Siemens to Build Baggage Handling System for Detroit Terminal

Sept. 1, 2006
Siemens (Atlanta) has announced it was awarded a $19.1 million design and build contract from Walbridge/Barton Malow LLC for an inline baggage handling

Siemens (Atlanta) has announced it was awarded a $19.1 million design and build contract from Walbridge/Barton Malow LLC for an inline baggage handling system as a part of the new Detroit North Terminal redevelopment project.

The $418 million North Terminal redevelopment project includes the razing of the older James M. Davey Terminal and the construction of a new, two-level terminal with 26 gates and approximately 685,000 sq. ft. of space. The new terminal is expected to open in 2008 and will accommodate the airlines currently operating out of the Smith and Berry Terminals.

Siemens will design, build and integrate the baggage handling system, which includes 9,577 ft. of conveyor and 23 patented high-speed diverters to route all checked baggage through explosive detection systems before loading onto departing aircraft. The system will provide automatic and unobtrusive 100% screening of checked baggage. Siemens will also supply six baggage claim units. Additionally, the contract includes Siemens' integrated software solution that will monitor, control and report on all system activity.

"With Siemens design/build and total lifecycle cost approach,” said Lester W. Robinson, CEO, Wayne County Airport Authority, “we hope to recognize the great potential for cost savings and a smooth, on-time opening of the new North Terminal."

"The new system will make check-in noticeably easier on passengers and enable the airport to maintain a comfortable flow of traffic throughout the terminal's public spaces," said Art Kostaras, vice president, Airport Logistics Division, Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.

The Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport served more than 36 million passengers in 2005, representing a 3.2 percent increase from 2004. The airport handles approximately 1,320 arriving and departing flights per day.

Source: Siemens