7 Min
During storms, floods, and other disasters, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) must provide rapid assistance to those in need. To ensure this, every move must be precise and the right tools must be readily available. Sortimo has developed a mobile workshop for the THW in which all tools have a designated place and can even be used ergonomically at standing height. Nevertheless, the workshop is so compact that it can even fit through narrow driveways. The solution: a trailer with a box body, Globelyst4 shelving system, and WorkMo stations from Sortimo.
Many people still have the terrible images in their minds: heavy rain flooded the Ahr Valley in 2021. The masses of water devastated the region and people lost their lives. Countless rescue workers, including full-time and volunteer staff from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), battled against the floods and prevented even worse damage. Such events occur time and again, and that is when training, experience, and equipment make all the difference. “We trust in our skills. Once we are on site, the tension eases and we focus entirely on our work,” says Christian Schillo from the Lebach branch of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW). "In situations like these, we need dozens of tools and materials. It is absolutely essential that we have them immediately at hand and also have a weather-protected, functionally equipped room where we can repair certain items," he reports.
The tasks of the THW infrastructure specialists include restoring power and drinking water supplies, setting up emergency shelters in schools, installing pumps, and building cable bridges. In the mobile workshop, they repair cables and install electrical lines and distribution systems, for example. A mobile workshop serves as a base station for three to four teams, each consisting of three to four people. It therefore plays an enormously important role during operations, which is why the THW sought a particularly clever solution.
Large space requirements: workshop serves as base station for two trades
"The idea was to have a trailer with a box body and a workshop inside. Around this, we needed a versatile storage system for small and large parts, long materials, and tools for two teams – namely, electrical and gas/water," explains Christian Schillo, who is also head of the THW's specialist working group (FAG), which developed the specifications together with the THW's E6 (Technology) department. Despite the extensive equipment, it should be possible for one person to work ergonomically inside.
However, the trailer cannot be too large, as it must also fit through narrow driveways and alleys. The concept underlying the tender was correspondingly complex. Every procurement by the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) is preceded by a product-neutral tender by the Procurement Office, which is part of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. This was based on the plans of the FAG and Department E6 and specifies the key data for the chassis, body, and vehicle equipment. Suppliers from the European Union can apply for the tender. Numerous companies from the EU took advantage of this opportunity.
Sortimo: a solution for every challenge
In the end, trailer manufacturer Humbaur and Sortimo were awarded the contract. The sophisticated modular interior design concept with storage elements that are compatible with many tools convinced the THW experts. "What impressed me most about Sortimo was their open and honest approach to challenges. We found solutions for everything together,“ praises Andreas Schneider, who is responsible for technology and technical descriptions in the THW's E 6 department and, as project manager, was in charge of procuring the trailer. ”The advice was very professional and on an equal footing. Many members of the FAG are master craftsmen or engineers, so we are very well placed to assess the quality of the advice," adds Christian Schillo.
Ergonomically designed: standing height throughout the entire length of the trailer
The structure provides THW personnel with standing room and sufficient space to move around along its entire length. On both sides, Sortimo Globelyst4 blocks, which offer maximum customization options, high durability, and intuitive handling, form the basis of the interior – equipped with various BOXXes on the left to hold small and larger parts. However, this only covers part of the structure's length. This is followed by the switch cabinet with distribution box on the front wall, which also contains a transformer that provides 12-volt DC and 230-volt AC power for tools or other devices in the structure. On the opposite side, two WorkMo stations supplement the storage options. They also provide space for the tools of the two teams. The WorkMo stations also form the support for an additional worktop that can be used both in the vehicle and outdoors. Lashing rails embedded in the wall enable a wide variety of load carriers and containers to be secured.
Practical: Combination of Globelyst4, BOXXes, and WorkMo stations
On the right, the Globelyst block extends across the entire length of the structure and includes BOXXes, in which parts of different sizes can be perfectly sorted, as well as drawers and, above them, a fixed worktop with a tool wall behind it. There is never too much space for tools for the THW aid workers, so they can be accessed particularly quickly. The demand is enormous, especially because two trades have to be supplied. The unit also offers space for a hand washing station including an 11-liter water tap set, towel dispenser, and disinfectant dispenser. Dirt is omnipresent during THW operations. There is also a long goods tray and ladder holder under the ceiling. In some cases, special solutions were necessary: for example, the worktop that can be placed on the WorkMo station had to be shortened from 1.6 to 1.4 meters so that it can be stored upright in the vehicle when not in use.
In addition, at the request of THW, the material used for the long material storage area, which is normally a composite material, was replaced with steel. Access is via a rear ramp, and a strip curtain protects against cold and rain. LED strips and lamps on the ceiling illuminate the interior, and a roof fan blows in fresh air. The floor of the plastic structure is completely covered with aluminum checker plate to protect it from dirt. Gas cylinders are safely stored in a cabinet on the outside of the front wall, next to which there is space for a light mast, fire extinguisher, and feed-in box, among other things.
THW receives 80 mobile workshops from Sortimo
The THW is purchasing a total of 80 trailers with Sortimo equipment for use by various specialist groups and in training. The THW members are delighted that Sortimo was awarded the contract. “Many of the volunteers have already had very good experiences with Sortimo equipment in their professional lives. This applies above all to the durability and practicality of the individual modules,” says Christian Schillo. This is because durable products are in high demand at the THW. After all, the THW uses its vehicles for a very long time, with a holding period of 16 years being the norm – despite the heavy use to which the trailers are subjected during operations and exercises. Therefore, a reliable supply of spare parts over the entire period is crucial, which Sortimo guarantees.
The THW is purchasing a total of 80 trailers with Sortimo equipment for use by various specialist groups and in training. The THW members are delighted that Sortimo has been awarded the contract. “Many of the volunteers have already had very good experiences with Sortimo equipment in their professional lives. This applies above all to the durability and practicality of the individual modules,” says Christian Schillo. This is because durable products are in high demand at the THW. After all, the THW uses its vehicles for a very long time, with a holding period of 16 years being the norm – despite the heavy use to which the trailers are subjected during operations and exercises. Therefore, a reliable supply of spare parts over the entire period is crucial, which Sortimo guarantees.
