23.06.2009

High-Tech from Listemann during construction of the Gotthard tunnel

On the Neat construction-sites rotary-bits are digging themselves into the rocks of the Gotthard. For the construction of the two tunnel-sections tunnel drilling machines are in service, which bits are heat treated by Listemann AG in order to increase the wear resistance. The high requirements on these exposed components, which are subject to enormous loads can be perfectly fulfilled by the Listemann know-how. Mr. Bernard Kuntzmann, operational manager and member of the managing board is convinced that - "this was the reason why the order was awarded to Listemann AG.” - "Finally this was a result of a huge development effort, a lot of experience in heat treating and our special production facilities.” This statement of Bernard Kuntzmann refers to one of the core competencies of the Listemann AG to combine an optimum of strength and toughness even in large series.

In a large-volume vacuum furnace loads up to 2 tons can be heat treated with very narrow tolerance in hardness. This high quality and the considerable quantities which can be treated in one process are essential tunneling applications.

On Tuesday, 16th of June, 2009 shortly before 12 o‘clock the eastern tunnel-section of the Gotthard-base tunnel between Erstfeld and Amsteg was broken through. That means that now 87 percent of the longest tunnel of the world is constructed. The last breakthrough between Sedrun and Faido is planned for the beginning of the year 2011.