Graf Nutzfahrzeuge
Client
Graf Nutzfahrzeuge AG
Project location
Hunzenschwil , Switzerland
Project date
2023
Electrician
E. Widmer AG (EWAG), Suhr | CH
A noticeable difference
Twelve demanding years of operation—with the lights on for more than nine hours a day—had pushed the old fluorescent lighting system to its limits. Outages became more frequent and light output declined significantly, which increasingly hindered the work of employees in the offices and workshop at Graf Nutzfahrzeug AG. Combined with steadily rising electricity prices, this was reason enough for owners Michael Marty and René Zehnder to undertake a renovation. An additional incentive came from current subsidy programs, which make it easier for companies to transition to the LED era in light of the upcoming ban on fluorescent lamps.
People at the heart of lighting design
The well-being of the employees was at the heart of the lighting renovation. Different tasks—from office work at computer screens to repair work on trucks in the workshop pit—each require appropriate lighting. The specific needs of the teams were identified through one-on-one conversations, which Michael Marty recalls very positively: “The Zumtobel team listened to us and took our needs seriously. Through discussions with the employees, we were able to find the very best solution for every area.” In addition, samples and visualizations provided a first impression of the planned lighting and, according to the client, generated excitement about the upcoming renovation.
Zumtobel took plenty of time to provide personalized consultation and spoke with employees about their work habits and lighting preferences
Michael Marty, Owner and Operations Manager of GRAF Nutzfahrzeuge AG
Existing TECTON tracks save a lot of time during renovations and minimize installation costs. All luminaires with fluorescent lamps are simply replaced with new LED models.
The renovation itself was carried out without interrupting operations and was completed within a few days. This was made possible primarily by the pre-installed track system, as Thomas Scheiber, owner of the electrical installation company E. Widmer AG (EWAG), confirms: “Since TECTON tracks were already used during the new construction and the light points were already in the right places, the old fluorescent luminaires could be replaced one-to-one with modern LED luminaires.” Zumtobel’s extensive luminaire portfolio for the continuous row lighting system offered the right solution for every application.
In the workshop and testing halls, the trucks are inspected, maintained, and repaired. High-performance, wide-beam continuous row luminaires now provide the vehicles with the correct amount of light evenly and from all sides. This is highly precise and energy-efficient, as the dimmable luminaires can be set exactly to the desired illuminance level. In the service pits, robust tubular luminaires provide high illuminance levels along their entire length.
In entrance areas, offices, and meeting rooms as well, existing track systems made it easy to replace luminaires and spotlights with modern LED versions featuring screen-friendly optics. This creates a friendly, pleasant lighting environment that avoids distracting glare on screens.
In the entrance area and office spaces, lights with MPO optics provide pleasant, glare-free lighting.
Greater efficiency through smart lighting
For auxiliary rooms such as the storage area, the basic version of the strip light was combined with a motion sensor. This ensures that no one forgets to turn off the lights after work—a simple and efficient way to save electricity.
“The entire building feels much brighter and friendlier,” says owner Marty, summing up the positive results. “In terms of work quality and concentration, we’re already noticing a significant difference thanks to the renovation. Work is much more pleasant in many areas.”
From planning to implementation: Everything under one roof
The project exemplifies a successful collaboration between the electrical contractor and Zumtobel. From the initial assessment through planning to implementation, all parties work hand in hand, and the customer receives not only a turnkey lighting solution but also one that qualifies for financial incentives. All necessary administrative tasks were handled by the Zumtobel team.