With 320 locations in 90 countries, Knauf is a manufacturer of building materials. Gypsum, gypsum-related products, and insulation are produced and sold in almost all Western and Eastern Europe. For more than ten years, Knauf has been working closely with the ÖBB RCG.
The gypsum starts its journey at different locations - block trains are used. In Slovenia, titanium gypsum is transported from Celje to Weißenbach near Liezen. FGD gypsum is also transported from Sostanj to Weißenbach near Liezen. In Lower Austria, citric acid gypsum is also transported from Pernhofen-Wulzeshofen to Weißenbach near Liezen. In total, around 125,000 tonnes of gypsum are transported by sustainable rail every year.
An additional 80,000 tonnes from Tragöß in Styria will be added in March 2024. The gypsum is transported from the quarry to the loading point in Kapfenberg by electric lorry. A large forklift truck then loads the gypsum onto the train wagons. In a highly efficient and resource-saving way, these wagon groups are then transported to their destination by single wagonload train. At the main plant in Weißenbach near Liezen, the raw materials are then used to produce plasterboard.
Another important part of the partnership is what is known as 'city logistics'. This involves transporting the finished gypsum blocks for the Vienna market to the port of Vienna Freudenau. This logistics solution, which includes rail transport, transshipment and storage, demonstrates the potential of innovative logistics strategies. It will be extended to other provinces in the future.
