How Linde’s Autonomous Tugger Train Boosted Efficiency at Opel’s Engine and Transmission Plant

May 29, 2025

At Opel Wien GmbH’s sprawling engine and transmission plant, keeping production lines stocked with the right materials at the right time is no easy task. On average, two passenger car transmissions are produced every minute. That pace requires a material supply system that’s not only fast and reliable, but also safe and cost-efficient.

The Challenge

The team at Opel Wien needed a smarter way to handle the constant flow of parts and components moving across their 1.6 million-square-foot facility. With materials of all shapes and sizes needing to reach different workstations at varying times—often across distances up to a mile—the challenge was to create a flexible, automated system that could keep up with demand.

The Solution

After collaborating closely with Opel Wien’s logistics team, Linde Material Handling introduced an autonomous tugger train system. This innovative setup uses Linde P-MATIC tow tractors equipped with advanced geo-navigation. The system precisely guides each vehicle and its trailers along a “virtual map” that covers all routes within the plant. This ensures safe, seamless delivery of materials without requiring any major changes to the facility’s existing processes or infrastructure.

Key Benefits

  • Seamless Integration: The new system didn’t need any costly or time-consuming construction—just the smart application of Linde’s technology.

  • Safety First: Pedestrians in the plant are alerted to approaching vehicles by a projected blue arrow on the floor, adding an extra layer of visibility.

  • Flexible and Reliable: Each automated vehicle adjusts to the plant’s dynamic workflows, ensuring materials arrive exactly when needed.

Proven Results

“From the very beginning, we felt that we were working with the right people at Linde,” said Dr. Clemens Fath, Manager of Supply Chain & Logistics at Opel Wien. “They believed in the project and had the expertise to make it happen.”

At Opel Wien’s plant, Linde’s autonomous tugger trains now travel distances up to a mile, reliably delivering materials with the precision and safety needed to keep production moving smoothly.

Want to learn how Linde’s automated solutions can help your facility? Contact our team today for a consultation and see how we can future-proof your intralogistics.