onto from the
track in the same way.
In some cases, the tram track is also used by
normal traffic. The modular construction therefore allows us to quickly and easily replace damaged components in the future, should the
need arise.
Hubert Dumpler
Development
The friction-reduced geometry of the front sur-
Nordic-Rail > Sweden
Nordic-Rail fair 2007 in Jönköping, Sweden
> STRAIL was represented again.
In October, STRAIL also took part once again at
Hubert Mayer
one of the most important rail fairs in ScandaExport manager
navia with it‘s own stand. The fair took place
in Jönköping at the south end of Lake Vätter
(Sweden’s second largest lake). It therefore
came as no surprise that top-floor managers
right down to rail workers - all levels of the
railway entity were there to get the most recent
rail transport news.
Of course, it was also no surprise that our STRAIL
stand was one of the main attractions among
the smaller stands and was almost constantly
surrounded by people in the first two days. On
the last day, there were generally fewer visitors, so that our fair crew were able to take a
look around the hall.
In addition to a few new contacts, we were, of
course, also able to cultivate long existing ones
and our Swedish representatives Leif Jönsson
and Tommy Lillqvist played an active role in
this, so that the successful trend of the last few The fair team >
years in Scandinavia should also continue in Leif Jönsson (STRAIL Sweden), Thomas Wiescholek
(STRAILastic team), Patrick Mörtl (Internal Sales and
the future.
Logistics), Hubert Mayer (Export manager)
Surströmming >
Surströmming is a Swedish fish delicacy, which
needs to be prepared before eating, so that not
much of the „smelly“ liquid surrounding the fish is
consumed. Herrings are filleted and put on Tunnbröd, which is spread with butter. Traditionally, the
Surströmming is served with cold milk and aquavit
or beer. You can see that the taste of Surströmming needs getting used to, by the expression on
Hubert’s face (to Leif’s amusement)!
page - 12 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
newsletter > issue 01/2008
Welcome to the STRAIL team
Over the last year, we acquired the following new members of staff, who have contributed to realising STRAIL’s ambitious goals >
1)
2)
3)
4)
6)
5)
Thank you, for
20 years STRAIL
Jürgen Dehner – Assembly manager
Employed since 30.06.1987, trained mechanic.
Started in production at GWKE and has been
in the assembly team since 01.06.1993. His
former boss and mentor was Willi Prasse.
2 children, hobby: fishing > freezer in the car,
as he travels to Norway and Denmark once a
year. KTM Fan.
Training
Offensive for 2008
20 years STRAIL
Walter Gruber - Export manager
Employed since16.02.1987, originally trained
as a locksmith. Took over several duties at
GWKE > 16.02.1987 shift leader / 01.06.1987
foreman for end production, storage and shipping / 01.03.1994 Head of order processing
centre / Product manager / since 01.02.2000
Export manager. 2 children, good tennis player, swimming pond in the garden.
20 years STRAIL
Willy Molter – Development manager
Employed since 01.09.1987, Industrial salesman & MBA. Started at KRAIBURG-TPE
and his last position here was in technical
marketing. Since 07.06.2004 in Tittmoning.
Firstly as Export manager mainly focussing on
the European sales area, since 02/2006 development manager. 2 children, 1860 Munich
& Alfa Romeo Fan, Trainer for the DJK SV
Raitenhaslach junior football team.
30 years STRAIL
Reinhard Stäudner - Development
Employed since 31.01.1977, skilled engine fitter and engine construction technician. From
the beginning in the development department
> constructed the first STRAIL moulds and
production facilities, invented (among others)
the STRAIL lock tight system. 1 daughter,
likes the mountains e.g. on freeride skis, on
the motorbike, on foot, on bike and with a fast
VW Polo; also rides a recumbent bike.
We (Gerhard Kuch, Alexander Hansen and I) had the opportunity on
08.11.2007 and 14.11.2007 to present the KRAIBURG group and the following trainee occupations to approx. 120 pupils at the Fridolfing and
Tittmoning secondary schools:
Electronic technician for industrial engineering, Industrial mechanic,
Machine operator, Logistic and warehousing specialist, Industrial sales person, Technical product designer, IT sales person.
After introducing ourselves, we showed the pupils a company presentation (divided into the two divisions AGRI and STRAIL). We used
a Powerpoint presentation with several short company films, so that
the pupils could see the type of products we manufacture and how
they are produced.
At the end, the pupils were allowed to ask us questions. The most
important questions seemed to be > “What sort of grades are important?“, “What sort of things do you particularly look for on job
applications?”.
Quite a number of pupils were very surprised to learn that not just
school marks are taken into consideration during the “selection process”, but also the report assessment. As a result of what we said
about assessment also playing a very important role, quite a few pupils will probably now try and improve this in their next report! The
training contents of the trainee occupations offered by us, were, as a
whole, familiar to the pupils. It is also interesting for us to discover
what young people find important, how they visualise their personal future and what sort of expectations they have of their future
employer. We asked these questions using questionnaires, which are
currently being evaluated and whose results will be discussed directly
with the schools.
Finally, I can say that it was a really interesting experience for me to
present KRAIBURG to school classes and I hope we will have more of
these opportunities in the future.
Sandra Enhuber
Personnel department
page - 13 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
Our new colleagues >
1) Stefanie Koll - former trainee > now: IT and financial accounting /
2) Cécilé Mahé - Sales and logistics > STRAIL France /
3) Reinhard Giglmaier - Sales team STRAILastic /
4) Alexander Schneider - Production /
5) Stefan Federl - Production /
6) Günther Novacek - Production /
7)
8)
9)
newsletter > issue 01/2008
7) Ingrid Obermayer - Communication /
8) Raimund Bartek - Production /
9) Florent Vautherin - Sales, north France >STRAIL France /
10) Dan Vasile Vlad - Production /
11) Markus Deißenböck - Project planning, eastern Europe (from 01.01.2008)
12) Gregory Vache - Sales, South of France> STRAIL France (from 02/2008)
10)
11)
12)
Motorbike tour
We have quite a few enthusiastic motorbikers at STRAIL and I am one of
them, as well as our colleague Klaus Behrens.
Klaus lives and works in Braunschweig, which is quite a convenient location for STRAIL (Klaus looks after our customers in northern Germany
from his base in Braunschweig) , but not necessarily for the motorbiker
Klaus Behrens. And so, together with his BMW, he normally comes and
visits us in the mountains once a year, so that he can really let rip on
his motorbike.
This picture was taken on the Rossfeld. As you can see:
¬ the atmosphere was great
¬ the weather could have been better
¬ the fleet was a bit unbalanced > on the right, my good, old Kawasaki made in 1980 and on the left, Klaus and Peter (a friend of
Klaus) with their cool BMW’s!
Andreas Herder
Managing Director
Isidor Treyer - field sales, Switzerland
Employed since 01.07.1987. Began as a works
mechanic at “Gezolan AG”, a Swiss daughter
company of KRAIBURG and later employed in
the assembly service for the professional installation of our level crossings in Switzerland –
first at Gezolan AG and directly employed by
STRAIL since 01.07.2002. Since 01.09.2004
industrial field sales, STRAIL Switzerland.
Hobbies > cycling, camping and family.
THANK YOU for 20 years STRAIL!
Ernest Kornet - Production
employed from 05.09.1990 - 30.09.2007,
(2001-2007 partially retired; now fully retired),
lives in Tittmoning und from time to time in
Romania. He originally trained as a locksmith
and mainly worked on the STRAIL presses 7
and 12. He was a pleasant and popular colleague. Mr. Kornet keeps fit and also likes to
look after soul and spirit (wellness).
THANK YOU, for your dedication to STRAIL!
Josef Hofer - Production
On 20.10.06 Josef Hofer had a serious
traffic accident on his way home from work.
He broke his pelvis on both sides and also
suffered from concussion and bruising. After
long hospital stays in Oberndorf and Salzburg,
he underwent rehabilitation at Bad Füssing
Josef has been actively back on board since
05.04.2007.
GREAT to have you back!
STRAIL level crossing systems
page - 14 -
newsletter > issue 01/2008
Team spirit.
Like any team, we also need team players at STRAIL who like to get involved with enthusiasm and so become a part of STRAIL’s success. Junior development is particularly important in this area and this is why we place the onus on training in our Tittmoning location (STRAIL and AGRI). Twelve
trainees will start with us in September 2008 and we have not yet found suitable candidates for four skilled profession positions. Three of these
positions are new and first need to be developed (see below). This year large investments will be made in our location. “We want to expand further
and will be employing additional staff over the next few years. It is difficult to find suitable qualified personnel in our region and therefore training
is even more important. We want to inspire young people and are offering new interesting skilled professions alongside the original ones.” says
Gerhard Kuch, head of STRAIL personnel.
Creativity, courage to experiment, personal responsibility and initiative are all important points. Our motto is: Get on board and become a co-creator. After systematic on-the-job training, trainees take on responsibility for specific task areas during their training quite early. In regular talks with
our trainees, we discuss personal development opportunities and support them in achieving their goals.
The seven current trainees enjoy a varied and sound training, which allows them to take a look at every area. An attractive salary, good-grade bonuses, the opportunity for additional development during the training period, flexi-time and a very good chance of being taken on after successfully passing training – these are all great perspectives for young people.
At www.strail.de/jobs you will find all positions we would currently like to fill, e.g. our Training offers >
¬ Training > Track construction specialist (m/f) ( vocational training and Bachelor’s degree in only 4
years)
¬ Training> Rail track builder with vocational diploma (m/f)
(3-year vocational training)
Each position has a dual training system. This means that while you are training at a rail track construction firm, you are also studying at
Erfurt technical college. This way, you are able to gain practical experience during your studies at the same time as earning money. We
support you during your training in Erfurt by helping with flat-hunting, housing and travelling costs.
¬ Training > Technical product designer (m/f)
Do you have good ideas and like working together with others to set things in motion?
If so, you are the right person for the job – we are looking forward to your application!
Luise Hafner
Communication
Social commitment
„from colleagues,
for colleagues“
Working hand in hand! Achieving common
targets! Sharing success! Shaping the future together!
This is our „vision“ for a strong and stable company culture. However, this involves not just the
up sides but also the down sides of working together: “Being there for each other and backing
each other up in times of need.”
In the last two years, we had two deaths among
colleagues, which had an impact on all of us, but
particularly on the families left behind, where
spouses and small children were forced to readjust their lives.
These deaths caused us to think about what we
can do for our „community“ in the future to be
able to deal with such strokes of fate in a better
way and to at least be able to provide time and
space for new orientation.
In the middle of 2007 a solidarity fund was initiated by a project team. Colleagues can voluntarily pay either a regular or annual amount into
this fund. The processing was done simply and
automatically via the payroll system. After a six
month „probation period“ our expectations were
far exceeded with a participation rate of 30% of
all personnel and four-figure donation amounts.
We can say with pride that “solidarity for each
other” is being lived out by employees with a
heart.
As a result of this success, in January 2008 we
founded the non-profit association for helping
colleagues in need, whose aim is to support colleagues in need. The founding of this association
has the advantage for us German colleagues, that
the association issues donation receipts for contributions, which can then be entered on the tax
declaration as a tax credit.
Recently I read the article „Good and kind-hearted. A speech about talent and the elite.” by the
former German president Roman Herzog, which
deeply moved me. Here is an excerpt, which I
think is quite fitting to our topic. “ We need people whose solidarity also touches those who can
never be of any use to them and whose reason is
not simply formed by cold rationality and performance rates.”
With this quotation I would like to say „sincere
thanks“ to everyone who has supported this social project in any way up to now and who will
continue to do so in the future.
Thank you.
Gerhard Kuch
Administration manager
page - 15 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
newsletter > issue 01/2008
„On a cruise > or
„STRAIL management in the same boat“
Experiences of a private holiday trip
Mayerix, Hauserix, the co-skipper Sicherix (no
STRAILer) and me (Kuchix).
After the relevant discussions (where? who?
when? how?) und the theoretical small talk (how
to tie a knot etc.) the day finally arrived on Saturday, 29th September 2007.
A part of the team picked up the 49 foot Chartered yacht “Deep Blue” in Biograd (Croatia) and
this was our home for 7 days. For a few days, we
sailed southwards along the coast to Skradin via
Murter and Sibenik. On 03.10.2007, after a planned exchange of part of the team, we headed
„When are we going to go on a sailing trip?“
further westwards and then bearing north sailed
„When are we going to go on a sailing trip?“
Oh yes, there we have them, the still intrepid through the untouched Kornate islands for two
STRAILers from the small village of Tittmoning an days. On Friday, 05.10.2007 our “Deep Blue”
der Salzach, who constantly nagged me with this sailed back into the port of departure.
“mantra”.
During our sailing trip we saw dolphins, who
Those readers who know Asterix, also know that crossed our path more than once, held a sailing
at some point the fearless Gauls end up going on speed competition against each other, visited the
their adventure and so it was in our case.
National Park Krka Waterfalls, ate delicious fish
in Konobas ( these are taverns in Asterix), cooked
In the course of time, faith in our own abilities as and fried tasty things in the galley (no wild boar,
well as in the team had come to such a point of of course!). We also had amazing luck and were
maturity (even without a magic elixir!), that we able to enjoy seven days of sunshine and an ideal
tackled the adventure “Holiday under sails with wind for beginners (wind strength 3-5). We also
comrades” with the STRAILers Kaserix, Molterix, enjoyed music on board, but the Roman bard Eros
Ramazotti turned out, by some, to be the disliked
Herderix, Gruberix,
„On a cruise“ or who hasn’t heard of the pirates
lead by Enternix from the Asterix stories, who
always meet the same fate: in every story they
sink lock, stock and barrel. As “part-time skipper”
I have been saved from this fate up to now, but I
know that sailing is a leisure activity caught between “hell and paradise”. Due to my own experiences (strong winds in the Aegean or storms on
the Chiemsee) I have gained a healthy respect of
the forces of nature over time.
The..
The..
The..
STRAIL‘ers
Who?
Troubadix, although the Gallic bards from “Dire
Straits” found general appreciation and approval.
On top of this, we also found out that not only
women have problems with “reverse parking”.
The intrepid STRAILers finally returned to their
village an der Salzach, healthy and in one piece.
And as is right and proper, there was a closing
banquet at Gruberix’s place a few weeks later, at
which many tankards were lifted in honour of our
joint adventure. “All’s well that ends well.”
By the way – we didn’t see any pirates. A shame,
really. Us STRAILers had been so looking forward
to meeting them!
Kuchix > alias
Gerhard Kuch
Administration manager
STRAIL level crossing systems
page - 16 -
newsletter > issue 01/2008
The development department develops itself
The core tasks of the STRAIL development department are to develop new products until they are
ready for serial production, to constantly improve
existing products and adapt them to customer requirements.
Afterwards, areas were identified where things could
be improved and it was decided where changes
were necessary. Individuals’ structures and models
are analysed and their impact, cost and effectiveness examined. Finally, solutions, as well as tasks
and action plans needed to be derived.
Besides technical knowledge and rail track knowhow, the ability to work in a team plays an impor- Besides mental work, our trainer also gave us two,
tant role in the job specifications of a STRAIL deve- quite substantial practical tasks, which we needed
loper.
to solve, working together as a team. The highlight
of these tasks was most definitely the task “Rocket
However, since there is always room for good to get launch”. A firework rocket had to be launched from
better and there have been a few personnel chan- a particular position in a given time and with the
ges in the development area, the development team material available. Certain areas of the “work field”
got together this year for some team training.
were out-of-bounds or were only allowed to be entered for a limited period of time by a small number
With the help of an external trainer, the aim was to of persons, so that we had to make a sophisticated,
draw a common picture of what teamwork in the logical plan, as well as finding a technical solutidevelopment department should look like in the fu- on. We were also not allowed to manually light the
ture. As a result, unnecessary frictional losses should fuse.
be reduced to a minimum and therefore lead to
further improvements in satisfaction and efficiency. The pictures give you an idea of what the task looked
like.
So the five team members headed off to the Chiemsee for 11/2 days to develop themselves instead of Needless to say, the „rocket launch“ worked in the
rubber products.
end, even though it was necessary to make an adjustment because of the strong, changing wind.
The 11/2 days were divided into a diagnosis and a
Willy Molter
processing phase. First of all a picture was made of
Development manager
the present situation which served as a basis for the
processing phase.
STRAIL in Japan
Demand has been booming recently for InnoStrail, the system used during track construction as
a temporary crossing. In 1987, former JNR (Japan National Railway) was privatized and divided
into 7 railway companies (East, Central, West Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kyushu and JR-Freight).
East JR, the largest company, has a high opinion of STRAIL products because of their easy and
fast installation. This is essential because non-operation time of trains in Japan is usually only
from one o’clock to four o’clock in the morning.
In the west of Japan, Hankyu railway, one of the largest private railway companies, has been
pushing forward with its STRAIL projects for the past six years. Their area of operation includes
a large residential area and STRAIL’s has a good reputation, especially with elderly, pram users
and users of wheelchairs.
Sumitomo, Japan
STRAIL Sales Partner
page - 17 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
newsletter > issue 01/2008
Development in new directions
> Product development seminar with the Technical University of Munich
The engineering department from the Technical
University of Munich aims to impart practice orientated knowledge to its students and therefore
offers so-called “product development seminars” in co-operation with business companies.
A number of well-known companies have already taken part in such seminars and STRAIL
also decided to head in this direction, a quite
unusual path for us.
This means the company has to produce a concrete development task which is then processed
by a group of students. The group is led by two
lecturers from the Technical University of Munich.
Methods and techniques which lead to brainstorming and evaluation of ideas are the central
focus of the first part of the task.
A combination of systematic market analysis
methods and various creative techniques were
used to increase the existing product palette in
a constructive way.
What solutions exist for inconsistencies?
Derivatives of problem formulation
Derivatives of inconsistencies
Assignment of applicable technical parameters
Analysis of the Altschuller matrix
Application of solution principles
Extend the solution area
Particular attention was paid to the consideration of both operator and user requirements.
In addition to classical methods like brainstorming and use cases, which show various user
perspectives, TRIZ methodology and systematic testing have particularly proved themselves
in level crossing interlocking operational areas
(road and track).
Groups are formed from a wealth of ideas (more
One for all
than 120 in our case) and systematically filter
out the most promising idea threads.
In the second stage, the selected idea threads
are then worked out in more detail.
In addition to the ideas for product development, the knowledge and application of the
tools used by the students are extraordinarily
helpful in our daily work.
Deflection plates are an inconspicuous yet integral part of almost all STRAIL level crossings. Placed
at the end of the full surface covering they are
designed to prevent loose hanging parts, such as
a carriage coupler from damaging the covering of
the crossing or getting caught in the panels and
tearing them away which could lead to derailment of the train.
This is an inconspicuous component, which fulfils
an important function on the level crossing and
can be found on almost every STRAIL level crossing.
One particular idea is currently being developed
and should probably be ready for a practice test
this year.
Willy Molter
Development manager
During 2008, we will release a re-designed, universal deflection plate that will be suitable for all
product generations, gauges and track forms.
This means that if the user has one of the new
style deflection plates in stock (e.g. from a dismantled STRAIL crossing) it will be suitable for installation in any level crossing with perfect fit and
functionality.
Also there will be no to contact STRAIL for the correct part or re-orders.
Willy Molter
Development manager
STRAIL level crossing systems
page - 18 -
newsletter > issue 01/2008
Project „Bomag“
At the beginning of 2007 the company Bomag
(one of the world’s largest manufacturers of
road rollers) approached us and asked if we
could produce or prepare small “testing beds”
for their vibrating compactors.
The reason for the request was that Bomag was
only able to present its machines in a limited
way at trade fairs or even not at all due to their
noise and din. This is why they recently tried out
a compactor on a nearby STRAIL level crossing to
see what would happen. As the result was more
than satisfactory, they got in contact with us.
After some planning talks and internal experiments, the outcome was a tailored-made solution, now enabling Bomag to test their road rollers and vibrating compactors and present these
products to interested customers.
In the first stage, small „rubber roads“ were constructed to show how the idea works in practice. After successful completion of these tests, we
received the commission to equip their own test
bed with rubber panels in accordance with Bomag parameters.
Of course, as we were not dealing with standard
rail track measurements for the test bed, all panels were manufactured as customised products.
In order to fulfil these special requirements, the
developers turned to special materials, which
have not existed in serial parts in such a form
until now.
One distinctive feature is demonstrated by the
so-called „joint tester“. Two semi-circular ridges
were integrated into the rubber panels as an
exact fit. This simulated unevenness of the level
rubber surface should demonstrate the roller’s
horizontal flexibility and test the durability of
the joints of the road roller.
As the roller can drive automatically on the test
bed, it is possible to conduct constant, roundthe-clock tests, which make great demands both
on the machine and the rubber surface.
our assembly department and since then have
been providing a perfect performance to our
customer’s satisfaction.
Norbert Ehrenlechner
Project planning team, Germany
The panels were installed in the test bed by
Track markings
In our last newsletter we reported on the new
marking paint for STRAIL level crossing panels.
This paint for marking kerbs and central reserves, was developed together with a specialist
and has been considered as standard for a fairly
long time at STRAIL.
This marked the successful completion of the
first stage of this project. The second stage aims
to improve the paint in such a way that even
frequently crossed lines have markings that remain permanent. At the moment we are running long series of extensive tests on our own
in-house test bed. After the best test products
have undergone a set test cycle several times,
they then have to undergo a practice test over a
longer period of time.
The task of finding such a marking paint seems
to be really simple at first, but as usual, the devil is in the details.
Aiming for a good bond on rubber is basically a
very difficult undertaking.
In addition to this, the paint has to be as elastic
as the rubber panel, otherwise the paint’s surface will crack and break. Standard paints and
lacquers are therefore out of the running from
the very start.
The paint also needs to have a strong wear resistance to be able to withstand constantly being
rolled over. And finally, it needs to satisfy and
conform to the appropriate standards and regulations.
After completion of the above tests we will report our findings here.
Willy Molter
Development Manager
page - 19 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
newsletter > issue 01/2008
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STRAILastic Marketing in Hammerschmiede
In order to provide our youngest “child” STRAILastic with a good future, we organised a conference
on this topic in August. Our location was Hammerschmiede in Anthering.
Some of our customers already know this secluded, romantic place near Salzburg from joint customer workshops. Even though it is also necessary to set the course, we still like to withdraw to
this place.
We spent the whole day dealing with relatively simple questions:
¬ why should the customer buy my proposal?
¬ what is the specific benefit?
¬ what advantages do we have over our competitors?
We analysed competitors in work groups, defined our own „status quo“ and the competitive position for which we are striving in the future. We decided on a list of measures needed to be taken
to bring us from the status quo to reach our target.
This means work, primarily for the development department and – surprise, surprise – for our
marketing specialists.
Bringing stability to
the rail track.
Interested?
At the InnoTrans in Berlin (23.-26.09.2008) we want to present the newly-wrapped STRAILastic
package for the first time! WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE!
Andreas Herder
Managing Director
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STRAILastic_Duo
Therefore, over the next few years, we want
to build more strongly on the synergies within
the KRAIBURG group. With so much potential,
we should be able to succeed in developing
more innovative and highly efficient products.
multi-part green track system with multiple usage >
¬
¬
¬
¬
¬
Complete track covering
Easy access to track installation elements
High electrical insulation
Simple assembly
Cost efficient
Thomas Wiescholek
STRAILastic manager
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STRAIL and STRAILastic investigate noise reduction
of their products.
We have built a sound-absorbing test room to be able to measure the effectiveness of our products ourselves (and therefore quicker) in the future. We can test the noise insulation effectiveness of our products using this room and a multi-channel measuring device.
Thomas Wiescholek
STRAILastic manager
At Tittmoning, we want to place our
STRAILastic products on the market over the
next few years using this slogan and together
with our customers want to develop further
solutions for insulation and damping in
mainline and commuter rail systems.
Another production facility means the first
milestones have been laid for a capacity increase. This also enables us to realise new or
other opportunities concerning our specific
manufacturing process and as a result increases the benefit of our products to our customers.
We were able to steadily acquire new transport companies as customers e.g. Oslo, Norway, but this would not have been possible
without the commitment of all employees on
site and in the group.
I am confident that we are now able to further
develop the path we have chosen and so I do
not want to miss this opportunity to thank
our employees as well as our customers, who
have rewarded our shown commitment with
a contract.
We have much planned for this coming year
and our aim is to be able to present you with
even more extremely interesting STRAILastic
solutions.
Thomas Wiescholek
STRAILastic manager
page - 20 -
STRAIL level crossing systems
newsletter > issue 01/2008
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In 2008 STRAIL has become a member
of ifv Bahntechnik e.V.
STRAIL on tour
STRAIL will be represented at the following fairs in 2008 >
¬ EXPO Ferroviaria from 20.-22. May 2008 in Turin, Italy.
> with our STRAIL sales partner Thermit Italiana
¬ InnoTrans (International technical fair for transport technology) from
23. - 26. September 2008 in Berlin
¬ Trade Show > SALZA from 18. - 21. September 2008 in Tittmoning
¬ CORE Conference from 07. - 10. September 2008 in Perth Convention
Exhibition Centre, Perth W.A. / Australia
¬ Negócios nos Trilhos 2008 (2008 Business on Rails Show) from
04. - 06. November in São Paulo, Brazil
> with our STRAIL sales partner CM Equipamentos Ferroviários
More information on: e.g. Stand no. etc, as well as further trade fair
participation can be found on our website nearer the time.
I nterdisziplinärer
F orschungsV erbund
Bahntechnik e.V
(Interdisciplinary Research Association for rail technology)
The TU Berlin is responsible for the IFV Bahntechnik e.V. which primarily
deals with acoustics, vehicle technology and infrastructure. Members are
railway companies, manufacturers, service providers and research institutes.
STRAIL and STRAILastic would like to use this membership to advise relevant expert panels with their experience and know-how.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Thomas Wiescholek
STRAILastic Manager
The town of Tittmoning
...living on the brighter side of life
The presentation of the Image film “Give your
town a face” was celebrated by active participants, citizens and sponsors with two large
festivals in Tittmoning.
Please find below an excerpt from the Chiemgau weekly paper >
Active participants, organisers, sponsors and citizens
experienced a festival which was full of enjoyment,
elation and lots of music. The talented singers Michael and Sabine Mühltaler,Thomas Hiermeier and
Daniela Binder, as well as Christine Kirchner once
more showed the whole extent of their versatile musical singing talents.
Few towns have searched so intensely for talent and
found it in such diversity.
It was clear to see the emotion with which visitors
watched Tittmoning’s new image film with the moving title song from Sabine Mühltaler. She had tears
of joy in her eyes as she was presented with a recor-
ding contract. Around 736 voting slips for the search
for Tittmoning’s most expressive face were handed in
at the town hall in four categories and now the suspense is over. The following winners of the Face-ofTittmoning competition go home with a professional
photo shooting and a modelling contract:
Sebastian Auer (Kids), Daniela Binder (Teens), Adelheid Vonholdt (Best years) und Klaus Mühltaler (Life
experience). The project’s supporters and sponsors
were also enthusiastic about the presentation of the
company film. Celebrations went on into the early
hours of the morning.
We are also „a face of the town of Tittmoning“
and participated in the firms’ sponsoring package with a short image film, which we intend
to integrate into our presentations as an introduction. We had great fun doing the shoot
and also enjoyed the end result. Here are a few
impressions of the fun and festive celebrations>
STRAIL systems for track surfaces / Gummiwerk KRAIBURG Elastik GmbH
D-84529 Tittmoning / Göllstraße 8 / phone +49|8683|701-0 / fax -126 / [email protected] / www.strail.com
Impressum
Issuer > STRAIL transport systems / Contributions > Employees & STRAIL Partners / Editors > Andreas Herder, Luise Hafner / Design > Luise Hafner /
Print > Druckerei Lippl, Tittmoning
STRAIL is a trademark of the
group