Handling Network Autum 2018

autumn 2018 autumn Vol XXVII

The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors

Megalift -

Bespoke Mobile Heavy Handling Solutions

Featuring: - News - Product Launches - Logistics - Case Studies

- Supply Chain - IAA CV Preview - Freight Forwarding - Company Profile

Whatever your business

TOYOTA – TRUSTED BUSINESS PARTNER. Toyota Material Handling Ireland now brings to the market the complete range of Toyota counterbalanced forklift trucks and BT warehouse equipment, supported by services and added value solutions offering the customer a one stop shop for all your material handling needs. From hand trucks, pallet trucks, order pickers and reach trucks to gas, diesel and electric counterbalance trucks, we offer you the widest product range in the business, making Toyota Material Handling the ideal partner for your business, whatever it is. www.toyota-forklifts.ie

www.toyota-forklifts.ie or Toyota Material Handling Ireland at Toyota Ireland, Killeen Road, Dublin 12. Tel: 01 4190200.

contents autumn 2018

The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors

18

Volume XXVII Issue 3

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22

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Report

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Opening: Linde

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Logistics

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Case Study

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Preview: IAA CV

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Trailer

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Pick ‘N’ Mix

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Product: Palfinger

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Profile

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Supply Chain

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Published by:

Fleet Publications, D’Alton Street,

Claremorris, Co. Mayo, Ireland F12 E7P2

Editor:

Jarlath Sweeney – jarlath@fleet.ie

Contributors:

Johanna Parsons, Paul White, Howard Knott,

Rob Van Dieten, HSA, IEA

Advertising:

Mary Morrissey

Administration:

Denise Owens

Design & Layout: Crackerjack Design House Contact Details: Telephone: 00353 94 9372826

Email: handlingnetwork@fleet.ie

WHO GETS HANDLING NETWORK? Handling Network - the magazine of the Irish Handling & Distribution Industry - is produced bi-monthly by specialists in the materials handling sector, with contributions by experts on topics of special interest to its readership.

Handling Network is distributed on controlled circulation; addressed to key personnel in Ireland’s top companies and organisations. Recipients include Company Directors, Purchasing Managers, Warehouse & Logistics Managers, Plant & Production Engineers, Transport Managers, Safety Officers and other relevant personnel.

Areas covered include forklift trucks, warehouse logistics, racking, storage & distribution, commercial vehicles, plant & equipment finance, lifting gear, loading bay and conveyor systems...together with information on health and safety issues.

Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained in Handling Network, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for the veracity of claims made by advertisers, manufacturers or contributors or for opinions expressed.

Copyright for all material contained in this magazine remains with the publishers.

www.handling-network.com

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autumn 2018

news

New GM at Combilift

The appointment of Gerard Smith as General Manager at Combilift follows the opening of the company’s new headquarters and production plant in Monaghan.

He brings with him a career of vast experience in related industries and in his new role will be responsible for all operational, finance, HR, supply chain,

purchasing, IT, marketing and aftersales aspects of the business. Gerard will provide support and direction to the operational team on site, including Health & Safety, production, facilities, maintenance and lean/quality.

Gerard’s most recent position was Operations Director for Terex Material Processing Group. Prior to working in

Terex, Gerard held the role of Power Solutions Operations Manager at Caterpillar NI and has been in the engineering industry for nineteen years in progressively responsible positions.

Throughout this time Gerard has provided leadership in lean manufacturing deployment, managed various production sites and in his most recent role managed the three Northern Ireland sites producing a highly complex and varied product range, brought to a global market through 6 different brands. This experience together with his tenure at Caterpillar positions him very well for working with Combilift.

Gerard obtained a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from Trinity College, Dublin and subsequently an MSc in Manufacturing Management from the University of Ulster.

Explosion Risk from Hand Pallet Trucks Warehouse and transport operators may be unaware that hand pallet trucks working in potentially explosive atmospheres have the potential to cause ignition, warns safety company Pyroban.

Many types of diesel or electric powered materials handling equipment, such as lift trucks, frequently undergo specialist explosion protection conversion by Pyroban. As flammable gases, vapours, dusts or powders may be present in these areas, these conversions are completed in line with legislation to maximise safety.

However, this particular standard applies only to powered industrial trucks and does not cover safety requirements around hand pallet trucks used in explosive atmospheres.

“Hand pallet trucks are commonplace in warehouse, production and logistics environments where flammable materials are frequently handled, from pharmaceutical and chemical applications to food and drink operations,” explained Rob

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Vesty, Sales Manager for Pyroban.

“However, we see far fewer requests to convert this type of equipment than we would expect.”

Rob continued: “Companies do not seem to be aware that although EN1755 does not apply, hand pallet trucks pose an ignition risk and must comply with ATEX 2014/34/EU, as well as two other important and relevant standards.”

To provide explosion protection, Pyroban converts many brands of hand pallet trucks to the requirements of EN80079-36:2016, titled “Explosive Atmospheres.

Non-electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres. Basic method & requirements” as well as the EN8007937:2016 standard, “Non-electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres.

Non-electrical type of protection constructional safety ‘c’, control of ignition sources ‘b’, liquid immersion ‘k’”.

“It only takes one source of friction from a hand pallet truck to cause ignition and lead to potentially devastating consequences,” added Rob. “To safeguard their people, site and supply chain, companies must consider the potential risks of every type of equipment in their operation.”

autumn 2018

news

Warehousing & Transportation Logistics

Don’t be overawed by the volume of pages in this book as it covers a broad spectrum of all aspects relating to transport and warehousing logistics, but is of interest to an extensive readership including third-level students.

The author Heinrich Martin lectured at the University of Applied Science in Hamburg and has built up expertise in transport and warehousing systems, order picking, material flow and factory planning.

Subtitled: “Systems, planning, application and cost effectiveness,” thirteen chapters translated from German cover the basic elements and more, such as the latest logistics functions for the area of internal business logistics, so-called intralogistics.

As the descriptive text contains industry specific terminology, explanatory glossary and abbreviation pages help explain to the reader, as do the graphics and photographs spread throughout.

Chapter 3 deals specifically with cargo, packaging and loading units, with numerous sub-chapters detailing

manual and robotic automated programmes and systems.

A deep explanation of internal transport systems feature developments in battery and electric technology.

Innovations in forklifts included truck-mounted and feeder conveyor belts, ATVs etc.

The final section deals with Planning Systematics and Project Management together with Information Logistics.

Not only does this book feature specialist knowledge for students of technical subjects, it also serves as a practice orientated book for the planning of Bachelor and Master’s Degree thesis with an array of detailed information and suggestions.

Warehousing & Transportation Logistics Published by Kogan Page ISBN: 978-0-7494-8220-6

Industrial & Logistics market remains buoyant Underlying volumes of activity in the industrial and logistics property market remain solid at the mid-year point, according to CBRE Research, with good levels of take up recorded in the first half of the year and several new requirements having been enacted in the last couple of months.

In addition a number of major transactions are in the pipeline with take up activity pencilled in for the final quarter of 2018.

“A large proportion of active requirements in the industrial & logistics sector are related to the evolution of e-Commerce as service providers look to increase efficiencies in their delivery model to service the needs of online customers. This has led to increased appetite from logistics providers, couriers and parcel delivery companies. There has also been a

notable increase in requirements from the food sector over recent months.

In addition to a small number of speculative schemes that are currently under construction in the capital, there is also good momentum in ‘Build-to Suit’ activity in the Dublin market at present. Appetite for data centre sites is particularly strong, which is encouraging, although sourcing good sites continues to prove challenging with very little industrial zoned land on the market,” explained Marie Hunt, Executive Director Ireland Research at CBRE. Recent transactions include: n Sale of 4,170m2 facility at Finisklin Business Park, Sligo; n Sale of 4,250m2 facility at Fonthill Industrial Estate in Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and

n Sale of 1,568m2 at 86 Broomhill Industrial Estate in Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Recent research conducted by CBRE Ireland on 25 of the most modern industrial and logistics parks in Dublin showed an average rate of vacancy of 8.4%, with 4 of the industrial and logistics parks (M50 Business Park, M1 Business Park, Horizon Business Park and Grange Castle Business Park) all boasting full occupancy.

Prime industrial rents in Dublin remain stable at the mid-year point at approximately €102.20 per square metre (€9.50 per sq. ft.) although rents for prime provincial schemes have increased over recent months. Prime industrial yields meanwhile, remain stable at 5.5%.

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autumn 2018

report

Warehousing: Turning Cinderella into the Crown Prince of a transport operation

With more and more transport and logistics providers extending their warehouse operations or investing in new developments, a profitable return is paramount. According to sector expert Patrick Daly, Managing Director, Alba Consulting, there are vast differences between warehousing operations. In his document entitled “21st century Warehousing Strategy & Operation” Patrick offers advice on how to develop a warehousing facility that is often deemed as a ‘Cinderella’ operation into a ‘Crown Prince’.

The paper outlines in detail how to monitor, improve, sustain and nurture the warehouse infrastructure investment and make it profitable. “Poor systems of warehousing in terms of design and operation can ‘play havoc’ with planning, production, quality and customer services,” he stated.

Patrick made three main points during his introduction to the booklet:1. The warehousing function is a critical component of the supply chain of any business in the economy of the 21st century and a true source of competitive advantage.

2. The warehouse is a highly integrated component of a modern business and as such warrants due focus and attention – the warehouse can no longer be the Cinderella department.

3. There are huge opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of warehousing operations through the application of straightforward tools and techniques with focus and determination.

Areas covered throughout the document include storage system types from materials handling to hand

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held voice controlled picking systems, with mentions of training labour force and Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) all pertaining to the nature of the activity. A series of case study reports bring past experiences from various sectors such as pharma and beverage with solutions to increase efficiencies.

When taking on a project consultation, Patrick breaks down the challenge into two sub-solutions to be tackled separately and then integrated into one holistic solution.

“Firstly, the Storage Solution or the Static Solution, which ensures that all materials needed can be stored effectively and efficiently. Secondly, the Activity Solution or the Dynamic Solution, which ensures that everything can be accessed in the most efficient way possible.”

Essentially two types of data need to be analysed: “We need the SKU or Stock Keeping Unit Master Data for all live item codes for all the material types that will be accommodated including raw materials, packing materials, work in process and finished goods. This data provides item codes and descriptions plus the physical information regarding pack types and dimensions essential to determine the space requirements and storage equipment types.”

Movements data over a significant period of time such as receipts, issues and shipments needs to be analysed.

These data sets will tell how much or which types of materials are required to be accessed and the frequency of these movements.

To achieve Best in Class Standards, Patrick highlighted a selection of a number of initiatives under four headings: Rules & Structures;

Measurement & Performance Management; Continuous Improvement and Facilities Maintenance.

Another vital area is looking to the future and that the facility can be evolutionised to “Implement & Sustain Change in Warehouse Operations.”

In detail, the benefits of the latest Warehouse Management System were outlined and revealed survey findings relating to pitfalls associated with WMS software. Major unforeseen difficulties included (in percentage terms). n Extent of training and size of user training curve – 61% of participants n Modifications and upgrades – 45% of participants n Integration and interface problems – 38% of participants n Miscalculation of time invested – 25% of participants Staff input is key to any modifications to be implemented especially when it comes to new work procedures. Communication throughout the process is paramount, Patrick advised.

In conclusion, Patrick emphasised; “Today the warehouse is a highly integrated, high technology component of the global supply chains of the world’s top businesses and the people who work in warehousing are highly skilled and motivated to develop their business and to continuously improve performance. Right now, the best of companies all around the world are committing to leveraging their warehousing activities to strengthen their supply chain and to transform their business in the future.”

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summer

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The Irish Magazine for the Materials Handling, Warehousing & Logistics Sectors

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For Online Edition... visit: www.handling-network.com

autumn 2018

opening

Opening of Linde’s new premises had a World Cup theme

Linde Material Handling is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment. In Europe, the company is the market leader with the Linde and Fenwick (France) brands. Since 2006, Linde has been part of the KION Group, which is the world’s second largest manufacturer of industrial trucks and one of the leading suppliers of automation solutions for intralogistics.

When Linde Material Handling (Ireland) Ltd. formally launched its new Dublin Head Office and Service facility, the event was held on 10 July, the day of the first semi-final of the Russia World Cup and took place after in the company of soccer legends, Johnny Giles and Liam Brady. The Linde team present included members from its German headquarters as well as representatives of the Irish staff including members of the Group that opened the first Dublin premises some three decades ago. Throughout the day there was a steady flow of visitors and customers from all over Ireland to view the premises and the equipment on display. Many collected autographs on

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the especially prepared Linde World Cup footballs being given away by the Irish star players Johnny Giles, who made his name with Leeds United and Liam Brady, who excelled with Arsenal FC and of course, in Turin with Juventus and later Inter Milan.

Linde Material Handling (Ireland) Ltd. has been established in the Irish Materials Handling sector for over 30 years and due to significant growth in business over the last few years has re-located to this new flagship premises. The new 26,000 square feet location is at Unit 1, Parkway Business Centre just off the Ballymount Road, and a couple of hundred metres from junction 10 on the M50.

Linde will sell both new and used forklift trucks, offer short term rentals and provide service support from the new location.

The premises have office and warehouse space and also include an engineer training centre, a customer area with demonstration facilities and meeting room space. Also included at the new facility is a display of the Grupo Arania pallet racking systems, which with find practical application in the new premises within the new equipment and parts storage areas.

Linde’s new base for its 50 Irish employees enables the company to promise even shorter response times to its customers. The new location includes an area dedicated to preparing Linde approved trucks for customers to exactly match their requirements.

Commenting on the relocation and expansion, Ciaran Miller, Linde Material Handling (Ireland) Managing Director said at the opening: “This is an important step reinforcing Linde’s Irish growth plan as it facilitates the demonstration of the expanding Linde

product offering whilst it is ideally located in close proximity to the main arterial motorway routes. Our goal is to understand and exceed our customers’ needs and these new premises will help us to achieve that, allowing us to better serve our customers in Ireland.”

For its customers, Linde develops high-performance solutions for intralogistics. The basis for this is a range of electric and diesel forklift trucks, warehouse equipment, fleet management software, automation solutions, driver assistance systems, financing offers as well as services around the forklift truck and operator training.

Linde’s vehicle offer is unique. It

comprises around 80 series with up to 20 model variants and around 9,000 equipment options. On the basis of this modular system, Linde manufactures the vehicles and fleets precisely tailored to customer requirements for transport, storage, picking and stacking.

Linde is represented in more than 100 countries worldwide with its own branches. The company’s international network includes production and assembly plants in Germany, France, the Czech Republic, the USA and China, as well as more than 700 sales and service locations.

At the launch event neither football pundit, wisely enough, would be drawn on their predictions on the winner of the World Cup.

Text: Howard Knott

autumn 2018

cover

Boxing Clever: Megalift Elevates!

Introducing the Megalift transportable container handler, designed and manufactured in Monaghan. Set for official launch at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore in September and at the IAA Commercial Vehicles Exhibition in Hannover, Germany the same week, Megalift is a labour of love for designer Meredith Hall who has modified and evolved the concept in recent years, having taken over the project from the original manufacturing company, Combilift.

Meredith has built up over 25 years of expertise in the materials handling industry, firstly as a young Research & Development Manager with the Moffett family, the creators of the Moffett Mounty truck mounted forklift. He then joined the newly formed Combilift company as a Design Engineer and progressed to a key position becoming their global Product Manager. He first developed the idea of a truck/trailer mounted container handler over 12 years ago.

Meredith has always harbored an ambition and passion to go it alone and explore the potential of the container lifter product. With the full support and endorsement of the Combilift Executive, he took up the challenge to re-launch and further develop the container lifting range and one year later good progress has been made.

Having secured a strong order book and production set to grow to four machines per month the company is well placed to continue to grow rapidly in both the international and domestic markets.

Technically, the now renamed Megalift has evolved substantially.

Megalift’s ability to further develop and customize the product means that it is now the perfect tool for offloading all heavy loads such as containers, structural steel or precast. “Our ability to connect with a customer and their requirements is a passion we have and is set to serve Megalift well.”

According to Meredith, Megalift has become a multi-purpose load lifter that has many advantages not only in increasing efficiencies, but also enhancing health and safety practices.

“Our Megalift SLT (Side Loading Trailer) has been designed to lift up to 35 tonnes.

It can deploy a container in two minutes and is a one-man operation. The SLT has Hydraulic Sliding Cranes which allow for lifting of 20’, 30’, 40’ and 45ft containers. It also has the ability to lift 2 x 20’ containers and offloading on to the ground is possible. The large stability leg offers maximum stability and low ground pressure on any ground conditions,” explained Meredith.

“The Megalift is designed and manufactured at our new 10,000 sq.ft. factory in Emyvale, County Monaghan and being the only machine of its kind to be manufactured in Ireland and UK, we are scheduled to launch our brand new system/design at the National Ploughing Championships and also at the IAA Exhibition in Hannover, Germany in September (2018),” he added.

“Enterprise Ireland has

been instrumental to us offering great guidance and support and as a new start up this has been a critical relationship,” concluded Meredith.

In brief, the following points describe the versatility of the Megalift: n Can deploy any 35 tonne load on any ground conditions and then fold into the transport position in less than 3 minutes. n Ideal for transport companies or Shipping lines looking to de-stuff containers in remote areas with no loading ramp infrastructure. n Originally designed to handle containers, however, the product can be customised to handle other products such as steel, concrete, windmill poles etc., n Eliminates working at height. n Eliminates waiting to be loaded/ off-loaded at sites. n Eliminates crane rental (one machine serves all.) n The Megalift (SLT) is a 2 x crane system which works in tandem.

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The Original.

Linde Hydrostatic Drive

Linde Material Handling Excellence at work

Ahead Through Precision Linde’s launch of the first hydrostatic transmission in 1958 marked a milestone in the history of forklift engineering. Many features have been enhanced and optimised in the meantime. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is the leading international position held by Linde hydrostatic drive.

Seamless Seamlessacceleration accelerationand andreversing, reversing,pinpoint pinpointaccuracy accuracywhen when positioning, positioning,virtually virtuallymaintenance-free: maintenance-free:the thedifference differenceisis compelling. compelling.The Thetruck truckresponds respondssmoothly smoothlyand andinstantly instantlyto to every everycommand commandwith withmasterful masterfulprecision. precision.This Thisisisexpressed expressedinin the theexceptional exceptionalefficiency, efficiency,safety, safety,reliability reliabilityand andeconomy economy with withwhich whichloads loadsare aremoved; moved;performance performancethat thatensures ensuresyour your business businessgoals goalsare arerealised. realised.

Linde LindeMaterial MaterialHandling Handling(Ireland) (Ireland)Ltd. Ltd.welcomes welcomesyou youto toan an exciting excitingnew newwave waveofofsupply supplychain chainsolutions: solutions:combining combining proven provennationwide nationwidelocal localcustomer customersupport supportwith withthe theresources resources ofofaaglobal globalleader, leader,we weset setnew newstandards standardsfor forproductivity, productivity, safety, safety,cost-efficiency cost-efficiencyand andcustomer customersatisfaction. satisfaction.

Now Nowall allour ourcustomers customerscan canexploit exploitLinde’s Linde’sworldwide worldwide expertise expertiseininengine enginepowered poweredand andelectric electriccounterbalance counterbalance trucks, trucks,as aswell wellas asour ourcomprehensive comprehensiverange rangeofofwarehouse warehouse equipment. equipment.

For Foraccess accessto tothe thebest besthandling handlingsolutions solutionsto to match matchyour yourindividual individualbusiness businessrequirements requirements call call01 01456 4566626 6626or orvisit visitwww.linde-mh.ie www.linde-mh.ie

autumn 2018

logistics

Fulfilment in the West

As peak season ramps up, warehouse managers across Europe are crying out for staff to process the swelling volume of orders. But an e-commerce fulfilment business in Galway has a secret weapon up its sleeve. Autofulfil, Connacht’s answer to Amazon, is based close to the GMIT campus and so it has a ready supply of students to act as seasonal workers.

Zuzanna Norek, Operations Manager, said that it’s a mutually beneficial relationship. One of the firm’s peaks for academic book retailer schoolbooks.ie coincides with the students’ summer break at which point some 60 pickers will be walking the warehouse floor. And the students are so pleased to supplement their finances that many come back year after year meaning that Autofulfil has to invest less time training up this enviable pool of staff.

As with all e-commerce warehouses, temporary staff are critical to deal with the massive spikes in orders that occur throughout the year. The firm runs a fully customised manual pick and pack operation meaning each order is processed by people. First a picker takes the order docket into the depths of the warehouse, retrieves the item or items, and delivers them to a verification station. This is where they are scanned into the system, someone checks that the item picked matches the order specification and proceeds to pack and label the order ready to be despatched via one of five partner couriers.

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This is all done on behalf of Autofulfil’s clients, e-retailers who prefer to let someone else manage the fulfilment process. Not only does this allow retailers to spend more time actually selling goods but it also gives them the benefit of the economy of scale for these fulfilment functions. Zuzanna mentioned that by outsourcing fulfilment clients stand to save time and money because Autofufil handles all the stock management, orders, supplies, consumables, staff and couriers. She said that among the biggest benefits of outsourcing fulfilment are reduced shipping rates and reduced packaging and consumables costs.

The retailer can specify what packaging to use for each product,

from a basic plastic pouch to branded, cushioned gift boxes. Value added services are also catered for such as covering books sold by schoolbooks.ie, or “kitting” - for example assembling gift packs of cosmetics products.

There are multiple delivery methods on offer from basic An Post despatch to registered courier mail and international options. Typically the default specifications from the retailer are mapped into Autofulfil’s warehouse management system (WMS) for each item or Stock Keeping Unit (SKU), but exceptions can also be stipulated.

Another benefit is the capability to deal with the sheer volume of orders often seen at peak times for e-commerce. In fact the firm’s founders say Autofulfil was “born out of an emergency” when they acquired one of Ireland’s largest online book businesses schoolbooks.ie, and the incumbent fulfilment partner collapsed.

Paul McCann, Director of Autofulfil and schoolbooks.ie stated that no other service in Ireland could meet the high-demands of this business

autumn 2018

logistics

which had over 2,000 orders per day to fill during peak season. “It wasn’t until we experienced the extreme challenges that can come with order fulfilment ourselves that we really understood the services that today’s online retailers needed. We knew there was an immense need in the market for reliable and professional order fulfilment that can provide a competitive advantage.”

“In 2013, Autofufil was born and we not only invested heavily in stateof-the-art storage space, but in our team and systems as well—a move that has helped schoolbooks.ie’s business grow by 127% since 2012.”

The warehouse footprint is 30,000 sq ft, but it has two mezzanines, meaning it has three floors of storage space. The site has enough headroom to accommodate another two levels as and when demand requires. These storage locations are accessed via a

mixture of counterbalance and reach trucks with a few electric pallet trucks for put-away but can be manually accessed by pickers.

There is also bulk storage for 500 pallets for B2B customers, typically wholesale cosmetics. This is stored across one strip of heavyweight racking which suffices as the majority of products picked for online orders are single items.

This distinctive warehouse layout was driven by the nature of the business. “The decision came from the same reason as to why we only have one strip of heavy weight racking. The profile of our service requires a lot of space but it needs to be space that can be accessed by staff without using any machinery. So we created floors, each floor is 20,000 sq feet and allows us to store up to 8,000 SKUs,” added Zuzzana.

Autofulfil has nearly 100,000 sq ft of storage space but for many clients the biggest benefit is efficiency – the error rate for the last six months was just 0.068% and the facility can process 3,000 orders per day with a guaranteed next day delivery promise with an order cut-off at 3pm.

“In general the first thing we hear from new customers that only joined us recently is that they finally have time to focus on what’s important for their business which is running the sales campaigns. Some of our customers doubled their order levels after two months with us because they could direct their efforts on marketing and reaching out to their own customers rather than packing shipments.”

This reflects the nature of e-commerce which is driven by multiple high-pressure sales spikes.

For Autofulfil the school books season stretches across the summer until mid-September, when a Hallowe’en mini-peak occurs - this is the fourth year in a row that they’ve fulfilled orders for a costume firm. “After Halloween, it’s Christmas which is a mad time for every business. We fulfil approximately 12,000 orders that are placed between Black Friday and Cyber Monday and we only have 5 days to do that,” she concluded.

That kind of throughput and efficiency would never be realised by a retailer fulfilling orders ad hoc. It represents huge value in terms of time and money saved for Irish retailers.

And let’s not forget it also represents a nice little earner for the GMIT students doing the picking.

Text: Johanna Parsons

LEADERS IN CUSTOMISED HANDLING SOLUTIONS +353 47 80500

combilift.com www.handling-network.com

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autumn 2018

case study

Bobst Boosts Service Bobst UK & Ireland, part of the global packaging equipment and services company, has introduced the latest smartphone based workforce management technology from BigChange as part of a drive to boost customer service.

Bobst is one of the world’s leading suppliers of equipment and services to packaging and label manufacturers in the folding carton, corrugated board and flexible materials industries.

The firm estimates that some 80% of packaging in use worldwide is produced on Bobst equipment.

Bobst UK & Ireland became a member of the Institute of Customer Service in 2016 which required it to make changes and restructure its business to put the client’s experience at the fore.

Alan Letford, Head of Customer Services at Bobst UK & Ireland Ltd, explained about the investment and initiative: “What we learned in year one is that excellent customer service is about more than just initiatives and processes; there has to be a complete change in culture within Bobst at every level as customer service becomes a

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key differentiator and business driver.”

As part of the change, thirty Bobst personnel operating across UK, Ireland and Scandinavia now use smartphones for timesheets and management of wider tasks and fleet operations. This is enabled via an app from IT firm BigChange. The workforce app links in real-time to the BigChange cloud based back office management software

that handles everything from work scheduling and routing to fleet tracking and machinery safety alerts.

Previously Bobst completed paper carbon-copy timesheets that were posted to the office by field service personnel and manually transcribed by a team of three people prior to invoicing.

“The introduction of the BigChange

autumn 2018

case study II

system to replace paper-based processes has had a significant and far reaching impact across the business and especially in customer service,” added Alan. “We now have up to the minute, accurate data reporting, with time sheets signed-off by customers on the app. That means we can send an immediate confirmation to the customer and raise an invoice straight away.

“Timesheets and job-cards are automated saving a huge amount of time. Previously it could take up to three weeks to get an invoice processed; now it is pretty much instantaneous. There is less ambiguity now and invoice disputes have been reduced as everything is much clearer from a customer perspective.”

Bobst Technicians all drive company cars and the BigChange

system incorporates vehicle tracking giving customer service teams a real time view of the whereabouts of the entire fleet. The next phase to be rolled out will allow customers to receive automated notifications on the expected arrival time of their technician.

“It would be fair to say BigChange has revolutionised our customer service and given us a really useful tool to support our health and safety accreditation. It’s fantastic that BigChange is so easy to use and simply available on a standard smartphone or tablet,” added Alan. “We are currently the only Bobst Customer Care centre to introduce electronic timesheets and the team at BigChange have been very responsive in enhancing their software to meet our needs”.

+353 47 80500

combilift.com www.handling-network.com

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autumn 2018

preview IAA

“The turn of the century is over – We live in a digital world” Gero Schulze Isfort – Krone Trailers

As new truck sales across Europe are fast reaching pre-recession levels, trailer makers are looking to the future with confidence, but acutely aware that collectively they must keep up with the high technical and innovative developments by the truck brands in order to ensure compatibility between the propulsion provider and load carrier.

Gero Schulze Isfort, Managing Director, Krone Trailers presented a paper entitled ‘Going Digital within global trends – visions of a trailer maker’ at the IAA CV Workshop in Frankfurt, which covered significant elements of the ongoing ‘connectivity’ programmes. His opening remarks were on the subject “Digitisation in the context of global trends, from the perspective of a trailer manufacturer.

The turn of the century is over – we live in a digital world. The Big 5 for the social development and also for our industry are the tasks of; 1) globalisation; 2) demographic change; 3) urbanisation; 4) sustainability; and 4) resource availability. Mastering these challenges will require a lot of hard work, time and money from us, but there are also tremendous opportunities associated with it.”

Logistics service providers are responding to this demographic change with the driver, dispatchers, warehouse employees and IT professionals together with sales staff sharing the highest proportion of the workforce.

Scarcity of drivers is a major issue according to Gero; “It’s a ticking time bomb for our industry. There are five times more retirees than new coming drivers. Today there are around 1.5 million truck drivers employed in Germany, one million of whom are over 45 years old. Pleas from the

German Forwarding and Logistics Association (DSLV) require 45,000 new drivers to meet demand.” Solutions in the pipeline stemming from the digital revolution include the introduction of autonomous driving and allied fleet platooning and better utilisation of available cargo space (through cargo space scanner systems).

Urbanisation challenges were also highlighted by Mr. Isfort in that as city populations increase, the complexities in urban logistics rise, not to mention local and city authorities’ efforts to reduce harmful emissions.

Then there is the parking issue i.e., dedicated unloading and loading areas.

Various last mile delivery innovations and initiatives have been created with on-going developments as field trials continue. Examples mentioned included the RYTLE electric cargo bikes together with natural gas powered (CNG & LNG) and hydrogen fuel cell alternatives.

“Latest research by the EU Cycle Logistics Project [says that] 50% of all light goods and 25% of all goods can be shifted to bicycles. It has also been found that 42% of all motorised streets in cities can be handled by bicycles,” stated Gero.

As the vehicles become optimised to reach these environmental targets, so too is the need to change logistics systems, such as expanding night-time

delivery options. Therefore (almost) silent deliveries will become the norm, backed up by some enhancing technical development such as low noise refrigeration units on the delivery vehicles, together with padded floors and cages and electric tail-lifts on the electric/hybrid delivery trucks.

Regarding sustainability, the Krone Trailer boss was adamant that progress can be made to optimise existing processes with special attention on fulfilling loads more efficiently.

“Transaction costs are too high – loading documents and information need to be shared amongst all stakeholders along the supply chain.

Additional costs arise for searching freight capacities on the spot market.

Idle capacities are also too high, through lack of information sharing, freight capacities are used inefficiently.

Approximately 30-50% of the trailer capacity is not fully used, 25% of all trailers drive empty.”

Summarising, Gero stated that the challenges of our industry are huge: “Some of our business models need to be reconsidered or at least expanded.

Our industry is a highly specialised logistics service provider. Our know how is not the welding of steel. Our capabilities are the provision of cargo holds and for this task, digitisation offers tremendous opportunities, especially with regard to global trends.”

Text: Jarlath Sweeney www.handling-network.com

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autumn 2018

forwarding

DHL on track in meeting three back-to-back F1 races challenge

*Three weekends, three countries, three races: DHL ensured smooth logistics for the first triple-header in Formula 1 history.

This Summer, for the first time in the history of the FIA Formula 1 Championship, there was a triple header in the race calendar for the 2018 Grand Prix season. Three races were held over three consecutive weekends in three different countries: France, Austria and Great Britain. This meant that not only the drivers and their teams had three packed and particularly challenging weeks ahead of them – the three back-to-back races brought up a new and very special challenge for DHL as global Logistics Partner.

The Formula 1 Triple Header Diary “For the spectators at the track and in front of their TV sets view, a Grand Prix is a huge spectacle,” said Martin

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Pople, Trackside Manager at DHL. The logistical effort behind it, on the other hand, remains invisible to the spectators: “A single race weekend involves months of planning and the work of two dozen of our specialists,” he explained. The fact that this “race behind the race” is fast and safe is also due to the expertise of the DHL specialists: The company has been active in Formula 1 logistics for more than 35 years and has been the Official Logistics Partner since 2004. DHL is also involved as a logistics partner in other racing series, such as Formula E, the WTCR touring car championship and MotoGP. “For fans, three exciting Formula 1 weekends in a row are a gift,” added Martin.

But even for the logistics service provider’s and experienced teams, the 2018

Formula 1 season is something special.

Apart from the close competition this year, the fact that the race calendar featured a triple header is indeed noteworthy. On 24 June last, the Le Castellet circuit hosted the French Grand Prix after a gap of a number of years, then on 1 July, the Championship convoy travelled to Spielberg in Austria and just one week later, on 8 July, the teams, drivers and spectators ascended once again on Silverstone in England.

“For fans, three exciting Formula 1 weekends in a row were indeed unique and special. For those involved behind the scenes of the event, the schedule is above all a logistical challenge like no other.”

Two days for up to 1,000 tonnes of freight In practice, the tight timing meant that the team had no more than 48

autumn 2018

forwarding added Paul. “But in essence, at the beginning of the season, we looked forward to this special opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in motorsports logistics and to showcase our capabilities,” he continued.

With decades of expertise and experience in motorsports logistics built up over the decades, DHL is ready and willing and ideally equipped to transport the racing circus safely and quickly from race to race, thereby making possible the very special moments with which Formula 1 thrills its fans all over the world.

About DHL – The logistics company for the world

hours after each race to dismantle the irreplaceable equipment at the race venue, transport it to the next venue by a fleet of trucks and trailers

and reassemble it there. There was a timeframe of just two days for the transportation of the valuable and sensitive cargo, including the teams’ racing cars, tyres, fuel and spare parts, but also transmission technology, hospitality and marketing equipment.

“For the tight schedule to work, everything had to be planned well in advance to the minute,” said Paul Fowler, Vice President Motorsport & Managing Director UK DHL Global Forwarding. At European races, DHL operates up to 25 trucks to transport around 1,000 tonnes freight from one racing venue to another safely and on time. For fly-away races outside Europe the amount of freight handled by DHL air cargo still increases to about 2,000 tonnes, corresponding to the load

capacity of six Boeing 747 aircraft and 40 sea freight containers.

“For the tight schedule to work, everything has to be planned well in advance to the minute,” Paul Fowler, Vice President Motorsport & Managing Director UK DHL Global Forwarding.

Despite the high demand and severe challenge, DHL was well-prepared for the special challenge presented by the triple header and pleased with the outcome. “Of course, this season’s race calendar presented us with particularly complex issues,”

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. The various DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management.

With about 360,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global trade flows, with specialised solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, energy, automotive and retail, a proven commitment to corporate responsibility and an unrivalled presence in developing markets.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, which has generated revenues of more than €60 billion in 2017.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney

www.handling-network.com

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autumn 2018

trailer

Kässbohrer marks 125 years of Innovation

Trailer manufacturer Kässbohrer, proudly celebrated 125 years of innovation alongside the flowing Danube river at Ulm, where the company was founded in 1893.

Kässbohrer’s long term business associates and suppliers were present along with past and current employees from 19 countries and special guests to hear of the success of the company over the decades and together look to the future.

Kässbohrer is one of the longest established trailer companies in Europe; the foundations of which were laid by Karl Kässbohrer back in 1893.

The first Kässbohrer motor vehicle was produced in 1907, while the first 2x4 axle and the first tank semi-trailers were designed and produced in the early 30’s.

In 1931, Kässbohrer applied for two patents, which changed the dynamics of vehicle production. One was about semi-trailer coupling, which was extremely reliable and so low-maintenance that it paved the way to 3-axle semi-trailers. Karl Kässbohrer’s coupling design changed the course of the whole transportation industry.

The other patent was for the production of the very first Low-bed with 12 tonne capacity. In addition, Kässbohrer started to produce semi-trailers for the transportation of liquid chemicals and heavy abnormal goods. Also the first low-bed with 40 tonne capacity was manufactured in 1938. In October 1953 the first silo semi-trailer with hydraulic tipping

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system was introduced to the sector.

Kässbohrer products and services are designed, verified under simulation tests, prototyped, and tested on physical roads. After further improvements the new products are ready for mass production for the international markets, now reaching 55 countries.

Kässbohrer’s 125th year celebration started with the welcome speech of

Kässbohrer Board Member Iffet Türken.

She introduced keynote speaker Darius Moeini of Numa Berlin, who presented global future mega trends with examples of its application to industry transformation. Mr. Moeini reframed IoT, big data, connectivity, machine learning within the scope of current digital products. Comparing the innovation culture of corporations and start-ups, he introduced how the two

cultures can complement each other for future success in innovation.

The programme continued with Aeroflex Project Coordinator Ben Kraaijenhagen’s presentation which included the roadmap to sustainable transport, decarbonisation and automation within the scope of European Union’s sustainability targets.

Mr. Kraaijenhagen stated that the goal of this programme, which is supported and founded by the European Union, is to develop and demonstrate new technologies, concepts and architectures for complete vehicles meeting future logistics and co-modality needs. A clear focus on Zero Emissions is a must.

Innovative projects for the logistics sector were demonstrated with a number of start-up companies showcased including CargoSnap which offers secure supply chain services,

and BeNomad which has developed a business and consumer navigation application. Holland Container provides foldable containers and Magment, is working with concrete material created from cement and recycled magnetic particles.

A problem wall enabled an interactive discussion with startups, industry experts, and the guests.

autumn 2018

trailer Customers, suppliers, academics and members of the press all had a chance to evaluate their needs and current challenges within the scope of automated driving, connected vehicles, urban logistics as well as transport services that are increasingly accessible through smart devices.

On the second day Kässbohrer introduced its tipper from the historical collection which was manufactured in 1938.

During a tour of the large outdoor area, guests also had the opportunity to experience Kässbohrer’s products up close.

Thanks to the strong R&D infrastructure and new technology production capability, Kässbohrer offers the widest product range in

Europe, and continues to expand its product portfolio further with award winning innovation technologies.

Kässbohrer’s strength lies within its production facilities equipped with high technology, with four different plants; two in Europe, one in Russia and one in Turkey. The headquarters of western European operations is located in Goch, Germany, where Kässbohrer is at the heart of intermodal transportation and has easy access to neighbouring countries outside Germany.

The location can be described best as “Europe’s gateway to the East and to the World”. The second production site in Germany is located in Ulm where operations commenced in 2017. With this new plant, Kässbohrer returned home to where it has been founded in 1893 - 125 years ago.

The company opened a manufacturing plant in Tula, Russia in 2012 in the city of Yasnagork in the Tula region.

Lastly, the biggest Kässbohrer plant is located in Adapazarı, Turkey.

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autumn 2018

pick “N’ mix

Humbaur stretches FlexBox range With the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show almost upon us, Humbaur, one of the largest manufacturers of trailers and vehicle bodies in Europe, has provided a preview of its current model range of FlexBox vehicle bodies that have been developed in close cooperation with the automotive industry and leading European logistics service providers.

The material and design concepts are directed towards the requirements of the last mile delivery and e-commerce sectors. Variable in length, width and height, FlexBox can be constructed on any vehicle type. “As a certified design partner of Iveco, Nissan, Opel and Renault, and also an integrated partner for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Humbaur stands for quality at the highest level and provides the right solution for every vehicle and every requirement,” said Christian Dieminger, Managing

Director at Humbaur.

The FlexBox box bodies are divided into three application types, Dry, Cool and Freeze. The FlexBox Freeze box based on an Iveco Daily 72C is a current example of consistent lightweight construction with GRP sandwich panels (PUR LIGHT). It features a payload-optimised insulated floor with aluminium crossbars and frame profiles in a new rounded aerodynamic design.

A series of stainless steel E track rails is installed for securing the load. The vehicle, equipped with a 100 kg tail lift and a Mitsubishi TDJS50 cooling unit including 380-V auxiliary cooling system, takes care of the necessary cooling of the ATP-certified vehicle.

Similarly the FlexBox Cool is specified the same way and can be tailored to meet customers’ needs. e-Commerce is on the rise and everybody is talking about the DHL developed Streetscooter electric vehicle delivery. Over 1,000 units are on the streets of Germany’s main cities at present and Humbaur is getting in on the act with its FlexBox Dry body. It features a light tare weight which saves the electric drive motor while on the other hand enabling a higher payload.

The 100% electrically driven vehicle

is equipped with a tail-lift with a lift capacity of a 500 kg – an extraordinary detail in the vehicle category. Roof spoilers provide greater aerodynamics to further lower energy consumption.

Tie-down points for load securing hooks are already integrated into the body sides and floor. Larger Box bodies are the latest addition to the brand’s expanding FlexBox product range to include rigid truck chassis.

About Humbaur Humbaur is one of the largest suppliers of trailers and vehicle bodies in the world. The family owned and managed company offers around 420 different trailer series models from light to heavy applications and up to 230 models of its FlexBox box bodies.

With 500 employees, around 50,000 trailers are produced at the Gersthofen site in Germany per annum. Trailer and transport solutions from 750 kg to 50 tonnes are developed and manufactured for national and international markets. Humbaur’s sister company is Kögel Trailers.

Lisbon drives FUSO electric Daimler Trucks has handed over ten all-electric light-duty FUSO eCanter trucks to the city administration of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. FUSO Trucks is the Japanese commercial vehicle subsidiary of Daimler and deemed a pioneer for electric driving in trucks.

In 2015, the Portuguese cities of Lisbon, Sintra and Porto field tested the pre-series Canter E-Cell in real-life everyday transport operations. As a 7.5 tonne-vehicle, the FUSO eCanter has a range distance of around 100 km.

The city of Lisbon uses the vehicles for municipal gardening trips and

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for waste disposal. With the FUSO eCanter, Lisbon is hoping to contribute to the reduction of local noise and emission pollution caused by commercial vehicles used in urban areas.

This means that since 2017, the FUSO eCanter is now in use in six cities around the world in Tokyo, New York, Berlin, London, Amsterdam, as well as Lisbon.

FUSO produces the eCanter for the European and US markets in the Tramagal plant (Portugal) – on the same production line as the conventional

Canter, one of the best-selling trucks from Daimler’s commercial vehicles portfolio. The FUSO production facility in Tramagal boasts more than 50 years of manufacturing and is an important element of the Portuguese economy.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney

autumn 2018

product

Another Palfinger CR 253 Truck Mounted Forklift for Killeshal Precast Concrete

Killeshal Precast based near Tullamore recently added another Palfinger Truck Mounted Forklift to boost the flexibility of its ever increasing delivery fleet.

Founded in 1969, Killeshal Precast has earned a reputation as a leading provider of precast concrete products throughout Ireland and the UK. The company manufactures concrete lintels, window sills and chimneys in addition to drainage products and bollards.

Fencing posts, paving stones and decorative street furniture are also part of the company’s portfolio.

The latest Palfinger forklift is a 2.5 tonne, CR 253 that will be used on a daily basis to deliver Killeshal’s products to a wide variety of building sites and distributors throughout the country. The 3–wheel design comes with rough terrain capability, which means it is highly manoeuvrable and can therefore easily deliver to locations with restricted access. The machine has also been fitted with a hydraulic block grab including ‘quick release’ couplings. This means both palletised and non-palletised products can be transported and delivered on the same trailer. The clamp can be placed around

a bale of material on the trailer and then removed in seconds, therefore no space is lost.

The machine’s lightweight design means it can also be truck mounted on the back of several different articulated trailers adding to the fleet’s flexibility.

The all-wheel drive and differential lock also enables the machine to travel on muddy sites and deposit the products exactly where they are required, which is a real benefit to their customers.

Sales Office Manager Jonathan Geraghty sees the benefits in terms of repeat business: “Many of our customers specifically ask for the Palfinger forklift because they don’t have to worry about how the materials will be off-loaded and know they will be set down in a safe location eliminating damage by double handling.”

The CR 253 has a centre mounted seat which provides great all round visibility and the 180 degree steering means it can work in some really tight spaces which the delivery vehicle cannot access.

Killeshal’s Transport Manager Conan Curley recognises the advantages when planning deliveries of mixed

loads to multiple locations: “The Palfinger gives us flexibility if we need to schedule deliveries at short notice, and the removable block grab means we are able to deliver several different products on the same trailer, which is important for faster truck turnaround.”

The machine was supplied by Palfinger Ireland which has been in business for over 25 years, making it one of Palfinger’s longest serving and most successful dealers. Owner Seamus Kane has also been supplying and installing an extensive range of truck mounted cranes to an ever expanding range of applications including building materials, forestry, recycling and municipalities.

“Our success has been based on the quality of the Palfinger products together with our extensive spare parts stock and technical support,” said Seamus. “We are seeing an increase in the number of enquires for Truck Mounted Forklifts from our existing customer base and we are investing in a demonstration vehicle to enable potential customers to experience the benefits of the product,” continued Seamus.

Text: Rob Van Dieten

www.handling-network.com

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autumn 2018

profile

McArdle Skeath – Leads and Exceeds Some business gurus believe a company should stay true to its core business and improve on what it knows best. Equally as many will profess that in order to survive, a company should diversify and embrace change. The correct answer is probably somewhere in the middle. Perhaps it is more beneficial for a company to have the vision, confidence and commitment to realise the opportunities and to seize them.

Over the last fifty years, the family run business that began in 1968 as McArdle Transport in Inniskeen, County Louth, has seized the opportunities and grown to become one of the most significant transport, warehousing and logistics companies in Ireland.

Now trading as McArdle Skeath, the company recently invited An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD to open its new €20 million facility in Hollystown, Dublin 15.

The new site in Hollystown provides additional capacity to compliment McArdle Skeath’s original 13-acre base in Inniskeen, which grew from providing a small customer service in 1974 to offering 8,000 pallet spaces in 1988. Inniskeen now has the capacity to hold 21,000 pallets.

There is little doubt the experience gained from operating in Inniskeen has greatly influenced the development of the new Hollystown premises. While

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Inniskeen grew and developed over a number of years, the Dublin site began with a clean sheet and the owners knew what they wanted to achieve.

Importantly McArdles could also bring its customers on the journey thereby ensuring their needs were met. Making customers as stakeholders in the planning and development can have its advantages.

The Hollystown facility is located on 21 acres in what Leo Varadkar calls “the Bio-Cell of Dublin.” An Taoiseach welcomed the creation of 100 new jobs in the locality and he congratulated McArdle Skeath on its ongoing success.

“Technology is transforming the world around us, and your great asset as a company is that you have embraced the technology,” he said. The site allows unprecedented access to Ireland’s motorway network, to Dublin Port and the Airport and currently has the capacity to store 28,000 pallets.

However the unit has a potential capacity to store 100,000 pallets, and this figure will be activated on a phased roll-out basis in-line with customer demands. As the company’s client list includes many of the world’s high profile food, food ingredients, pharmaceutical and bio-tech companies,

responding promptly to customer demands is paramount to the success of McArdle Skeath. In addition to quick response times, these companies also require verifiable and recognised quality standards, which is an aspect McArdle Skeath has always invested in.

Compliance with all the required quality standards was much to the fore when designing the facility. Hollystown is fully approved for the handling and storage of a wide variety of delicate temperature sensitive and ambient products. McArdle Skeath has always recognised the importance and value of adhering to a wide range of quality systems. Back in 1994 it became NSAI Certified for ISO 9001. In 2000, it was licensed and approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Marine. Again in 2009, McArdle Skeath was granted a Known Consignor Licence from the Irish Aviation Authority, and in 2017 achieved Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status. AEO accreditation is an award which may prove highly valuable in the near future.

McArdle Skeath is also fully approved by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). Other awards and certifications received have come from bodies as far apart as the United States and China. The Hollystown site is approved by the FDA and by the Chinese Department of Agriculture (CNCA). Achieving such certification is not easy as all required criteria must be fully met and verified; this ensures that if the accreditations are awarded they are well deserved.

On the road transportation side of the

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profile

business the company also received the Gold Standard Award from the Freight Transportation Association of Ireland (FTAI).

When driving into the McArdle Skeath premises it is difficult to imagine that just four years previously it was a greenfield site. Interestingly, Micheál McArdle was keen to recognise the help received from Fingal County Council during the planning process.

There is no question that first impressions of the building are striking and the layout and finish exude quality.

Guests were granted a tour of the internal workings and storage areas which McArdle Skeath call ‘rooms’.

It began in the first area which is numbered ‘Room Ten’ the reasoning for such numbering is that it is a continuation from the numbering system in Inniskeen. Of course, what strikes immediately is the overall internal height of the building is 21.5 metres, with racking to an impressive put away height of 17.2 metres. This means that in Room 10 each bay stores up to 27 tonnes of product, bagged in sacks, and shrink-wrapped onto either two standard or three Europallets.

The tour included a full live demonstration accompanied

by Simon, one of the driver operatives who brought visitors to the roof of Room 10 in the cab of a Magaziner Narrow Aisle Lift-Truck. These Magaziner units are guided by a positioning line embedded into the floor which ensures they maintain their exact position at all times. In addition to the six Magaziner trucks there are a number of AisleMaster Articulated Lift Trucks which can put away and pick to a height of 15 metres.

Put-away and pick locations are managed through a stock control system developed and supplied by Heavy RF of Park West Dublin - again a quality system. This desire for quality products further extends to what may seem a relatively unimportant aspect of warehousing - loading ramps.

The Ellickson Engineering automated loading system used at Hollystown utilises the latest technology available and will quickly deliver a return on the investment.

In essence, a truck reverses onto a platform and then stops.

Once stopped the wheels are automatically chocked, and the trailer is pulled into the loading dock. When in position the cushions then move to seal the roof and sides of the trailer, only then can the

doors be opened. What is remarkable is that the rear doors can be opened when the trailer is positioned on the loading ramp, this eliminates the possibility of product contamination.

Depending on the product being transported, consignments are moved, to or from any number of storage areas (Rooms) depending on the nature of the product and whether the product is designated as ambient, ambient monitored or the product must remain within a stated Cold Chain. To maintain the exacting temperatures needed to ensure the integrity of certain food and pharmaceutical products, McArdle Skeath employs a Sintra Mix-Ind Air Pulsion management system. The Sintra system mixes the air to achieve a balanced and correct temperature before the air is defused throughout the storage chamber.

Other considerations or customer requirements can be catered for by McArdle Skeath. For example, if a consignment requires additional measures such as product sampling, repackaging, or rebranding, these measures can all be facilitated in Hollystown. So can onward transport via any mode for delivery on a global scale.

The term ‘state of the art’ is used too often and applied in circumstances that may not fully deserve the reference. However, the new McArdle Skeath multi-temp storage facility is not only deserving of the title it has exceeded the current state of the art and introduced the future of transport logistics in Ireland. As Síobhan McArdle noted in her opening address - “At McArdle Skeath, We Lead and Exceed.”

Text: Paul White

www.handling-network.com

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autumn 2018

supply chain

Supply Chain competence is key to business survival

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) Supply Chain event series, held at venues throughout Ireland, are a mix of large scale seminars which include working groups on specific aspects of the Supply Chain, and smaller, roundtable events in which participation is restricted to manufacturing exporters located within the local area, rounding off with monthly webinars with expert speakers.

Organised and hosted by the IEA, the meetings are open to members and non-members alike, and are sponsored and supported by Ulster Bank, Rhenus Logistics, Irish Rail and Fleet Transport magazine.

Alongside this programme and based on inputs from participants in earlier events, the IEA has developed a suite of Training Courses in specific aspects of Supply Chain. With Brexit potentially looming in the very near future a major focus is on giving the exporter and the importer of raw material and part-manufactured products the tools to enable the company meet these new challenges with a minimum of disruption and cost.

One very specific tool here is the winning by the company of the status

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of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). The Revenue Commissioners, which manage the programme in Ireland define an ‘AEO’ as follows: “An AEO is an “economic operator” who is authorised by Revenue because the operator is considered reliable in its Customs-related operations and is therefore entitled to enjoy certain benefits throughout the European Union”.

The benefits of AEO status, which has a focus on Customs Simplification, are linked closely to the trader’s responsibilities under the terms of the European Union Customs Code (UCC) which is in the final stages of implementation throughout the Community.

They include: n Easier admittance to Customs simpli fications as defining in the UCC n Fewer physical and documentry based controls n Priority treatment is selected for control n The possibility to request a specific place for any physical controls to be carried out.

In a trading environment which will be new to many firms whose activities have, up to now been within the EU only, and in which Customs Duties, Bonds etc., will become facts of life, the companies with the AEO status will be able to secure favourable treatment in these matters.

This applies not only within the EU but also with authorities in other States that have fundamentally similar

validation systems in place.

Needless to say, securing AEO status from a standing start is neither quick nor easy but, nor is it particularly expensive. The next AEO training Course in the IEA series takes place on 10 September and details are on the IEA website.

Speaking at the Half-Year Multimodal update webinar in July, Declan Sinnott from series sponsor, Rhenus Ireland demonstrated that shipment by Lo-Lo container can be timely and relatively inexpensive for loads to and from continental Europe.

Key for an exporter looking at this matter is to establish the exact delivery needs of the customer. In many instances importers may only be in a position to discharge cargo on five days of the week so that, for example, there would be no point in a load arriving at the premises late on Friday afternoon where serious extra costs would be incurred. Howard Knott spoke about the intermodal route planner, development of which continues under an EU Intelligent transport System project which seeks to guide the trader to all current transport options for shipments.

Over the last number of months, the IEA has had a series of meetings with representatives of French Ports, including the Port of Dunkirk, to examine new supply chain possibilities using available and soon to be constructed facilities. In the case of the latter port, Yvan Gomel spoke about the current development of a number of Distribution Centres on the Port Estate in anticipation of the likely disruption to Distribution patterns by Brexit.

On 28 September, the IEA will hold a large scale seminar in Cork and this is followed by two roundtable events, on 9 October in Rosslare Europort and 24 October in Athlone. The annual ‘wrap-up’ event will be hosted by Ulster Bank in early December.

Text: Howard Knott

Unit 20 Parkmore Industrial Estate Long Mile Road, Dublin 12 Tel: 00 353 1 4034555 Email: sales@renaulttrucks.ie Website: www.setantatrucks.ie

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Close Brothers | Modern Merchant Banking Close Brothers Limited (being a UK registered private limited company and its Irish registered branch of the same name having registration number 907899), trading as (and having as registered business names) Close Brothers Asset Finance, Close Brothers Commercial Finance, Close Brothers Premium Finance Ireland, Close Brothers Motor Finance and Braemar Finance, is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority in the United Kingdom and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. UK registered address: 10 Crown Place, London, EC2A 4FT, registered at Companies House, Number 00195626. Directors: M. Biggs (UK), O. Corbett (UK), G. Howe (UK), J. Howell (UK), L. Jones (UK), E. Lee (UK), B. Macaskill (UK), M. Morgan (UK), P. Prebensen (UK) and A. Sainsbury (UK). Close Brothers Invoice Finance and Close Brothers Commercial Finance are registered business names of Close Invoice Finance Limited, a UK registered private limited company (and its Irish registered branch of the same name having registration number 908024).

UK registered address: 10 Crown Place, London, EC2A 4FT, registered at Companies House, Number 00935949. Directors: J. Brown (UK), C. McAreavey (UK), A. Sainsbury (UK), I. Steward (UK), D. Thomson, (UK).