One machining center follows the other in the production plant and there is not much storage space. The automation solution from Liebherr is designed precisely for restricted spaces. “We can store up to 21 pallets in the RLS in a confined space. The entire system also takes into account the individual delivery dates and can be adapted dynamically – depending on prioritization”, is how the machine operator Michael Wizany explains the benefits of the Liebherr system. If a new part is coded in the system, the automation solution automatically recognizes recurring components. “With the use of the rotary loading system we achieve time savings of up to 50 percent”, states the 28-year-old about the enormous increase in production efficiency. Thanks to the rotary loading system the machining center can also be supplied with parts without any manual intervention, which is beneficial particularly after the end of a shift. “We work in a two-shift operation, but can continue to produce up to four hours after the end of a shift thanks to this automation. The next morning, the employee unclamps the parts machined overnight and can perform new clamping processes”, explains Production Manager Michael Schöftner. Schöftner and his team appreciate the stable, robust, and yet high-precision functionality of the Liebherr automation, as well as the fault-free and very reliable operational readiness of the RLS right from the start. “When choosing such a machine, we pay great attention to the manufacturing company. We obtained a fully developed concept with the solution from Liebherr”, adds Schöftner.

However, at Rosenbauer the individual employee is always the decisive factor – despite automation. “Our employees are experts in the area of mechanical production. The machine and the RLS must be programmed and monitored. This is a very responsible job”, states the 39-year-old. And his employee Michael Wizany adds: “Automation needs professionals”. Many employees are also active firefighters and contribute their experience to day-to-day work. Lifeblood for firefighting can almost be felt here.

In addition to tests under real conditions, the Panther is also put through its paces on the factory premises and deliberately pushed to its performance limit, because the vehicle must perform its duty even under extreme conditions in the event of an emergency. Around 750 vehicles leave the Leonding-based plant every year and are used all around the world. Whether it is in the USA, Saudi Arabia, or South America – the Upper Austrian company manufactures its vehicles for diverse requirement profiles and standards. In addition, firefighting equipment, such as helmets or gloves, are also sold, meaning Rosenbauer has positioned itself as a Full-Liner for firefighting on the market.

When the chassis is coupled to the structure, the vehicle is individually laminated and fitted with the desired technical equipment. After all of this is completed, the big moment arrives– leaving the hall and the handover to the customer. Rosenbauer created a special customer center for this purpose, where the vehicles are handed over and the firefighters receive training on their new vehicle. In an Emergency Driving Response Simulator (ERDS), emergency drives can be simulated realistically on public roads.

But how will fire service develop in the future? Since the start of 2017, specialists from Rosenbauer have already been addressing the fire service of the future in a think-tank. In vehicle construction trend is clearly heading towards even more ergonomics and safety. “The vehicle is more and more approaching people. This means various equipment and tools can be extended automatically, which, in turn, considerably facilitates work for the firefighters”, explains Michael Schöftner. And even though automation arrived a long time ago in fire service, people remain the decisive factor during operation as well as in the production of fire trucks, as Michael Wizany concludes. “Human beings are indispensable.”