Handling Network Issue One 2024

The Handling, Warehousing Warehousing&&Logistics LogisticsSectors Sectors Irish Magazine Magazine for the Materials Handling, The Irish www.handling-network.com Congress Centre Baden: Where once the Austrian emperors recovered from their efforts of ruling their subjects, the IFOY AWARD Night will take place on 14 June 2024. Photo: Congress Center Baden

Described as the Oscar Night for Logistics, the IFOY AWARD Night 2024 will once again take place in Austria.

The award ceremony will happen on 14 June in the imperial city of Baden near Vienna, where the IFOY (International Intralogistics & Forklift Truck of the Year) Awards trophies will be ceremoniously presented to the winners in the ballroom of the Congress Center Baden. The IFOY organisation expects an attendance of more than 300 international guests from business, science and media.

In 2019, Hofburg in Vienna, was the host venue. Thanks to a cooperation with IFOY partner HERMES.Wirtschafts.

Forum, the Congress Center Baden will be the spectacular setting for the award ceremony next year, according to Anita Würmser, Executive Chairperson of the IFOY AWARDs jury: “Lower Austria has developed into one of the leading high-tech locations in Europe thanks to its clever location and investment policy and today perfectly combines tradition and modernity. It is the ideal place to honour excellent technologies and

outstanding innovations, because that is what the winners and finalists of the IFOY AWARDs stand for worldwide.”

The Congress Center in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Baden, 25 kilometres south of Vienna, has a long history: the building opened as a spa in 1886. The entire complex was built in the Neo-Renaissance style. After several renovations, it was reopened in 1995 as Europe’s largest casino, including a congress and event centre. Numerous personalities took the cure in Baden, among them Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Emperor Franz I. The IFOY AWARD has established itself as an indicator of cost-effectiveness and innovation and is regarded as a coveted innovation prize in intralogistics due to its professional expertise and outstanding marketing value.

The jury, made up of the editors-inchief of leading international logistics media, including Fleet Publication’s Fleet Transport/Handling Network/ Warehousing Ireland, makes its decisions independently, according to transparent criteria and on the basis of professional

expertise.

Those nominated by the jury will go through the three-stage IFOY audit at the IFOY Test Days, consisting of the IFOY test, the scientific IFOY Innovation Check and the jury test. The IFOY Test Days will again take place as part of the Test Camp Intralogistics event at Messe Dortmund, which will open its doors on 10 and 11 April. The IFOY Test Days will begin two days earlier – on the afternoon of 8 April with the first functional tests.

The IFOY Awards, which are under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, is sponsored by the German Association for Materials Handling and Intralogistics and the Robotics + Automation Association within the German Engineering Federation (VDMA).

IFOY partners are Messe Dortmund and Cascade, the world’s leading manufacturer of forklift attachments. The IFOY Awards pallet partner is CHEP, the world market leader in pallet and container pooling. *See pages 72-74 for the list of IFOY Awards Finalists WWW.FLEET.IE

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

fleet publications, D’alton street, claremorris, co. Mayo, ireland f12 e7p2 editor: Jarlath sweeney – jarlath@fleet.ie contributors: howard knott, rob van Dieten, cathal Doyle advertising: Mary Morrissey administration: orla sweeney Design & layout: crackerjack Design house contact Details: Telephone: 00353 94 9372826 email: handlingnetwork@fleet.ie

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published by:

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.

news IFOY Awards 2024 ceremony set for Austria Top honours for CHEP Nippon Express acquires cargo-partners

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case sTuDy Makita relies on Mitsubishi Forklifts

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proDucT Latest news from Mitsubishi Forklifts

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awarDs Finalists announced for IFOY 2024 Awards

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siMulaTion Train Driving Experience

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pin pics Photos of trucks from Morocco

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CHEP, a leader in logistics and supply chain management, has been certified as a 2024 Top Employer in the UK & Ireland by the Top Employers Institute, a global certifier recognising excellence in employee conditions. This marks the ninth consecutive year that CHEP UK & Ireland have been recognised.

CHEP helps move more goods to more people in more places than any other organisation on earth. Its pallets, crates and containers form the invisible backbone of the global supply chain. and the world’s biggest brands trust CHEP to help them transport their goods more efficiently, sustainably and safely.

As pioneers of the sharing economy, CHEP created one of the world’s most sustainable logistics businesses through the share and reuse of its platforms under a model known as ‘pooling’.

Alasdair Hamblin, General Manager,

Following the share transfer agreement concluded on 12 May, 2023, Nippon Express Holdings Inc., has acquired the full shareholding of cargo-partner Group Holding AG. The deal includes the many cargo-partner subsidiaries based mainly in Central and Eastern Europe and the USA that provide logistics services worldwide.

A special purpose company that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nippon

Northern Europe, commented on the acknowledgment: “We are proud to receive the Top Employer Award for the ninth year running, and for CHEP to be recognised as a truly fantastic place to work for all our colleagues.”

In 2024, CHEP was among only 17 companies to receive Global Top Employer certification, which is awarded to companies demonstrating outstanding HR policies and practices worldwide.

The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey covering six domains across 20 topics.

Among the categories where CHEP excelled against the benchmark were People Strategy, Leadership, Work Environment, Wellbeing, Talent acquisition, Careers and Sustainability.

In 2023, CHEP surpassed its 2025 goal of 40% female representation

Express Europe GmbH, has been formed, and is a European holding subsidiary of Nippon Express Holdings Inc. Headquartered in Austria, cargo-partner, established in 1983, has an annual turnover in excess of €2 million (2022). It has continued to broaden its logistics business base across Europe, a region that is increasingly attracting attention as an industrial cluster. It is a highly reputable corporate group focused principally on air and ocean freight forwarding in Europe, Asia, and North America that also offers rail and truck transport and contract logistics services.

on its Board while achieving 36.3% of women in management roles globally.

It also continued to improve its safety performance, delivering its best year on record with a 31% reduction of injury rates based on FY20 levels. To better support its diverse workforce, it expanded its range of accessibility schemes and now offers employee resource groups across disability, neurodiversity, gender and LGBTIQ+.

Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink added: “Exceptional times bring out the best in people and organisations.

And we have witnessed this in our Top Employers Certification Programme this year: an exceptional performance from the certified Top Employers 2024. And amongst this community of outstanding organisations, CHEP has proven its commitment to their employees on a global scale. This consistency in people practices across the globe characterises an exclusive group of companies that have achieved a global certification through the Top Employers Programme. We are proud to announce and celebrate these companies and their achievement in 2024.”

“The takeover of cargo-partner complements Nippon Express Holdings’ logistics infrastructure and will enable further expansion of its global network and enhance the services it provides in the European region. The resultant expansion in the volume of air and ocean freight handled will also strengthen the Group’s competitiveness in the global market, enable it to respond to the diverse demands of its global customers, enhance its ability to meet logistics demand between Asia and Europe and elsewhere, and bolster its global account structure,” said a Nippon Express Holdings spokesperson.

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Warehouse space is always a premium, and no company understands that more than global manufacturer Makita.

At its head office in Milton Keynes, Makita has a large warehouse with expansive racking.

However, due to the narrow width of the aisles measuring only 2.7 metres, the existing materials handling equipment had a challenging time manoeuvring, resulting in frequent damage to the racking system.

In search of a solution, Makita sought assistance from its Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor, who offered the ideal solution through a fleet of narrow reach trucks, electric EDiA counterbalance forklifts, and order pickers. excessiVe rackinG DaMaGe With so much racking installed, altering the aisles was not an option, so Makita needed new equipment that would fit the bill.

Patrick Ellis, Warehouse Manager at the Makita site explained: “We have a large area of racking but it’s narrow and our previous trucks used to hit the racking frequently. We were spending £18,000 a year on racking repairs. We contacted our Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks supplier, and they gave us a Mitsubishi

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RB reach truck to demo. It was fantastic.”

Josh Baxter, Territory Manager for the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor said: “We spent a lot of time with Makita to understand the operations so we could provide the most suitable equipment.

The Mitsubishi RB16N3 reach truck was ideal as it has a shorter chassis and lifts to over 7 metres so could excel in the tight racking Makita uses.” rooM To ManoeuVre Makita now has a fleet comprising three 1.6-tonne Mitsubishi EDiA EM counterbalance forklifts, seven 2-tonne Mitsubishi VELiA ES order pickers, and seven 1.6-tonne Mitsubishi RB16N3 reach trucks.

Having previously used standard lead acid, Makita now uses next-generation lead acid with opportunity charging for greater flexibility and energy efficiency, as there is no need to swap batteries.

Josh said: “The EDiA is great for Makita as it is very compact. It has good manoeuvrability. The order pickers are strong and steady workhorses. But the stars of the show are the RB reach trucks. A lot of stock is moved day in and day out, and having a reach truck that will work efficiently and safely even in a confined space is exactly what Patrick and the team at Makita were looking for.”

Patrick added: “The EDiA trucks are used to load and unload from trucks. But the reach trucks were key for us. They are used over 14 hours a day taking pallets from racking to pickable locations.”

The RB16N3 reach truck has intelligent features including a stability support system that automatically

optimises hydraulic functions such as mast tilt for safer and quicker pallet retrieval.

“The trucks have the best ergonomics,” stated Patrick. “We have the mini steering wheel and joystick on the EDiA and RB reach trucks which allow for comfortable driving over long shifts.”

All trucks in the new fleet were fitted with blue spotlights to alert pedestrians to their presence. A fleet management system was added to ensure greater operator accountability as it records any incidents and who was driving.

sTronG collaboraTion By taking the time to understand the challenges, the Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks distributor was able to ensure that Makita had exactly the right equipment for the job and could reduce racking damage without compromising on productivity.

“Josh and the team were fantastic.

They looked at all our options and spent time assessing our environment to suggest the right solutions. They were very collaborative. The operators are very happy with the trucks and enjoy using them. We hadn’t used Mitsubishi forklifts previously, but the trucks and Josh’s hard work won us over.”

Text: Rob van Dieten – rob@fleet.ie

With the addition of new high-capacity models to sit alongside the award-winning EDiA range of trucks, the electric counterbalance series from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is now an even more complete solution, covering capacities from 1.4 to 12 tonnes.

Offering huge power with no compromises to performance and precision, the 6 - 12-tonne FB60-120N(H) Series features best-in-class acceleration. A low overhead guard option is available on all models - even up to 12 tonnes - allowing the truck to be used in container applications for greater fleet flexibility. Single-tyre models are also available for a narrower profile, so it’s simple to specify one of these trucks to do heavy work in confined areas.

H models feature Four Wheel Steering (4WS) which grants exceptional manoeuvrability, even in narrow spaces.

With 4WS the front drive motors turn

independently, offering superior grip and precision handling. The rear axle boasts a full 101-degree steering capability, with dual drive motors for instantaneous and smooth turning on the spot. This helps to eliminate the initial ‘push’ found with conventional drive systems.

The load sensing hydraulic system ensures load handling functions react similarly to different weights. A high-lift traction control system ensures steadier and more controllable chassis movements in lifts above 2.5m.

Low Noise Lift - a Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks innovation that has been widely praised since it appeared on the EDiA line - offers the quietest hydraulic pump on the market at just 65 dB. It means users will be less fatigued from extended noise exposure compared to working in similar trucks in its class.

Operators will appreciate the spacious, open cabin, designed to comfortably accommodate drivers of all sizes. The cabin is rubber mounted to minimise vibrations and make for a more comfortable shift.

Advanced control options, including

dual joysticks for simultaneous lift and tilt functions, allow for customisation to meet customer requirements. Touchsensitive fingertip controls provide a natural, spring-loaded response for fine-tuned handling, even while wearing heavy gloves.

The ergonomic design extends to a fully adjustable driving position and self-centring steering wheel, positioned for exceptional control and comfort.

All-round visibility is excellent, with the rear camera providing an improved look behind the truck, while the mast’s free-lift cylinder structure has been optimised with hoses over chains so operators can see more of the load and fork tips.

With a low seat height comparable to many IC engine trucks, operators benefit from an easier entry and exit process, and it’s a much more familiar environment for those making the switch from IC to electric.

The design also takes into account easy maintenance, with the two 48v batteries accessible without the need for doors, making battery exchange quicker and simpler. Each battery can be easily moved with a counterbalance truck or even just a pallet truck.

The EDiA XL electric counterbalance from Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has scooped up another honour, after being named winner of a Red Dot design award for 2023.

This latest accolade means the entire current EDiA range: the 1.4 to 2.0-tonne EDiA EM, the 2.5 to 3.5-tonne EDiA EX, and the 4.0 to 5.5-tonne EDiA XL, have all been granted use of the famous Red Dot. A much sought-after mark, it has become an internationally recognised symbol of outstanding design over its 60 year plus history, signifying excellence in aesthetics, functionality, or innovation.

A truly next-generation forklift, EDiA XL is a step forward for what is possible with electric trucks, offering performance and productivity beyond IC engine models thanks to cutting-edge

developments such as AutoBoost and Adaptive Lit Control, combined with the green, efficient benefits of electricity.

The Red Dot jury was highly impressed

by EDiA XL’s clean and modern design and outstanding ergonomics, creating an incredibly driver-focused truck.

EDiA EX was a winner in 2015 thanks to its pioneering features, such as the Sensitive Drive System, excellent all-round visibility, and fluid, intuitive operation.

360-degree steering on the EDiA EM and its outstanding

adaptation to different loads and driving conditions impressed the jury in 2019 when it gained a Red Dot of its own.

Text: Rob van Dieten – rob@fleet.ie

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The International Forklift

the IFOY Audit will show who has the edge.” Ms. Würmser expects a tough debate in the jury sessions to decide the six winning trophies, which will be awarded in June in Baden near Vienna in Lower Austria.

by intralogistics specialist STILL as part of an integrated production and warehouse supply system. The mobile transport robots from SAFELOG in the MercedesBenz plant, are also in this category.

& Intralogistics Awards (IFOY) organisation has just announced the nominations for the IFOY AWARDs 2024 programme. From a field of 35 companies, 15 intral-

Three inTeGraTeD cusToMer soluTions noMinaTeD

With the AGILOX swarm at BMW, the jury nominated a flagship project in terms of replenishment using mobile robots for the automotive sector. Since the end

ogistics providers from six

SAFELOG_Mobile-Robots-at-Mercedes-Factory

countries qualified for the

When converting the Sindelfingen assembly hall, the focus was on networking and transparency of intralogistics supply processes along the supply chain. Pick-by-light systems and a fleet of 350 AGVs from the Bavarian robotics specialists are used to pick and transport components to the production lines.

final with a total of 17 devices and solutions, including four start-ups.

Among the shortlisted companies include intralogistics specialists, such as AGILOX, Crown, GLOBE Fuel Cell Systems, HWArobotics, Innok Robotics, Jungheinrich, MEYSENS, RAVAS, SAFELOG, SSI SCHÄFER and STILL – all in with a shout to win one of the internationally coveted trophies.

In addition, BOX ID Systems, Brightpick, CIP Mobility and CYBRID are in the final of the “IFOY Start-up of the Year” spin-off award.

“The nomination round was exceptionally tough. More than half of the applicants did not make it to the final round on this occasion,” stated Anita Würmser, Chairperson of the IFOY jury. “All the more clearly the finalists reflect the megatrends of our time.

Starting with increasingly sophisticated warehouse technology and extending to the meanwhile impressive range of applications of mobile robotics and AI, through to highly innovative components and increasingly complex customer projects. Efficiency, scalability, and future readiness are in demand and

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AGILOX_AMR-fleet-at-BMW

of 2023, 27 AGILOX ONEs have been supplying the workstations at the BMW plant in Regensburg with components for the car body instead of tugger trains and manual loading of the buffer storage areas. Also competing is Beiersdorf AG’s ultra-modern production centre for cosmetic products, which was developed

Two warehouse Trucks selecTeD

This year, the jury has selected two brand new highlifters from a traditionally wide range for the competition.

CROWN_ESR-1200

STILL_Beiersdorf-Automation-Project

The newly developed ESR 1200 from Crown with a load capacity of 2 tonnes and a lifting height of 14.2 metres

JUNGHEINRICH_EJC-112i

poor ground conditions and other obstacles. It couples and uncouples trailers autonomously. A modern web browser is all it takes to operate it. A green flag was given by the jury for the SOTO from Jungheinrich with a new gripper concept and the industrial communication standard VDA 5050 for use in mixed fleets. The fully autonomous mobile robot picks up small load carriers (SLCs) and places them in flow racks on production and assembly lines. Also chosen is the first automated STILL EXV iGo series truck. The option of using the truck either stand-alone or in mixed

impresses with its holistic approach to sustainability and productivity. EJC 112i from Jungheinrich, is a universally applicable lithium-ion electric pallet truck with a load capacity of up to 1.2 tonnes and a lifting height of 4.7 meters into the race.

SSI-SCHAEFEER_SSI-Piece-Picking

Three Mobile Robots in the mix

STILL_EXV-iGo

INNOK-ROBOTICS_INDUROS

The INDUROS autonomous transport robot from Innok Robotics which can carry loads of up to 700 kilograms can be used outdoors, indoors or in combination, regardless of the weather,

robots based in Singapore, offers its SLS600 3D shuttle robot system for loads of up to 50 kgs. Whether shuttles with variable or fixed sizes, bidirectional or 3D shuttle robots, all share the same rail, can change aisles or move to different levels using a lift. SSI Piece Picking from

operation in parallel with manually operating trucks, or switching to manual operation if necessary, makes the robust warehouse helper a smart door opener to the world of automated warehouse processes, particularly for companies with smaller fleets and little to no automation experience.

SSI SCHAEFER is a robotic cell for the previously costly and labour-intensive picking of single items. The versatile system solution, including software, is designed for maximum precision and offers advanced functions such as pickand-place, object recognition using artificial intelligence, patented gripping point determination and gentle product handling.

Three Specials of the Year

Two Stationary Robots

RAVAS_iCP

HWA-ROBOTICS_SLS600-shuttle-robot-system

JUNGHEINRICH_SOTO

HWArobotics, a manufacturer of high-quality warehouse and logistics

The advanced iCP Carriage Plate Scale with Weighing in Motion Technology from Dutch manufacturer RAVAS marks the end of weighing stops and interruptions while driving. When the driver picks up the pallet, the measuring process starts automatically. During the ride, the weight of the pallet is determined and,

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if necessary, the data can be sent to the system for tracking and recording. The weight data can be transferred to any ERP or WMS and used for weight-based invoicing.

Four Start-Ups make it

CIP-MOBILITY_mocci-Smart-Pedal-Vehicle

B OX-ID-SYSTEMS_BOX-ID-ProcessGuard GLOBE-FUEL-CELL-SYSTEMS_GLOBE_XLP80

GLOBE Fuel Cell Systems’ hydrogen-powered GLOBE XLP80 fuel cell power pack is for use in counterbalance trucks from 2.5 to five tonnes. Numerous sensors send data to the GLOBE DataCore cloud, which is available to customers for comprehensive reports and services.

A nod has been given to the BOX ID ProcessGuard real-time scanning solution for shipping goods in distribution logistics from the start-up BOX ID Systems based in Garching near Munich.

Thanks to its innovative IoT approach, the system enables error-proof picking and optimises transport container cycles.

The solution can be connected to ERP/ EWM systems in real time for target-actual comparisons and promises massive savings for the target group of wholesale and retail, industry, and logistics service providers.

maintenance-free work and cargo bike made of synthetic material is ideal for commercial users who want to operate powerfully yet sustainably on the last mile as well as on company premises or in their intralogistics.

Carrying objects weighing up to 20 kgs weightlessly without using one’s own physical strength, the CYBRID

CYBRID_Exoskeleton

exoskeleton from the Hilden-based start-up CYBRID aims to be the first adaptive supportive suit for the entire upper body on the market. The clothing, which fits closely to the body, follows the user’s movements fully automatically and adapts in real time to the additional weight to be compensated, the user’s posture and actions.

MEYSENS_Toposens-ECHO-ONE

The world’s first 3D ultrasonic sensor, Toposens ECHO ONE from MEYSENS imitates the echolocation technology of a bat, promising nothing less than a revolution in collision avoidance for mobile robots. In contrast to sensor technologies such as lidar or cameras, which can be affected by lighting conditions, reflections and weather conditions, the acoustic ECHO ONE uses ultrasonic waves to precisely detect its environment even when optical sensors reach their limits.

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BRIGHTPICK_Brightpick-Autopicker

The patented Brightpick Autopicker from the Bratislava-based start-up is an autonomous mobile robot that picks and consolidates orders directly in the aisles of the warehouse. Unlike other fulfilment robots, the AI-based Autopicker no longer needs to go back and forth to central picking stations, which enables higher throughput with fewer devices.

Munich-based start-up CIP Mobility has completely rethought micro mobility with its mocci Smart Pedal Vehicle. The

IFOY nominees at TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS

The products and solutions nominated for the final will next undergo detailed analysis testing at the IFOY test and scientific innovation checks, which take place at the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS event (also open to B2B visitors) on April 10/11 in Dortmund.

The nominees are not compared directly with each other, but with their respective rivals on the market.

Quick. Safe.

Easy Side Loading.

The S.CS FREEPOST offers quick, safe and easy side loading without the need for sliding posts. Certified to DIN EN 12642 Code XL, the curtainsider semi-trailer incorporates a bolted galvanized steel cant rail and fixed aluminium roof sheet, as well as a reinforced chassis structure for ultimate stability.

The S.CS FREEPOST is built at the Schmitz Cargobull factory in Manchester and is designed specifically to meet the requirements of the UK and Irish markets. Find more information on www.cargobull.com/uk or contact us directly via email FREEPOST@groups.cargobull.com.

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Growing up near a railway line and with a station just up the town, a fascination with trains blossomed from an early age. As the Limerick-ClaremorrisColooney (Sligo) line became dormant in the mid-70s, the track was used as a lay-bye for the many Knock Shrine Pilgrimage trains parked up each excursion weekend during the Summer season. The loud, high powered diesel engines would be left running all day, just to keep the generators going.

But the days of the big locomotives are gone for passenger transport as each rail car has its own engine, powered by Mercedes-Benz. That piece of information and a lot more were explained on a voyage of discovery in availing of a golden opportunity to drive a modern day train through a training simulator at Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail headquarters at the iconic Inchicore Works, in the heart of old Dublin.

Instructor Gareth demonstrated the various controls and the regular routine involved inside the full size cabin, with safety at the top of the agenda at all times. Sitting in the movement-sensory type suspended seat, the large screen in front of the trainee driver depicts ‘real-life’ railway lines - the one we tried out was the Kildare to Dublin Heuston route. Two levers to the left and right control the acceleration and brakes respectively, while the left foot must be kept pressed on the ‘dead-man’ pedal.

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Release it for up to seven seconds and the braking system engages automatically. This ensures that the driver is alert.

Upon releasing the 5+1 stage brake lever, the power lever on the opposite side is engaged and after a quick toot of the hooter, the Korean built train simulator starts moving forward. Slowly but surely we get up to 90 mph, keeping an eye on the ‘mile-markers’, positioned on posts to the right along the track. As the journey progresses, the other eye remains focussed on the signal lights, located to the left on poles, which can change from green, yellow, double yellow and red. Similar indication is displayed on the centre dash area in front of the driver.

Our ever changing weather conditions means that the train driver must remain vigilant constantly.

High winds can blow debris onto the track, while winter time brings further challenges with low temperatures, an abundance of fallen leaves, not to mention wayward livestock and the odd wild animal such as deer, badgers etc.

“No journey is or can be duplicated,” explained Gareth. During the full driver training programme, the system can re-enact incidents that have happened or are likely to occur. This allows the driver to react on time, with a clear mind.

Use of mobile phones while at work is prohibited, a big ‘no, no’.

With various rail car and locomotives in operation, the driver is fully trained on all types, covering both passenger and freight trains.

Back on our simulated journey, and while keeping an eye on the mile markers, which count down the distance to the next station, the approach to Abbottstown was cautiously made.

Gareth instructed us to reduce acceleration and apply the brakes gently and guide the vehicle to the end of the platform - but not too far beyond as to do so will endanger passengers, nor will the doors open!

The smoothness of the running along the tracks was appreciated, helped in recent years by replacing timber sleepers with concrete versions, along with the continuous welding of the rails. As first timers, it was a surreal experience one that gave a sense of appreciation to the role of the train driver, a task that goes beyond a friendly wave from the cabin while arriving at the platform. applicanT reQuireMenTs: The selection process to become a train driver, open to male and females, includes multiple phases, from online applications and assessments to in-person assessment centres, competency interviews, and medical and safety reference checks. Applicants must meet European Train Driver Licensing requirements, including 9 years of education and a minimum age of 20. canDiDaTes will iDeally haVe: ■ ■ ■ ■

High quality communication skills Good under pressure Customer oriented Goal driven

Responsibilities will include ensuring safe, customer-focused journeys, with opportunities for growth and progression into supervisory and management positions. While the role involves varying shift patterns, Iarnród Éireann offers competitive compensation, with the potential to earn up to €63,000 annually. Successful candidates will receive comprehensive operational training, which can last between 12 and 24 months as part of their Train Driver Training program.

Text: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

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AWARDS 2025

The leading Awards Programme for the Irish Road Transport & Haulage Industry SAVE THE DATE:

Date: Thursday 10 October 2024 Venue: Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, County Meath SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

SPONSORSHIP n Association with the most valued and respected awards programme in the transport industry n Create opportunities, build your brand and achieve a return on your investment n Be part of an ongoing social media campaign

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For further information on sponsorship opportunities please contact: ORLA SWEENEY: +353 86 2439239 orla@fleet.ie MARY MORRISSEY: +353 87 2178495 mary@fleet.ie

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Photos: Jarlath Sweeney - editor@fleet.ie

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