Handling & Storage Solutions : October 2020

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October 2020

Solutions for materials handling, logistics & distribution

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Complete solutions for more efficiency

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Door and loading technology solutions for safe operations

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CE-compliant loading houses according to the Construction Products Regulation

01530 516868 doorsales.lei@hormann.co.uk

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Round-the-clock service for inspection, maintenance and repair

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CONTENTS

www.hsssearch.com Highlights 12

NEW! Lift trucks: Stand-on truck for one ton payload

Products 10 18 20

First stop Lifting & moving Conveying

48 57 58

Warehouse IT Distribution Industry update

Features

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Fleet management & maintenance: Control forklift costs with Rushlift Fleet Management System

24

Safer logistics: XPO Logistics shares its blueprint for the Covid-Secure warehouse

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Safer logistics: FleetSafe telematics Forkway outlines how its safety focused forklift fleet management system is paying dividends for a portside timber business.

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Fleet management & maintenance: Downtime slashed

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NEW! Fashion logistics: Robotic start-up seeks UK partners Robot-based parcel sortation firm LiBiao Robot is entering the European market with its ‘Mini Yellow’ range of AMRs.

Lithium batteries key to forklift upgrade.

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Fashion logistics: Re-think fulfilment A boom in online orders is likely to become a feature of the new reality and is triggering a major re-think of the fulfilment operation, says Frazer Watson.

46 50 49

Space optimisation: Safe storage and picking Food & drink: Swerving a labour shortage Robotic manipulation automates a simple-seeming but complex food handling process.

Food & Drink Focus: Grocers grapple with fulfilment

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Transit packaging: Are you ready for a Peak like no other?

In the run up to Black Friday and the peak Christmas shopping season, logistics businesses should not delay their packaging preparations.

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NEW! Safer Logistics: Handling innovation The new BT Levio LWI160 powered pallet truck from Toyota Material Handling is the first-ever pedestrian-operated truck that is designed around a modular Lithium-Ion battery concept.

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NEW! Space optimisation: Space-saving rolling rack launches

SAFER LOGISTICS

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COMMENT

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Logistics industry: We don’t lock down, we knuckle down Editor Simon Duddy sduddy@ westernbusiness.media 01342 333711 Sales Manager Angela Lyus alyus@ westernbusiness.media 01342 333725 Editorial Support hss@westernbusiness.media 01342 333742 Production Controller Sharon Miller production@ westernbusiness.media 01342 333741 Circulation James Mullender jmullender@ westernbusiness.media 01342 333744 Directors Mark Sennett Keith Gabriel Danny Kosifou

Published by: Western Business Media Dorset House 64 High street East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 3DE ISSN 1460-7344 © Western Business Media 2020 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical (including photocopying, recording or any information storage/retrieval system) without the prior written permission of the publisher. The views expressed in Handling & Storage Solutions are not necessarily those of the publisher. Although every effort will be made to ensure the accuracy of information published, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for claims made by contributors and advertisers. The Editor reserves the right to alter or abridge copy submitted for publication.

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recently heard a great quote from Skechers logistics VP Sophie Houtmeyers, saying even when the world stops turning, logistics doesn’t stop. How right that is. In fact, Skechers has experienced order growth, even post-pandemic.

But having made a significant investment in staff and systems over the last five years, it has been in a position to support this unexpected growth.

Seize the opportunity. If growth does not present itself, then use the time to lay the groundwork for future business.

Now is the time to have a look at back office functions. Maybe you are relying on three delivery management systems when one would be optimal?

Now could be the time to rationalise on to the best option. Maybe you’ve spent the last three years thinking about cloud-based warehouse IT? Now could be the time to get something done about it.

We are delighted to have a thoughtful column from Harry Watts of SEC Group (Page 9), dealing with how you need to get on top of inventory changes six months into the crisis and deal with the implications this may have on warehouse storage and systems.

In the meantime, there is a lot to be proud of in the logistics industry. Just look at the grocery supply chain. It has been under a lot pf pressure, with acute volume fluctuations, and yet it has coped admirably.

Imagine how much worse the situation would be for the public if this key sector did not have the planning, the systems and the hardworking staff to prevail.

Social distancing in the warehouse has had major knock-on effects on processes. Firms need to carefully plan pick waves to ensure workers are not crowding in the aisles.

This is important as we approach Peak. As warehouses refine their processes, matching waves to order profiles to get goods out quickly and accurately, they will have to also factor in social distancing rules. As a result, this could be a big Peak for automaton, with many retailers looking to see just how much of extra Peak volume can be handled by automated solutions, saving both on the cost of extra employees and also the potential safety headaches they would bring.

We are running a Safer Logistics bound-in supplement in this issue, to focus on the many safety issues brought by the pandemic and also run a refresher on the usual dangers that have not gone away, and still require your attention.

If you want a modern pallet truck for safer handling, check out Toyota’s new BT Levio (Page 22).

It was great to see the FLTA launch its Safety Drive this month, to emphasise the importance of warehouse safety, particularly around MHE. It is very timely and you can read more on Page 34.

Forkway outlines how its safety focused forklift fleet management system is paying dividends for a portside timber business running a substantial fleet of heavy forklifts (Page 28), while Mastermover are also telling us how automated tugs can help instill confidence in staff (Page 30).

We also see how XPO Logistics unveiled a comprehensive safety plan for its warehouses in the wake of the pandemic (Page 24).

What’s more we have a double industry focus food & drink; and fashion - two sectors with contrasting warehouse challenges, and very different post pandemic challenges. We also climb the racks of warehouse space optimisation, get behind the wheel to tackle forklift fleet management and delve into the bubble wrap of transit packaging.

HSS Live!

Join us for Handling and Storage Solutions Live - A virtual conference - on December 1, 2020.

Presentations include The "New normal" AMRs in a time of disruption, by Denis Niezgoda, Director of Business Development Europe, Locus Robotics; Saving space and boosting productivity, by Martin McVicar, MD, Combilift; Aftershock and pre-Peak by Kevin Mofid, Head of Industrial Research, Savills; and Do the detail in eFulfillment

by Nick Fox, Head of Logistics Europe, at fashion retailer Theory.

Register free here https://bit.ly/2GQgTMI Simon Duddy, Editor

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COVER STORY

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Winter ready with Combilift As an exporter to over 85 countries, Combilift needs to factor in the varied climates that its products have to cope with and engineer them accordingly. Operational temperatures for the company’s customers can range from -40° C to +40° C, and these extremes of heat or cold can require a bit of extra care and attention to ensure reliable operation and the safety of drivers.

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s winter approaches, we take a look at some Combilift trucks that are “out in the cold” and highlight some of the features that enable them to work efficiently and safely in these tough environments.

Some of the early models manufactured

by Combilift in 1998 were exported to Norway, and with other customers in some of the coldest parts of the world Rovaniemi in Finland, Serbia in Russia, Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada, for example, Combilift has long-term expertise in keeping materials on the move in adverse weather conditions.

For Combilift customer Pretre, one of Norway’s leading manufacturers of roof elements, trusses and pre-cut timber, snow is a constant at the company headquarters in Stryn and its other sites in Lillehammer, Trondheim and Kristiansand for over six months of the year. The initial impetus for switching from traditional 2-directional sideloaders to Combilift multidirectional models was the tendency of the old trucks to slip on the snowy and icy surfaces. “Where other makes of sideloaders struggle with wheel spin, Combilift’s all-wheel drive and traction is ideally suited for the conditions in this

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part of the world,” said Jørund Woll of Materialhandtering A.S., one of the first Combilift dealers in the world.

Pretre’s raw materials and finished products are by nature very large and bulky, and the company uses a mix of around dozen models according to the differing loads handled at its sites, which are strategically located in the north, south, east and west of Norway. This facilitates customer service in a country where transport costs are high due to long distances and problematic weather.

In common to all locations is the need for efficient, space saving handling, quick and easy offloading of incoming packs of timber and reloading products for dispatch.

The company’s first Combilift was a Combi-SL sideloader with rear mounted cab, which is beneficial when a lot of picking and placing of product is involved as it gives the operator an even better view of the load. Combi-SL models with front or rear mounted cabs and 4.5t or 5t lift capacities now comprise around half of Pretre’s fleet.

Their multidirectional ability enables them to easily manoeuvre 20m long roof trusses around the yard, which has created additional storage space.

many electric models from other forklift manufacturers are only suitable for indoor use, but Pretre’s CombiC4000E is an example of the high level of versatility of Combilift products

Slightly smaller 4t C4000 C-Series models are used mainly inside for moving materials to and from the production lines but are also deployed outside when needed. These include an electric truck at the headquarters in Stryn. Mr. Woll: “many electric models from other forklift manufacturers are only suitable for indoor use, but Pretre’s Combi-C4000E is an example of the high level of versatility of Combilift products. The design incorporates full AC electric drive on the front right and rear wheel for increased traction and with one of the drive wheels positioned directly under the platform/load, very exact directional travel can be achieved with heavy loads. Regenerative braking increases battery life for longer operations per charge. As a forklift dealer we appreciate the qualities of the Combilift range which enable us to keep our customers best equipped for our climate, and Pretre is definitely one happy customer!”

Features that benefit Combilift users in cold climates such as Pretre include front and rear drive wheels and equal weight distribution on all 3 wheels thanks to the reach mechanism of the

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COVER STORY

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Do's and don'ts for extreme cold Combilift’s CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar has had plenty of experience of operating trucks in sub-zero temperatures. Here’s some advice.

✓ Make sure that drivers are aware that reduced speed equals enhanced safety. ✓ Be extra vigilant when negotiating slopes and if in doubt, don’t.

Don’ts Do’s ✓ Check batteries, hydraulics, electrical systems and engines to make sure they are in optimum working condition as these are all susceptible to the cold. ✓ Run the truck for a while to warm up the engine before starting work. ✓ Make sure that any build-up of slush or mud or gritting material in the truck is cleared regularly so that it doesn’t block components. ✓ Travel with the load as low to the ground as possible. ✓ Check that diesel fuel in your storage tank is winter rated. ✓ Fit rubber coated forks so that the load is less likely to slip on frozen forks. ✓ Consider options such as engine block heaters, hydraulic oil heaters, and AW-32 Viscosity hydraulic oil.

• Never use machines outside that are intended only for indoor use as stability and therefore safety will be compromised.

• Do not try to start an engine that has been subjected to severe wind chill temperatures unless it has an engine block heater and/or engine oil sump heater.

• When the engine is started do not cycle any of the hydraulics until the engine oil heats up. Seals in hydraulic cylinders may otherwise be frozen to the cylinder rods.

• Do not attempt to power wash the forklift in extreme cold.

• Never risk operation if visibility and therefore safety cannot be guaranteed – in heavy and persistent snowfall for example.

• Don’t brake suddenly - this increases the chance of skidding so should be avoided at all costs.

C-Series. The U-shaped chassis on the C-Series also provides a low stable platform on which to rest long loads.

The patented Electric AC Motor drive on the electric models provides superior traction as all the wheels are controlled independently, ensuring traction on every wheel irrespective of the ground conditions. And let’s not forget the drivers! Fully enclosed cabin options include a heater, wipers and window de-misters for their comfort, visibility and safety. www.combilift.com

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NEWS Contract Baby goods manufacturer Munchkin has awarded a three-year contract to CHEP. The contract will see CHEP supply pallets for Munchkin, ensuring that their products are widely available and ready to be picked, including through major eComm retail fulfillment centres across the UK.

WMS L’Oréal will implement Manhattan Active Warehouse Management, with the first implementation due to launch by mid 2021, with worldwide deployment across L’Oréal’s distribution centres expected by the end of 2023.

Select Manchester-based logistics firm, Select Transport, is one of the latest firms to join the Palletways pallet network.

Select, based at the World Freight Centre at Manchester Airport, specialises in warehouse and storage, European transport, airfreight haulage, UK contract haulage and aviation security.

Container Maritime Transport has bought Wincanton’s container business for £1.5 million.

Castleford Freight forwarding and logistics firm DTD Logistics Solutions has acquired a 37,555 sq ft warehouse in Castleford on a 10-year lease.

Daventry Barberry has completed a £10.5m speculative 73,000 sq ft warehouse in the East Midlands.

Glasgow Amazon has pre-let a 145,000 sq ft build-to-suit warehouse at Glasgow Business Park on a 15year lease.

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AO opens 3rd warehouse in 4 months The site is the largest warehouse of the three, adding over 275,000 sq ft of distribution space with the premises at G-Park in Stokeon-Trent.

In recent months, AO has acquired over half a million sq ft of new warehousing space across Cheshire and Staffordshire to ensure it has the capacity to manage growing customer demand while allowing colleagues to work socially distanced and safely during the pandemic.

Opening this week, the fifth warehouse in AO’s portfolio will create 120 new jobs in a range of roles. With AO launching a nationwide recruitment drive for over 650 jobs, the warehouse expansion presents fresh and exciting opportunities for those in Staffordshire. While the large site will be used primarily for distribution to AO’s 18 ‘local hub’ depots

nationwide, there are plans for it to include a delivery depot to be even closer to customers in the area.

AO Logistics MD David Ashwell said: “Expanding our logistics network is a crucial step in our growth strategy, so we can continue to serve customers when they need us the most. We’ve really had to act quickly to adapt to an influx in customers following the Covid-19 lockdown. By actively securing more warehousing space and creating hundreds of new, quality jobs in the process, we’re working hard to invest in the future.

“As a business, we’re proud to provide both an essential service for customers and a safe working environment for our people, with social distancing in place. Our team have continued to adapt to necessary changes and they are taking the swift

Green delivery plan unveiled

Birmingham, Bradford, Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Coventry, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Derby, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Kingston-upon-Hull, Leeds, Leicester, Liverpool, Reading, Sheffield, Southampton and Stoke-onTrent.

The programme represents the acceleration of a pan-European ambition.

To achieve the ambition of 225 green cities, DPDgroup will deploy 7,000 new alternative vehicles, 3,600 charging points and 80 new urban depots across Europe.

These initiatives represent an investment of €200 million in total by 2025.

DPD plans to deliver to 25 of the largest towns and cities in the UK with zero and low-emission delivery means by 2025.

The move is part of a Europe-wide drive by DPDgroup involving 225 urban areas in 20 countries and is based on a delivery model trialled in many cities, including London.

DPD has re-thought the way it operates last mile delivery by implementing micro and urban depots as well as other appropriate alternative delivery solutions.

In the UK, the towns and cities included in the initiative will be;

Sale and leaseback ProCook, a supplier of Dining & Kitchenware, has agreed a 20-year sale and leaseback on its Gloucester headquarters.

Leftfield has acquired the 43,629 sq ft warehouse facility into its Leftfield Logistics portfolio for £5.15 million,

reflecting a net initial yield of 5.47%.

The building was completed in 2015 and is part of St Modwen Gateway 12. It has access onto the A38 and junction 12 of the M5 motorway and nearby occupiers include Parcelforce, DPD and Amazon. Cushman & Wakefield acted on behalf of ProCook.

expansion in their stride.

With our latest distribution sites in Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford, we’ve now established a strong logistics hub in the North West.”

The sustainability initiatives at G-Park make it an ideal fit for AO, as the site uses rainwater harvesting to reduce water usage and enhanced skylights to make the most of natural light.

The unit has been leased

by GLP, a leading investor

and developer of logistics warehouses. Sarah Ratcliffe, commercial property partner at Yorkshire law firm Gordons, advised AO on the lease negotiations for the warehouse.

AO.com acquired the twoperson delivery company, formerly Expert Logistics, in 2009, and it now offers next day delivery to every UK postcode seven days a week on its range of 12,000 electrical products.

1.5m sq ft to be delivered St. Modwen has launched its latest industrial and logistics development phases as part of plans to deliver c. 1.5m sq ft of high-quality space in 2021.

With the first construction activity starting this month, St. Modwen will be active on 11 schemes to deliver over 25 new units in key locations across the UK as businesses continue to bolster supply chains. This latest build

programme further unlocks the potential in the company’s 19m sq ft future pipeline, 45% of which already has planning. In July, St. Modwen confirmed being on track to deliver 1.2m sq ft of new space during 2020 with 53% of associated £7.7m ERV let or under offer, up from 18% of committed pipeline at start of 2020, reflecting continued strong demand.

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GUEST COLUMN

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Effective inventory management and the impact of design Warrington warehouse let to PPE provider Stoford Developments and its development partner Oxenwood Real Estate have let the new speculativelydeveloped logistics facility at Stone Cross Business Park in Warrington to Globus Group.

The 72,740 sq ft warehouse is located on the site of the former Carlsberg brewery depot.

The letting will support Globus Group’s continued expansion following an increased demand for PPE in the wake of Covid-19. The manufacturer was recently awarded a contract by the Department of Health and Social Care to supply

millions of high performance FFP3 masks. It plans to manufacture 75% of its products in the UK and has commissioned two new factories in North West England and South West Scotland, with the potential to create hundreds of new jobs.

Stone Cross 72 is the second phase of the Stone Cross Business Park scheme which reached practical completion less than six months ago. Stoford and Oxenwood Real Estate sold the existing 126,000 sq ft logistics facility on Stone Cross Business Park to a packaging firm.

AutoStore alleges Ocado infringed automation patents Norwegian warehouse automation technology provider AutoStore has filed patent infringement lawsuits in the United States and the United Kingdom against Ocado Group.

AutoStore is seeking court orders barring Ocado and its partner, Tharsus Group, from manufacturing, importing, using and selling technology that infringes AutoStore’s patents, as well as monetary damages.

Ocado has signed agreements with retailers such as Kroger (US), Marks & Spencer (UK), and Morrisons (UK) that rely on the continued infringement of AutoStore’s intellectual property, the firm alleges.

AutoStore CEO and President Karl Johan Lier said: “Our ownership of the technology at the heart of Ocado’s warehousing system is

clear. We will not tolerate Ocado’s continued infringement of our intellectual property rights in its effort to boost its growth and attempt to transform itself into a global technology company.”

Ocado released a statement: “Ocado notes the press release from Autostore. Ocado confirms it has not received any papers in relation to these claims and this is the first we have heard of this new claim.

We are not aware of any infringement of any valid Autostore rights and of course we will investigate any claims once we receive further details.

We have multiple patents protecting the use of our systems in grocery and we are investigating whether Autostore has, or intends to infringe those patents. We will always vigorously protect our intellectual property.”

When Covid struck, this presented a multitude of issues, namely managing the expedited shift to online consumer purchasing and changing demand for products, as well as consideration of the resilience of our distribution networks.

However, despite all the issues the warehouses, distribution centres, retailers and logistics companies have had to tackle, two things stand out as being universal. It’s made everyone review and reassess their supply chains, as well as their routes to market.

For many businesses, this almost instant change in customer demand for their products has had a significant impact on the supply chain and prompted some hasty responses; such as increasing stock-holding capacity in the UK to manage the upsurge of consumer demand, as well as rationalising nonessential product lines.

However, six months into the pandemic, for many of our clients, it is now time to consider what their longterm inventory holding strategy should be and begin to alter their logistics and supply chain processes to match. We’ve seen a number of different solutions, but common trends include: • Repositioning inventory to better match your service requirements e.g. holding smaller quantities closer to main markets to improve speed of delivery • Assessing if holding smaller volumes of inventory is more effective in responding to fast moving shifts in consumer trends • Considering near-shorting and adjusting inventory planning to ensure product stock is ordered from the supply chain in more frequent, yet smaller quantities • Using advanced data analytics and modern technologies to improve supplychain visibility However, while inventory management is being carefully considered, what is equally important and often forgotten, is that changes in inventory management processes must be reflected in warehouse design to ensure that service quality, efficiency and effectiveness are not reduced.

Which is why, in the last few months

we’ve been working with our customers by carrying out in-depth data analysis and modelling to assess the impact of these changes on their warehouses, and then working to carry out simple changes in order to optimise efficiency and throughput once the new stock-holding strategy comes into effect. In doing so, we’ve successfully managed to ensure that service-levels have been retained or even increased – often through low-cost tweaks to the operations that had not previously been considered.

So, our advice is if you are planning inventory-holding strategy change, make sure that your considerations are holistic and well thought-through. Ensure that any stakeholders affected by the change are aware in advance, and that there is sufficient expertise in place to be able to successfully model and consider the potential ramifications of the changes at an operational level. Not only will this help further reduce operational risk, but you may well find opportunities to reduce operational costs, or improve servicelevels along the way.

Author: Harry Watts, commercial director, SEC Storage

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FIRST STOP

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Network monitoring launched RENOVOTEC IS LAUNCHING Renovotec Network Alert, a proactive, 24/7 network monitoring and alerting service that tracks the health and performance of the network infrastructure remotely and in real-time.

This is designed to enable organisations to take corrective action to avoid network downtime through to complete failure. The subscription service, which also includes a support team of Renovotec experts is currently available on a 90 day trial.

In its 2020 ‘Magic Quadrant for Network Services’ analyst Gartner observes that ‘enterprises are increasingly willing to consider smaller providers and innovative services, particularly those that can be consumed on an as-a-service basis.’

The network reliability problem is growing with 83% of users actively seeking or planning to seek a new monitoring service for their network (451Research). Meanwhile the incident response pressure on networks is increasing thanks to a

mix of cloud migration, edge computing and IoT, with enterprise IoT endpoints forecast to reach 5.8 billion this year (Gartner).

“Renovotec Network Alert is our response to network neglect,” says Renovotec director Lance Bennett.

“Many networks are installed and then ignored until they operate badly or fail.” It has been shown that overall networking and IT downtime costs UK businesses an average of £3.6 million each a year (Supply Chain Times).

Gartner estimates that the worldwide network performance monitoring and diagnostics (NPMD) market will reach $2.9 billion this year, growing at 12.1% (CAGR) through to 2023. The managed detection and response, or MDR market is also growing: according to Gartner ‘by 2025, 50% of organisations will be using MDR services for threat monitoring, detection and response functions that offer threat containment capabilities’.

What it does Renovotec Network Alert’s software and service monitors anything attached to a network that should operate continuously including access points and switches, routers, bridges, servers and even corporate websites. It monitors network performance and connectivity 24/7 and informs the user of any failure via email alerts, eliminating the need for manual checking.

Renovotec Network Alert checks that all access points are functioning correctly and that network switches,

Machine learning in intralogistics ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND machine learning are more and more finding their way into the material handling industry.

Many places in the supply chain hold latent information with a great deal of potential for making

LPR opens Essex depot PALLET POOLING BUSINESS, LPR (a division of Euro Pool Group), has announced the opening of its second depot for 2020 – this time in the south of England.

The former brownfield site has been extensively renovated into a 4 acre, purpose built, development for LPR. The Grays depot will support

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processes more efficient. This pertains to the performance of an entire system as well as individual elements. Using machine learning enables companies to benefit from more efficient workflows. For example, orders can be picked and sent to customers without errors and with maximum speed.

TGW considers machine learning from three perspectives: the object level, the material flow level and the machine level.

Objects can, for example, be picked by the self-learning order picking robot Rovolution. It reacts completely on its own to unexpected events such as an

article falling down during the gripping operation. This ensures interruption-free work around the clock. A highly complex algorithm looks at data to develop an understanding of the scenario, making it possible to assess and classify the condition. On this basis, the Rovolution robot can make autonomous decisions about how to handle an article being picked.

On the material flow level, machine learning can help to control the system so that there are no bottlenecks and all workstations are evenly occupied. TGW is currently developing prediction

the business in pallet sortation and repair and enable the business to service and grow its customer base around the M25.

LPR’s Grays depot has the ability to process 4 million pallets per year, as well as offering heat treatment facilities to support its preparation for the end of the Brexit transition period.

The latest depot opening has again been led by operations director for UK & Ireland, Simon Wood.

Simon, and his team, were

responsible for the identification of the site, masterminding its redevelopment and finally, overseeing its opening. Simon said: “I’m really proud to be able to announce the opening of this latest

wireless access points and other critical network components are running smoothly. It tracks key trends by building a history of network usage, issues and failures – critical for identifying problems and planning network capacity upgrades.

It keeps the user informed by providing monthly reports on network performance; and it helps to ensure that network performance and availability are optimised.

For more information, visit www.renovotec.com Tel: 01924 600 480

models that enable precise adaptation of a system to seasonal fluctuations or changes in customer order behaviour. The models recognise patterns that are not immediately apparent to a human brain. This makes the process of drawing conclusions and making decisions in everyday business much faster.

At the machine level, the main task is to analyse and understand the condition of individual components, as part of condition monitoring for example. This makes it possible to reduce downtime by scheduling dates and times for maintenance at an early stage.

For more information, visit www.tgw-group.com Tel: 01858 468855

development at LPR. This new site, and the further additional capacity it provides, will reinforce our ability to service our customer’s needs.”

LPR managing director region north Adrian Fleming added: “This depot will be operated by our partner XPO. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of both this, and our Coventry depot, on our network.”

For further information, visit www.lpr.eu Tel: 01527 523 311

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LIFT TRUCKS

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Stand-on truck for one ton payload The Linde E10 stand-on electric truck can move goods weighing up to one tonne.

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n almost every industry there are transport tasks that require a particularly narrow, short and, often, lightweight industrial truck that can fit into a freight elevator, for example.

Available with a choice of a lead-acid or lithium-ion battery, the new Linde E10 with it’s one tonne load capacity is just such an all-rounder for everyday logistics. Only slightly wider than a euro pallet, it fits into even the narrowest of aisles and, with a turning radius of just 1,317mm, is able to manoeuvre in the tightest of spaces.

As the vehicle is designed for frequent on/off applications, it has no seat, but does offer a padded backrest. The operator can access the truck from either side, hardly having to lift his feet due to the low step. Standard equipment includes automatic speed reduction in

curves and as well as a dead man’s switch integrated into the floor mat.

The layout of the operator’s cab is functional without compromising comfort. Ergonomically arranged operating controls and narrow overhead

guard struts and mast profiles ensure maximum freedom of movement and excellent visibility of the load and surroundings. The vibration-isolated operator’s platform absorbs shocks to enhance operator comfort and reduce fatigue to retain concentration. In cases where frequent operation in reverse is a necessity, the truck can be equipped with a second set of operating controls to reduce strain on the operator’s upper body. Moreover, the operator’s right arm can rest on a wide padded armrest for further convenience.

Optional equipment includes a protective armoured glass roof that provides unrestricted upward visibility and protection against falling objects, and the Linde BlueSpot and Linde TruckSpot safety systems. Other options such as cold store protection, fork tilt, integral sideshift and fork positioning carriages are also available.

For more information, visit www.linde-mh.co.uk Tel: 01256 342000

From dock door to warehouse floor Crown, one of the world’s largest material-handling companies, has expanded its product offering to provide customers with an extensive range of warehouse solutions, helping them improve throughput, enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

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ffered by Crown in other countries and now available for UK customers, Crown Warehouse Solutions is a comprehensive one-stop package incorporating the full range of material handling product and services, as well as help for customers to design, plan and equip their warehouses for optimal performance. The valueenhanced solution includes racking, pedestrian barriers, flooring, line marking, signage, labelling etc.

Crown Warehouse Solutions is designed to provide customers with easy access to an extensive range of experts spanning all aspects of material handling, right from the dock door to the warehouse floor. This means Crown can offer tailored solutions focussed on a facility’s specific requirements regardless of sector.

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Crown’s specialist designers plan the bespoke solution to provide optimal workflow and productivity, with minimal disruption to the customer’s operation during installation. Crown Warehouse Solutions include service spanning all phases of a project from delivery and installation through to ongoing support. Dealing with a single source rather than multiple suppliers

ensures a consistent customer experience throughout the project.

The customised turnkey solutions enable customers to remain focused on their business objectives. Capacity constraints within the modern warehouse are a key consideration; Crown’s experienced designers draw on an extensive range of products to create the ideal storage solution, including also the integration of the proper lift truck fleet.

Crown Lift Trucks UK managing director Simon Barkworth said: “Crown is best known for its reliable lift trucks and professional customer service. We wanted to bring these qualities to the new Crown Warehouse Solutions offer, and this is what we have achieved.

“By carefully sourcing from trusted suppliers, we can now offer a comprehensive warehouse solutions package. Our experts can design, install and implement a tailored package specific to a customer’s requirements and all backed by Crown’s strong commitment to quality, reliability and price.”

For more information, visit www.crown.com/en-uk Tel: 0800 470 4671

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FLEET MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE

Downtime slashed Docks operation takes on lithium-ion powered forklifts after frustration with lead acid battery downtime.

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WT Commodities has transformed its operations after purchasing five new Mitsubishi EDiA forklift trucks all fitted with li-ion batteries.

The global company has its main UK site at Seaforth Docks in Liverpool, where 10 warehouses are used for storing cocoa and coffee products. The materials arrive by ship from West Africa during the busy cocoa season which runs from November to April.

After collecting the shipping containers from the quayside, CWT uses its forklift fleet to empty the contents and load them onto lorries to be delivered to some of the biggest blue-chip food and drink companies in the world.

Forklift Trucks dealer Jofson, Alex decided to upgrade the fleet and change to li-ion.

The technology is known for its fast charging capabilities and reduced mains energy draw compared with conventional battery chargers, says the firm.

Jofson sales director Kevin Gorman explains: “A li-ion battery doesn’t require any maintenance. You can also charge it more frequently and far quicker than a lead-acid battery without any damage to the battery. High-speed charging means there is no need for spare batteries which take up precious storage space and need specialist lifting equipment and labour to change. It’s ideal for a company like CWT that requires full equipment availability at all times.”

Too much downtime

Machines for every task

With a lot of product to move, CWT needs forklifts that are available any time within a 24 hour period to help meet delivery targets. The company had previously been using electric forklifts with wet-cell lead-acid batteries and had been experiencing multiple problems over the years.

“The lead-acid batteries we were using weren’t charging properly, or they took a long time to charge overnight, and our productivity was suffering as a result,” says Seaforth Docks site manager Alex Turner.

After speaking with local Mitsubishi

CWT Commodities ordered three 3.5tonne electric EDiA EX FB35N 80-volt counterbalance trucks with li-ion batteries. Two of the trucks were specified with 5.5-metre masts to support high lifts, and the third was specially designed for de-stuffing shipping containers.

Each forklift was built to spec, with CWT selecting a number of additional features to support their operations.

These included a load weight indicator which displays a weight via the dashboard to prevent overloading, an auto-tilt mast to support safe box

stacking, a rear-mounted blue spotlight which alerts nearby pedestrians to the forklift, and automatic LED headlights to illuminate the inside of containers.

CWT also ordered a fleet management system that could provide real-time information on truck location and uptime, thereby improving driver accountability.

“The safety features on the trucks make things much easier for the operators because they can focus on the task and let the truck work automatically,” said Alex. “Kevin had great knowledge about the trucks and li-ion, and the service department have been great at making any adjustments we wanted.”

CWT also ordered two 5-tonne electric FB50N counterbalance forklifts, each with high-lift 6.5-metre masts.

These larger models were suitable for the attachment of bespoke, quick-release rotating clamps used for decanting boxes of cocoa onto lorries for onward delivery.

Always ready to go

The lead-acid batteries we were using weren’t charging properly, or they took a long time to charge overnight, and our productivity was suffering as a result.

The ability to charge li-ion batteries quickly means trucks are ready when they’re needed, allowing CWT to hit more targets and vastly improve productivity. The company has been able to save money by no longer relying on extra diesel trucks, which were previously used to supplement the fleet when the old batteries failed.

Alex explains: “There is far less downtime now. We used to only be able to charge batteries at the end of every shift, but now we can put a truck on charge during our one-hour lunchbreak and get 90% battery power, which is great. Then we can put them on again after the shift knowing they’ll be fully charged in no time, ready to use first thing in the morning.

“In the past we were getting complaints from yard staff all the time in regard to batteries, but now we don’t have any problems. Everyone is much happier with the li-ion.”

For more information, visit www.mitsubishi-forklift.co.uk Tel: 0845 371 3048

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FLEET MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE

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Control forklift costs A forklift truck is a vital tool, and significant investment, that should be regularly maintained and productively managed across the whole life of a truck. Ross Farquhar outlines how a provider can help you avoid pitfalls.

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ow important to your business is your forklift truck fleet? Across a broad swathe of industrial and commercial concerns the forklift truck fleet is a key enabler, responsible for the smooth movement of goods between manufacturing processes, through warehouses, and onto vehicles – an absolute necessity for the competitive performance and financial wellbeing of the business.

And yet, how well planned, maintained and managed is the average fleet? How sophisticated is the analysis of vehicle usage data – is utilisation evenly spread across the fleet? What are the damage trends and causes? And is servicing being regularly carried out? Uptime for each and every vehicle is critically important. Breakdowns or failures of any description, whether they are due to mechanical issues or problems of compliance, can result in lost production, poor performance, delays and unhappy customers.

Reducing risk, controlling costs and ensuring productivity requires attention to detail – and some applied knowledge.

Monitoring every aspect of the fleet should be an on-going process, controlled and managed by specialists that understand the importance of regular servicing, damage control, compliance issues and cost analysis. A forklift truck fleet, of any size, is a significant investment that should be appropriately assigned to the tasks at hand, efficiently put to good use, regularly maintained and managed productively across the whole life of a contract.

At Rushlift, a wholly owned subsidiary of Doosan Industrial Vehicles, we work closely with the fleet owner over the entire length of the contract, to maximise the overall performance of the fleet: from specifying and recommending the most appropriate trucks for the duties to be performed – and that means providing the best truck for the job, whatever the make – to providing full, regular servicing, fast breakdown call-out, and on-site meetings to review fleet performance.

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Specifying the best truck for the task is a core focus for Rushlift, as we are primarily concerned with providing solutions that work best for the fleet owner over the entire life of the truck. Of course, Doosan have an extensive range of forklift trucks of over 200 models of counterbalance, reach and warehouse trucks, with capacities spanning 1.3 tonne right up to 25 tonne, over power sources of electric, gas and diesel, so there is every reason that a market leading Doosan truck would be, in many instances, best suited for the job.

However, we are also able to provide any other piece equipment that is required for the job, regardless of the manufacturer.

A recent example is Weir Minerals, where Rushlift supplied 55 vehicles to the heavy engineering business. A critical consideration in selecting Rushlift was our ability to provide any truck that Weir Minerals required and that included Genie scissor lift and cherry pickers, a Hoist compact gas counterbalance truck, Jungheinrich VNA trucks and a JCB Telehandler.

Forklift trucks not only need to be designed and built to be easily serviced, as with the Doosan range, but the service support network must be highly responsive. Rushlift has service centres located strategically across the UK and over 130 highly qualified field engineers

Rushlift’s Fleet Management System enables customers to access up-tothe-moment information on their forklift truck fleet.

on the road at any one time, enabling the company to issue a guarantee that an engineer will be on site within 4 hours.

And underscoring our on-going commitment to service, Rushlift has just introduced a fleet of 90 brand new service vans, fully kitted out and replenished every night with parts by an in-the-night courier service.

Illustrating the importance that businesses place on service support excellence, Buildbase transport operations manager Fraser Boyd says: “Ensuring the uptime of our forklift trucks is absolutely essential to the efficient running of our sites. Rushlift accommodate all our service requirements. With any breakdowns or servicing needs they just make it happen, which takes a big burden off of our shoulders.”

Of course, fast and easy access to parts is a fundamental support function.

Rushlift’s UK Parts Distribution Centre in Northampton carries in excess of £1.2 million worth of stock for next-day delivery. With a 4.30pm cut-off for orders – one of the latest in the industry – Rushlift customers get the best possible support, all from within the UK. Important too, is Rushlift’s Fleet Management System, which is provided free of charge to all customers.

The online platform enables customers to access up-to-the-moment information on their forklift truck fleet, log breakdowns on a 24/7 basis and access maintenance records, account details and other vital information.

Importantly, live data is fed through the engineer’s tablet making site visits simpler, with all maintenance records updated in real-time.

Ross Farquhar, strategic planning manager, Rushlift For more information, visit www.rushlift.co.uk Tel: 01924 497805

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DON’T BE FOOLED … on the surface it may look the part but only genuine components can guarantee durability & performance.

Genuine Volkswagen and Impco components ensure that all related parts continue to work together and offer the best possible safety, reliability and performance.

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please call 01491 834666 or visit mi-uk.com

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FLEET MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE

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STILL revamps EXH low lift pallet trucks The manufacturer has enhanced its portfolio with the EXH series of low lift pallet trucks and EXD series of double stacker trucks now coming with a fixed stand-on platform.

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here are three variants of the fixed stand-on platform on the two new STILL models: with a rear entry driver’s workplace for frequent loading ramp movements, with a side entry for longer transport distances, or with a backrest when the order-picking of goods is the main focus. A feature shared by all variants is the air-damped stand-on platform to protect the operator’s back even in harsh working conditions. This system reduces body vibrations by up to 40%. Drivers can set the suspension to suit their own individual needs or body weight. An integrated air compressor is optionally available to allow this adjustment simply by pushing a button. This relieves physical stress, particularly when operators change often, and especially during long shifts or if there are frequent movements on the loading ramp. It also

means maximum comfort for the driver when entering the truck: the platform’s entry height is very low, making it easier for the operator to access the truck. This is of great advantage during tasks involving frequent entering and leaving the truck, e.g. during order-picking or when loading and unloading goods vehicles.

Another comfort feature: the heightadjustable STILL Easy Drive steering wheel can be controlled with just one

hand – by both left and right-handed operators. The STILL Easy Drive rocker switches guarantee not only sensitive, safe operation of the lift function, but also control of the driving, lifting and steering functions at the same time – and all without changing grip. An extra level of safety is provided by the optional foot sensor, which is available for the truck variant with a rear entry. This sensor detects whether the operator’s feet are within the truck’s contour. To ensure safety, the truck automatically reduces its speed when there is a contact with the photoelectric sensor.

The models are available with optional Li-Ion power.

They are said to be the slimmest trucks on the market, with a total width of only 720mm – and thus 80mm narrower than a Europallet lengthwise. Powerful driving and lifting motors give the EXH-S 20/25 a load-carrying capacity of up to 2,500kg, and an (optional) top speed of incredible 14 km/h.

For more information, visit www.still.co.uk Tel: 01772 644300

Doosan launches smart telematics tool for forklifts The LIN-Q Smart Telematics System is a cloud based solution that remotely monitors a forklift truck fleet in real-time and sends information to a mobile phone, tablet or PC.

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sing wireless communication (LTE, 3G, WiFi, GPS), the system automatically updates and reports on each individual forklift truck’s performance – maximising efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing safety across the fleet.

This ‘always on’ fleet management tool provides detailed information on service & breakdown history, battery charging/discharging, fuel efficiency and operating hours – including monitoring working/ non-working hours within daily operations. Loading history and driving/idling data is also captured, allowing the optimum fleet size to be calculated, which could lead to significant cost savings through removing unnecessary trucks or a review of replacements.

The service history management function offers information on replaced

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parts, downtime and service records – with notifications automatically sent when parts are due for replacement. The system presents all the information needed for effective forklift fleet management, maximising equipment uptime and delivering significant operational cost savings.

Aiding compliance to Health & Safety requirements, the LIN-Q Smart Telematics System records vehicle speed and any shocks in real-time. Alerts are

automatically sent to both the driver and manager when a speed limit is exceeded or if a shock is recorded. The system also enhances on-site safety and security by restricting vehicle usage to authorised drivers only. And the system requires a driver to carry out checks on a vehicle before being permitted to operate it.

The system enhances safety, helps prevent damage and preserves the value of the vehicle.

Helping businesses keep track of their valuable fleet assets, Doosan’s LIN-Q Smart Telematics System logs each vehicles’ location in real-time and issues a warning alarm if a forklift truck travels beyond its permitted working area or is operational outside working hours.

A regular monthly fleet management report is sent by email, offering information on the operation of the forklift fleet – from performance, efficiency and uptime to consumables, service, maintenance and impacts.

For more information, visit www.doosanforklifts.co.uk Tel: 01604 825600

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FLEET MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE

High performance truck Baoli's KBD 70 forklift truck, in the 5-10 ton class, is said to be a robust truck with limited environmental impact, as it uses the EU5 engine, which complies with restrictive regulations on emissions.

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he company’s product manager, Giuseppe Montefusco, has test driven the truck.

“It was a definitely a feeling of great power, maximum efficiency and driving comfort. The new Doosan D34 engine with 85.8kW and 3409 cm3 of capacity gives the thermal truck a feeling of high power while driving, optimally managed by the KION transmission, which is able to contain its exuberance while ensuring exemplary and modular fluidity of movement.

“Moreover, thanks to the EU5 standard, which complies with the most restrictive regulations linked to the emission limitations, this vehicle proves to be attentive to environmental impact and is equipped with exhaust gas purification systems that significantly reduce the emission of polluting particulates.

“After testing it carefully, I can confirm that the KBD 70 is configured as a simple yet at the same time effective truck, an excellent representative of the Baoli brand’s values expressed in the 510 ton class.

He continues: “The vehicle transmits at first glance a remarkable feeling of

robustness, being made up of parts entirely made of metal. These features are complemented by perfect efficiency and excellent manoeuvrability, which guarantee optimal performance in any eventuality.

“The strengths of the new KBD 70 also include an efficient lifting department, with excellent performance combined with good precision, as well as an extremely simple yet functional driving position.

“Utmost comfort while manoeuvring the truck, on the other hand, is ensured by easily accessible hydraulic levers, an ergonomic seat and excellent visibility in every direction, even through the lifting column. Finally, approaching manoeuvres at low speed are facilitated by the inching pedal, a sort of hydraulic clutch capable of progressively decoupling the engine from the transmission. Even start up and changes in direction of travel are handled smoothly.”

For more information, visit www.baoli-emea.com Tel:+39 02 9 37 65449

Which inspector will you choose for your next Thorough Examination?

Mr. A

Mr. B

Spot the difference...

...and his tape measure

...an accredited CFTS examiner

With a CFTS examiner, you can be sure they’ve got the right tools, the right skills and the right procedures for the job.

Choose the best.

Insist on a Thorough Examination developed by the industry - for the industry. Look for the marque!

www.thoroughexamination.org 17

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LIFTING & MOVING

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Compact self-propelled platform transporter The platform transporter from Hubtex has a new steering mechanism and is designed for use in confined spaces.

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roviding a platform for heavy and large loads, the selfpropelled platform transporter from Hubtex transports machine parts, steel beams, coils, sheet metal, castings and injection moulding tools. The SFB series has now been equipped with a new steering mechanism in the load capacity range up to 25t. The single wheel steering is supported by a differential drive on the rear axle. It is said to have a minimal turning radii and a more cost-effective compact design.

The steering principle was previously used in the RoxX electric heavy-duty compact forklift. It is now being gradually extended to platform transporters with different load-bearing capacity classes.

In contrast to the standard steering mechanism using an axle and cylinder with a maximum steering angle of 45°, the single-axle steering used on the front axle allows a steering angle of up to 70°.

As a result of this increased steering

angle, the overall turning radius can be significantly reduced. This means that the platform transporter can also be used in production or storage areas with limited space where manoeuvring is impractical.

The company says: “The SFB 25 offers a cost-effective alternative to trucks with all-wheel steering in the load capacity range up to 25t. The reduced complexity of the single-axle steering also leads to a significant cost saving.

Another positive aspect of the new steering mechanism is the minimal

Maritime Transport snags two reachstackers for Wakefield The 3PL is seeing growing demand at the rail terminal. Kalmar is scheduled to deliver the two Eco Reachstackers in Q4 2020.

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aritime is a UK-based intermodal logistics company with a network of 33 container and transport sites across the UK. After reaching an agreement with DB Cargo UK on 1 April 2019, Maritime launched its rail subdivision, Maritime Intermodal, which saw the company acquire four dedicated rail services out of Felixstowe and Southampton. As part of the deal, Maritime also took full responsibility for

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DB’s railfreight terminals in Wakefield and Trafford Park.

Maritime fleet director Paul Heyhoe said: “We look forward to utilising both machines at Wakefield, where they will bring a number of advantages for our customers and their supply chains including faster turnaround times and greater operational reliability.”

The new Kalmar Eco Reachstackers use a much smaller engine than the reachstacker solutions with large, high-

amount of space required in the truck, meaning the designs can be more compact than those for hydraulic steering mechanisms.”

The SFB 25 is 2,550mm long, 1,750mm wide and 900mm high and can be adapted to different customer requirements due to its modular design.

With an 80-volt drive, the SFB 25 features the division of the battery into two trays which contributes towards the compact design. The flexibility to operate on both even and uneven ground is key, which is why Hubtex offers the platform truck with soft elastic tyres. As a result, the SFB 25 is not limited to indoor applications on super flat floors. It is said to transport materials safely and efficiently both inside and outside on uneven surfaces.

The self-propelled transport vehicle is operated via cable or radio remote control. This enables the platform transporters to be integrated into automated processes, said to be crucial as Industry 4.0 continues to transform future production processes.

For more information, visit www.hubtex.com Tel: 01908 211161

horsepower engines that are traditionally seen in rail intermodal applications. This means they can reduce fuel consumption and therefore NOx emissions by up to 25% without compromising on productivity, says Kalmar.

For more information, visit www.kalmarglobal.co.uk Tel: +358-(0) 20 777 4000

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AGVs FOR HEAVY LOADS Engineered products in the Manufacturing sector are getting larger and heavier, and have thus become more difficult to move safely and accurately through production. In response Solving offers customised battery-powered AGVs for specialised, heavy load applications.

Using a combination of modern battery technology together with low-profile high capacity wheels & motors, loads of up to 100t can be programmed & guided safely & automatically through a complex series of movements to suit a variety of assembly processes.

Solving designs and installs AGVs, wheeled and air bearing-based equipment for moving a variety of industrial loads in factories. Using the latest in AGV and air-film technology, Solving’s range of movers is designed to move loads from 2 to 200 tonnes or more, either by operator control or using computerised automation.

Wessex House, Oxford Road, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 1PA Tel: 01635 814488 Fax: 01635 814480 E-mail: sales@solving.co.uk Web: www.solving.com

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CONVEYING

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Multi-level conveyor system option How do you improve warehouse efficiency and productivity while reducing costs?

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he provision of a scalable, automated, multi-level conveyor system means that you have the option to fit out a warehouse in gradual steps, or alternatively start from scratch with a complete warehouse automation solution that is capable of transporting products from the door to the top floor.

A multi-level conveyor system is a warehouse solution which consists of a series of conveyor belts used to transport products between floor levels. Multi-level conveyor systems are designed to reduce the distance that operational staff would have to walk and in turn increase productivity. They are commonly used for beauty products, books, sportswear and automotive products.

There are benefits to installing multilevel conveyor solutions in a warehouse, including: • Improved safety of the warehouse, including eliminating the need to use forklifts on mezzanine floorsIncreased picking efficiency and productivity due

to less walking required from warehouse staff • Automated stock management and replenishment when stock is low • Automated sortation to carriers based on price, where the WCS is set with changeable parameters (e.g. weight, volume) • The option to fit out a warehouse in gradual steps according to the business growth pattern and budget Major distribution centres are typically built with very high ceilings to accommodate high bay racking which is

filled with bulk or palletised products, some to up to 30m high. These high ceilings allow for multi-level mezzanine floor structures to be built which accommodate fast moving products.

Without a conveyor system in place, operational staff would have to walk a considerable distance to keep the process moving and would have to rely on each other to be in the right place at the right place.

A multi-level conveyor system can be designed bespoke to the requirements of the business, but it’s ultimate purpose is to keep the process moving and increase productivity by reducing the amount of walking require by operational staff.

The conveyor systems are integrated to the WCS and WMS to achieve a fully functioning high-speed intralogistics solution. The WMS will monitor incoming business orders and automatically place a replenishment order when the level of stock drops. To replenish stock, pallets are broken down at ground level and the individual cartons are placed on a conveyor.

For more information, visit www.lacconveyors.co.uk Tel: 0115 975 3300

Smart chain condition monitoring Predictive maintenance is a key issue in the context of Industry 4.0 when it comes to getting the most out of machines and systems.

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new, intelligent system from chain vendor iwis antriebssysteme prevents production downtimes resulting from unscheduled maintenance and repairs it permanently monitors chain elongation and provides a timely warning so that appropriate action can be taken.

With the chain elongation monitoring system CCM-S (Chain Condition Monitoring - Smart), users can permanently monitor the elongation of chain drives on the basis of sensors without having to compromise production by interruptions. The patented system measures the elongation of chains during live operation. It enables companies to take early measures by providing maintenance staff with timely

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information as to when certain measures need to be taken and whether a chain needs to be re-tensioned or replaced. The system’s intelligent data analysis enables service staff to plan service activities and personnel requirements in advance.

“Continuous chain elongation measurement offers some decisive benefits for our customers,” says iwis value engineer Florian Wimmer. “These

include fewer downtimes and interruptions to production on machines and systems, which can jeopardise a company’s ability to meet promised delivery dates. If maintenance can be planned, the maintenance staff can react in good time with the help of our system.”

The CCM-S module is plug and play.

The module is installed in the machine and the system is ready for use as soon as the cable is plugged in. If the module is installed in an existing chain drive, users can immediately start evaluating the data on wear in the chain drive using either iwis software or IO-Link.

Since the CCM-S detects only one strand of the chain, it can also monitor duplex and triplex chains. The solution can be retrofitted in a variety of applications without the use of special attachments on the chains.

For more information, visit www.iwis.com Tel:0049 89 76909 1500

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SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT Safer Logistics October 2020 Solutions for materials handling, logistics & distribution

Energy Redesigned Award Winning Powered Pallet Truck Read more overleaf

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SAFER LOGISTICS

COVER STORY

Unique modular design – the BT Levio LWI160 The new BT Levio LWI160 powered pallet truck from Toyota Material Handling is the first-ever pedestrian-operated truck that is designed around a modular Lithium-Ion battery concept.

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he Lithium-Ion battery concept makes the truck very compact, light and energy-efficient, setting new standards in the industry.

“Our new LWI160 is the most compact truck in its class offering a flexible, unique and modulated energy solution within one optimised machine size, setting the new benchmark,” says Keith Smith, Sales Training and Product Development Manager at Toyota Material Handling UK.

Design award for unique modular approach A perfect example of Toyota’s core philosophy of continuous improvement (Kaizen) in practice. Toyota Material Handling has been thinking outside of the box to optimise the BT Levio Li-Ion LWI160, and came up with a revolutionary and innovative new design of the powered pallet truck. The LWI160

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is the first ever low-lifter in the industry to have gone through a complete redesign approach. Rethinking and optimising the entire layout of the truck by removing the traditional battery tank allowing an optimal fit of all components. Thanks to its built-in Lithium-Ion battery and I_Site telematics as standard, the high-quality, compact design was awarded with the 2020 iF design award, an important recognition from the iF jury for Toyota’s first design with its unique Lithium-Ion approach.

This is the start of a new era allowing Toyota to build further on the same approach, optimising future designs even more to offer customers an even better solution for their material handling operations. Instead of working with big blocks of Lithium-Ion cells, the design incorporates smaller modules meaning that both the battery cells and

their weight are divided throughout the truck.

Improved energy efficiency The BT Levio Li-Ion model is very compact. Smaller and lighter without compromising on performance and bringing energy efficiency to the next level. The BT Levio LWI160, 24v offers flexible energy solutions. It comes with three battery capacities: 50, 105 and 150 Ah Li-Ion, and offers easy and fast charging as well as customised energy solutions depending on customer needs.

Customers have the choice between external charging, in-built charging or on-board lorry charging.

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COVER STORY Safety focus Safety is always at the forefront when Toyota is designing a new piece of equipment. The BT Levio LWI160 contributes to better safety in several ways by putting the operator at the centre of the design. Physically, the smaller dimensions mean that the operator of the truck has greater visibility. A highly manoeuvrable and compact design makes the truck easy to work with and it features the usual array of safety enhancements such as speed reduction when cornering and incorporation of the Click-2-Creep system. The complete redesign has also allowed the hydraulic unit to be placed further from the operator, this results in a lowered sound level. The LWI160 also has I_Site telematics built in as standard, offering even more information and control to enhance safety in your operation.

Easy manoeuvring The BT Levio LWI160 is a powered warehouse truck that can be used in a wide variety of low, medium and highintensity pedestrian applications. It is ideal for working in confined spaces such as retail sales areas, shops and supermarkets but also perfect for horizontal transport, loading and unloading. This one compact machine size offers easy manoeuvring and is perfect to use on-board delivery vehicles such as lorries. This innovative lightweight low-lifter from Toyota is

It comes with three battery capacities: 50, 105 and 150 Ah Li-Ion, and offers easy and fast charging as well as customised energy solutions depending on customer needs.

only 269 kg (including a 105Ah battery) and can transport loads of up to 1.6 tonnes with ease over short to medium distances with a travel speed of up to 6 km/h.

For optimal driver comfort, the BT Levio LWI160 is user-friendly and intuitive thanks to its low noise and programmable driver parameters. Safe and efficient operations are guaranteed in all situations thanks to the new design, where the tiller arm is centrally placed, offering unrestricted visibility to the driver.

The LWI160 offers optimised corner control which automatically reduces speed when cornering depending on the steering arm angle.

This decreases the risk of load instability when cornering as well as injuries, improving workplace safety.

The unique Click-2-Creep system lets the operator drive the machine with the tiller arm in upright position at creep speed, improving manoeuvrability in confined areas.

More Information The award-winning BT Levio LWI160 can enhance your operation, with pallet trucks from Toyota continuing to cater for a wide variety of applications. From the BT Lifter hand pallet trucks to the recently introduced BT Tyro LHE130 entry level electric pallet trucks, there is a solution for every operation.

If you need some advice or guidance on what solution would work best for you, get in touch 0370 850 1409 or visit www.toyota-forklifts.co.uk Tel:0370 850 1409

Next Steps for Modular Design The BT Levio LWI160 is a glimpse of the future and this approach of employing modular Lithium-Ion design will be used in other trucks, both operator driven and automated. Combining new designs, new energy and telematics promises to deliver huge benefits and move innovation.

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SAFER LOGISTICS

SAFER LOGISTICS

XPO Logistics shares its blueprint for the Covid-Secure warehouse The downloadable guide offers best practices developed by XPO for its logistics operations in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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ssential Support for Essential Workers organises XPO’s pandemic response into four categories: employee support, riskmitigation processes, on-site preventative measures and data-driven trend analysis. The whitepaper describes how the company’s Business Continuity Response Team has been able to proactively manage pandemic-related issues using decision mapping, event triage protocols, employee benefits and other measures at over 300 logistics sites.

When the pandemic struck, XPO immediately developed a comprehensive

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response plan to mitigate the risk presented by a potential exposure. The plan has proven to be effective in managing the response effort. In late February, it activated its Business Continuity Response Team to help coordinate an approach.

In the event of a potential infection, site leaders complete a ‘Code 19’ triage and reporting form to detail the nature of the situation. The white paper contains details of this, as well as a decision map which guides site leaners through the response process.

A key part of the risk-mitigation process is electrostatic deep-cleaning.

The cleaning is carried out by specialist external firms, and requires the sign-off of an industrial hygienist. This protocol is activated whenever an employee, contractor, customer representative or on-site vendor tests positive for Covid19, even when the individual has been off-site in self-quarantine for several days.

Partners use industrial-grade chemicals to wipe down high-touch surfaces, including equipment, handrails, computer keyboards, doorknobs, water coolers, lockers, shared workspaces and all surfaces in the break rooms and restrooms.

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An electrostatic misting (sometimes called “fogging”) is carried out at sites, which eliminates all germs, bacteria and viruses at the particle level. This process typically takes about two hours to be completed throughout a distribution centre. It is safe to work 30 minutes after the deep clean has finished, which is why everyone can come to work the next day. Some larger facilities do take longer, but those are multi-building campuses that may have more than 1,000 employees.

Prevention protocols The first preventative action XPO took to combat Covid-19 was to institute an enhanced cleaning process at the beginning and end of every shift.

The process involves wiping down workstations, equipment, shared work spaces and other surfaces, along with more frequent cleanings of common areas such as restrooms and break rooms. This procedure is tracked by means of an “S Chart” to record the completion of cleanings.

At the start of every shift, all associates must affirm that they meet five Covid-19 related preconditions that indicate they

pose no risk to their colleagues.

These declarations have been instrumental in building a culture in which employees are consistently on guard to identify any symptoms or exposure. Any employee who feels ill prior to his or her shift is instructed to stay home, and any employee who becomes ill while at work must

immediately notify a supervisor or HR lead and return home.

A corresponding Visitor Declaration is posted at the entrance of every XPO location. Visitors are not allowed within facilities unless they are able to affirm that they meet the same five preconditions. Additionally, visitor access is restricted to eliminate any visits

Robotics and safety Physical distancing measures will necessarily be a fixture in the workplace for the foreseeable future, says XPO Logistics divisional operations director, supply chain Europe Phil Shaw.

“We are all much more conscious of the risk of physical interaction, especially in the workplace, and companies will continue doing what’s needed to help prevent any further spread of the Coronavirus. For employers, that means safety first – as always – with focused virus-related protocols to limit contact between employees and prevent cross-contamination via shared equipment and workspaces. At the same time, we need to maintain a practical, efficient and comfortable environment for all our employees.

“In a highly manual work environment like warehousing, this might have been thought of as an almost insurmountable challenge. However, since this health crisis started, we have adapted rapidly and successfully by introducing additional safety measures. While this wasn’t easy, what helped enormously was adapting our intelligent automation technologies to support our pandemic protocols.

Pre-Coronavirus, robotics and cobotics, for example, were already mainstays of our operations.

“Now, these technologies are enabling us to limit personal interactions in the warehouse to those that are essential and that can be conducted safely. Beyond robots and cobots, goods-to-person and remote-vision systems have proven to be invaluable. These resources are helping us to organise the movement of people and products in the safest and most efficient way possible.”

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R IS K- MI T IG AT ION P R OCE S S Employees are well -spaced for tier-board meetings, which star t ever y shif t with employee declara tions, enhanced cleanings, safety reminders and productivity metrics.

Breakroom seating enables employees to remain six feet apar t.

Hand-washing sinks have six-foot floor markings for those waiting in line.

D i g i t a l m o n i to r s a n d posters communicate the impor tance of physical distancing, mask-wearing and han nd -washing.

Hand-sanitation stations are throughout the facility for easy access.

Automation enables the continuation of ser vices if employees must stay at home in self- quarantine, due to potential community exposure to COVID -19.

A mask-pickup station is at the employee entrance.

Programmed cobots work alongside humans to lif t and move product, reducing the physical burden on employees and opt p imizing efficien cy, while also ensuring safe distancing throughout the facility.

Employees and visitors line up for temperature screening, adhering to six-foot distance markings.

XPO Logistics has provided pandemic paid sick leave and enhanced paid time off (PTO) for employees to selfquarantine with pay during the pandemic if they have had any exposure to COVID -19.

Visitor restrictions reduce outside visits for business - critical purposes only, and all visitors must affirm our visitor declarations beffore r entr y.

A protective barrier ensures separation during the temperature screening process.

Many distribution centers have constructed outdoor o breakrooms to accommodate physical distancing, allowing ever yone to use a breakroom.

!

Due to variations in facilit y layout and customer needs, individual distribution centers may not have all items referenced above.

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that are not mission-critical. Visitors are not permitted to socialise or spend time in facilities beyond what is essential to meet business needs.

Every site has an expanded stock of cleaning supplies, and has installed hand-sanitation stations throughout.

Some sites have also installed “hotwash� stations where employees can more frequently wash their hands with soap and water. To accommodate the surge in demand stemming from the outbreak, XPO’s Procurement Team in March set up a dedicated website to

enable each location to order and track cleaning supplies and PPE.

Warehouse operations reengineered XPO re-engineered warehouse operations to keep everyone six feet apart at all times, including during breaks and when coming into work and leaving for the day. For example, Sixfoot physical distancing is practiced at every tier-board meeting, where goals are established for the shift and data is analysed to ensure operations are on

XPO’s Procurement Team set up a dedicated website to enable each location to order and track cleaning supplies and PPE.

track. Also, in many cases, it was necessary to reconfigure operational layout in order to adhere to the six-foot physical distancing guidelines. Sites have risen to this challenge and found ways to maintain productivity at a safe distance. Floor markings assist associates along an assembly line to uphold operational distancing.

Distribution centres have put in place an additional level of protection in the form of protective barriers. When combined with six-foot physical distancing, these barriers help prevent exposure and offer more peace of mind.

XPO’s Data Analytics Team developed a daily report that enables XPO’s leadership to track and assess positive Covid-19 cases, and to observe pandemic trends so the firm can adjust accordingly. For example, we saw that certain regions were becoming “hot spots� before the general public appeared to be aware of that development.

To download the white paper, visit https://bit.ly/3jkhhkQ Tel: 01604 596665

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If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.

LAO TZU

Barcode labels, overhead signage and line marking are vital elements of your facility.

It makes sense, therefore, to plan these mission critical essentials beforehand. You need to allow sufficient time to design, produce, install and, in the case of barcode labels, test these items with your warehouse management system.

Factoring all of this into the warehouse equation too late can have serious operational consequences.

Avoid panic buying, call inotec today – we’re the experts.

We’ll handle all aspects of the warehouse operation, from overhead signs to line marking and from racking and shelving labels to floor tags.

Tel: 01482 654466 Email: info@inotec.co.uk www.inotec.co.uk

Barcode Labels • In-mould Labels • Line Marking • Floor Tags • Overhead Signs • RFID

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Port invests £2m in forklift fleet backed with safety tools Shoreham Port has invested in a fleet of 35 new Yale forklift trucks to support its timber logistics operation, with Forkway’s FleetSafe LCD telematics system playing a key role.

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he timber operation is estimated to handle up to 20% of all UK timber imports. The £2m contract is the largest ever for supplier Solent Forklift Trucks, part of Forkway Group.

“We will discharge more than 100 packs of timber per hour from this ship,” says Tom Rawlins, manager – operations & training, standing on the quayside at Shoreham Port next to a ship from Scandinavia delivering more than 3,000 packs of varied length timber up to 6m long. “The forklift truck fleet is essential to ensure our port operatives can turn every ship around efficiently.”

The port is the largest timber handling port on the south coast of England with extensive experience and equipment for timber handling. Last year alone over 450,000m3 of timber was handled and stored in either the 47,000m2 of dedicated, modern dry warehousing or quayside paved open storage.

“Our Yale trucks pick up the timber packs as they are discharged, transport them to the barcode area and then onto storage across the 2.5km length of the Port,” says Tom, explaining that the Yale forklifts are also used to load about 70 lorries each day.

The 35 new Yale Veracitor GDP55VX trucks provide up to 5.5 tonne lift capacity and replace a previous fleet of Yale trucks which were also supplied by Solent Forklift Trucks. The company, which is part of the Forkway Group, has supported the site for more than eight years and is one of the region’s leading materials handling specialists.

“Truck reliability is critical to avoid a backlog whether it’s in 35 degrees C summer heat, gale force winds, driving rain, or sub-zero freezing temperatures,” says Tom. “Our previous Yale trucks proved resilience, so we expect this new generation to be available for a 12 hour shift, with extended operations to meet business demand.”

With safety being the number one

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priority at the Port, as the old truck contract was coming to an end, the Port conducted a full assessment of operations, reviewing all hazards and risks.

“We concluded that the Port’s processes were already at optimum levels, but there was more that could be done to the trucks thanks to a new generation of safety technologies available,” Tom said. “Pedestrian segregation and the safety of colleagues is crucial, so every truck has left and right red perimeter lights, a rear blue spot light, two cab mounted work LED lights and mast mounted LEDs fitted along with a white noise reversing buzzer and an operating beacon.

“The trucks are a perfect size for our yard thanks to their physical dimensions, combined with the load centre and the fact they can turn really well on their axle,” says Tom. Ray Berry, general manager for Solent Lift Trucks explains “The Stage V engine under the hood provides even greater fuel savings across the fleet compared to the previous model. For the drivers, the cloth seats with air suspension and HydraSmooth hydraulic accumulator help keep vibrations to a minimum. The full steel cab is a comfortable bubble for the operator with low noise levels.”

Driver’s daily safety checks are

Forkway’s FleetSafe LCD telematics system provides Whole Body Vibration reports to confirm that the drivers are not subjected to excess shock or vibration.

recorded through Forkway’s FleetSafe LCD telematics system, which also provides Whole Body Vibration reports to confirm that the drivers are not subjected to excess shock or vibration.

The highly customisable fleet management system also offers driver access control, as well as activity and truck utilisation data and is designed to be easy to use, but tough enough to withstand harsh port environments.

The new Yale lift trucks are user friendly with Accutouch mini levers and feature Load Sensing Hydraulics for responsiveness and reduced fuel consumption. Smooth electronic inching and controlled power reversal (CPR) provides regulated directional change and reduces tyre wear, while controlled roll back on ramps and an inbuilt Auto Deceleration System (ADS) further support operators.

Most of the timber that comes through Shoreham’s lock gates has been shipped from the sawmills of Scandinavia and the Baltic countries of Latvia and Russia. The Port’s unique Track-A-Pack stock control system allows customers to view ‘real time’ information about their stock, recording movements with 100% accuracy and tracking the pack of timber from the moment it lands at Shoreham to the moment it leaves on a vehicle.

“We are very proud of the part that Shoreham Port has to play in the UK timber supply chain and the Yale forklift trucks are an essential part of the journey providing efficiency, reliability and excellent environmental performance,” says Tom. The trucks are supplied on a five-year contract with three-year warranty and are maintained at the onsite garage facility at Shoreham Port by Yale trained engineers.

For more information, visit www.solentforklifttrucks.co.uk / www.forkway.co.uk Tel: 01494 723456

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Why Abbos Stock Protector?

Operating costs Save money on damaged stock Stops stock migration Pays for itself in months Reduces staffing costs Free delivery and installation UK

Health & Safety Reduced hazards on the floor Fewer slip trip and fall accidents Accidents cost you 7 days off or more Reduced accidents = higher morale

Environment Reduce cost of stock Break one – sell five to catch up Hygienic – Wipe clean Used up to -30 Enhance green company image Get in touch to order YOUR savings today Tel: 01604 – 210775 www.abbos.co.uk

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Getting through the awkward phase Moving heavy and awkward wheeled loads safely has long presented businesses with a challenge. The potential for injury puts the onus on companies to avoid downtime and possible legal repercussions - as well as creating an environment where employees feel confident, protected and less at risk, says Andy Owen.

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ake the example of roll cages.

Manually propelled roll cages that are used to transport goods in a factory, warehouse or retail facility are widely used as a way to speed up distribution and reduce the need for excessive manual handling.

Still, a roll cage is a method of moving that can cause particular issues.

According to data from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), companies that use roll cages continuously have found that up to a third of their accidents are roll cage related. Many of these accidents are connected to the strain of manoeuvring a fully loaded container which can weigh up to 500kg.

Injuries result from pushing and pulling up and down slopes, attempts to stop roll cages from overbalancing - as well as crush injuries when this is not successful - and the trapping of hands and feet.

From despatch to final destination, every stage of the journey can be potentially hazardous, especially when negotiating slopes, congested storage areas, slippery surfaces and uneven floors.

When there are added pressures created by increased demand and movement of goods in and out, there can be the temptation to cut corners. In

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exchange for speed and rapid turnaround, safety can take a back seat.

However, such a trade-off is simply not necessary. Using a solution such as an electric tug can significantly reduce manual handling during transit as well as taking the strain out of pushing, pulling and steering heavy loads. But there is no question of compromising on efficiency either – an electric tug cuts down wasted time and non-valueadded activities, freeing up employees to concentrate on more productive tasks.

MasterMover’s electric tugs operate on the principle of using a combination of power and traction. Think of it as a ‘second operator’ – one that takes the effort out of movement. Gone is the requirement for staff to push and pull by hand, and the attendant risk of shortterm and long-term damage to health.

Improved social distancing In addition, by reducing manual handling, a user has complete visibility around the load, further lessening the risk of accidents. Then there’s the ability to create more space between staff: using a MasterMover removes the need to work in close proximity, therefore allowing for improved social distancing while also limiting contact between the

A MasterMover removes the need to work in close proximity, therefore allowing for improved social distancing.

load and the employee.

There is a wide range of machines in the full MasterMover product catalogue, which allow a single user to move wheeled loads of up to 360,000kg and beyond. While the moving of such a huge weight is unlikely to be a requirement in the logistics, distribution and retail sector, there is still a need for movement of extremely heavy and difficult to control loads over sometimes very large distances.

A SmartMover allows a single user to easily move up to 1,200kg, while other machines in the range can move progressively larger weights and safely transport nested or linked containers which may otherwise be at risk of snaking from side to side.

Remote control and custom coupling are available, and customers can also choose to automate the process of movement in its entirety with a MasterMover Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV).

AGVs follow a pre-programmed route with either onboard intelligence for units operating in isolation or centralised intelligence for the coordination of a fleet.

Meanwhile, MasterMover’s Special Projects team offers a service for bespoke solutions in response to customers’ specific material handling needs – either by modifying existing machines or building completely new products.

No licence is needed to operate an electric tug, so that any member of staff can undertake a course of short training and start using the equipment.

Andy Owen, managing director, MasterMover For more information, visit www.mastermover.com Tel: 01335 347700

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Safer lifting at the last mile Last mile operatiors can lift bulky loads more easily with a new crane and chassis package launched by Hiab UK.

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he Hiab T-Boom Frameworks is a new solution built by and installed

by Hiab. It is the first time the global on-road handling supplier has offered a total crane and vehicle solution directly from its installation centres.

The crane can manoeuvre 995kg lift at 1.2 metres and has a maximum lift of 430kg at 4.2 metres.

Ian Mitchell managing director for Hiab UK: “In the last six months, the marketplace has changed considerably for businesses and many are looking for greater flexibility when it comes to investing in new equipment.

“The Hiab T-Boom Frameworks is a quick full body and crane solution for people handling close-range heavy lifting needs. There is no welding on installation and the crane can be mounted on any corner of the chassis.

“As one of our smaller and incredibly durable cranes which fits onto basic

van chassis, the Hiab T-Boom Frameworks is ideal for drivers operating in inner city locations, as well as more rural locations with tighter

driving conditions.”

For more information, visit www.hiab.com Tel: 01691 623100

UNITED KINGDOM

Simple Box Low Operational Cost Low Maintenance

HYDRAULIC DRIVE SYSTEM

CAMPISA UK Ltd Ph. +44 (0) 1403 741935 - www.campisa.co.uk /info@campisa.co.uk 31

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Safety light for ATEX zones Safety company Pyroban has launched Red Ex Line explosion proof perimeter lights for ATEX lift trucks operating in Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 hazardous areas The compact, ready-to-fit lights are suitable for use with lift trucks of any age or make.

Proximity “For production or storage applications where pedestrians work in close proximity to trucks handling flammable materials, there are clear safety implications,” explains Pyroban materials handling sales manager Darren Boiling.

“Red Ex Line helps minimise risks for all of those working in Zoned hazardous areas by providing a perimeter marking warning system around a truck.”

“It is particularly effective in increasing safety where visibility is poor, such as in warehouse aisles or crossings where IBCs or drums containing flammable material are being handled,” he continues, explaining that the system is well suited to applications storing or handling chemicals, solvents, waste, paints, whisky, foodstuffs etc.

Hazardous Red Ex Line is ATEX EX II 2G/D compliant for operations in Zone 1, 2, 21 and 22 hazardous areas, making it suitable for use where spillage or accidental release of flammable material may create an explosive atmosphere. The compact Pyroban Red Ex Line perimeter light is built for the challenging conditions of

hazardous areas, with a 50,000hour light life span and diecast aluminium construction, as well as being dust tight (IP6X). Each light is extremely compact and suitable for use in ambient temperatures from -20 to +40 degrees C and can be connected

to a 12-48V DC source.

The launch of Red Ex Line follows the recent introduction of Pyroban’s Blue Ex Spot, an explosion proof blue spot light.

Find more information, visit www.pyroban.com Tel: 01273 456825

Try safe distancing around forklifts At every stage of the pandemic a single, consistent safety message has endured: the need for physical distancing. And if that’s true for person to person interaction, it is even more applicable where forklift operations where pedestrians are involved.

In an ideal world, the two should never occupy the same space but this is the real world – one where working areas are often restricted and deadlines are tight.

That’s why Mitsubishi developed

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its game-changing Safety Zone system.

Specifically designed to maintain a safe distance around a forklift, Safety Zone projects bright red beams onto the ground all around the perimeter of the truck creating a vivid ‘no-go’ area. Pedestrians instinctively avoid entering this exclusion zone, keeping them at a safe distance at all times.

Unlike auditory warnings, which can be lost in noisy environments or if colleagues are wearing ear

defenders, the Safety Zone delivers a clear, visual and unambiguous warning of a truck’s presence — making it particularly valuable at the ends of aisles and at blind corners.

They can be fitted to all new forklift trucks and be retrofitted to existing equipment.

According to Stewart Gosling of Red Diamond Distribution, the UK distributor for Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks: “This pedestrian safety alert system uses LEDs to cast bright, bold red lines on the floor behind and to

the sides of the truck. These clearly show — at a glance — the distance that must be kept by pedestrians in order to work safely when forklifts are in the vicinity. That visual clue can prove particularly crucial on a busy site.

“The great news is that safety is now as simple as switching on a light.”

For more information, visit mitsubishiforklift.co.uk/en/eu/safety-zone Tel: 0845 371 3048

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Built to make light work of heavy loads Our mezzanine and goods lifts are designed to solve the materials handling problem of moving and

Make Stannah part of your team

Meet the family Stairlifts | Homelifts | Platform lifts | Passenger lifts | Service and goods lifts | Bespoke lifts Escalators and moving walkways | Lift refurbishments, service and repair

Call us on: 01264 343692 or visit: www.stannahlifts.co.uk

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Safer drive system for doors THE PATENTED CAMPISA Fidelity hydraulic drive system works in the same way as a conventional drive unit but does away with springs, spring shafts and cable drums.

The system can be fitted to new doors or existing doors. As there are no springs to tension or cable drums, the drive provides a much safer method of installation and servicing of sectional doors.

Tensioning or replacing springs at high level is an inherently dangerous and costly operation, which is eliminated with the Fidelity drive system.

Even with slack cable devices fitted, which should prevent cables ‘bird-nesting’ on the cable drums, many costly service visits still result in the cables having to be re-fitted, again this is not the case with the Campisa Fidelity hydraulic drive system.

The system can operate sectional overhead doors in Deadman, Impulse up/deadman down or fully automatic.

The Fidelity system comes in two variations, the Fidelity Compact which has the hydraulic power pack

and rams in the head unit for doors up to 4m wide and 4m high and for doors up to 8.5m wide and up to 6.6m high the Fidelity Console would be the answer, whereby the hydraulic power pack and control box would be wall or floor mounted with the hydraulic ram in the head unit.

The Fidelity Console hydraulic

Refresher edition launches RTITB HAS LAUNCHED a new forklift operator Refresher training edition of its eTruck UK online learning platform.

The platform is said to remove the need for face to face training in many cases.

“For obvious reasons, the Covid19 pandemic led to a swift uptake in eLearning, but also a keen interest in making it an ongoing part of lift truck operator training,” says RTITB

MD Laura Nelson.

“While our eTruck UK tool was already established for novice counterbalance training, we have now developed a specific Refresher training version, in partnership with MA-System.”

“As infection rates are rising again nationally, our new eTruck Refesher elearning program will help employers to reduce risk and keep their valuable people safe, as

drive system can also be used to power two sectional overhead doors independently of each other and can be incorporated to operate both a sectional door and dock leveller from just one hydraulic power pack, again doing away with the potentially dangerous and hazardous process of working under a leveller and in an operational truck

training is done online and many candidates will not need any face to face practical training at all,” continues Laura. “Going forward, it also gives employers more flexibility, as well as an opportunity to save a lot of time without compromising standards.”

With the new eTruck Counterbalance Lift Truck Refresher Training, operators and their employers can get a two year RTITB operator registration (NORS) for Counterbalance Lift Truck without doing any practical training as long

FLTA launches Safety Drive THE FORK LIFT Truck Association is launching a new campaign – FLTA Safety Drive.

Initially spanning 6 weeks from October 5, the FLTA is highlighting a different safety topic each week.

Starting with training and moving through forklift, driver and pedestrian safety, to battery maintenance and access control, the FLTA Safety Drive will promote the

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latest products and best practice within these areas.

FLTA chief executive Tim Waples said: “Due to the current restrictions on holding live events we have had to postpone our Safety Convention this year. However, safety is a vital part of any operation and we are committed to sharing the latest innovations and good practice advice. In previous years we have held a Safety Month

but this year we decided to extend this. We will provide our members with specific information on how to protect their people by highlighting improvements that can be made to equipment and operational areas to increase visibility and awareness and reduce the risk of incidents.”

For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3n8CosJ Tel: 01635 277577

movement area. Service charges and repair costs are significantly reduced with the Fidelity drive system.

Other Products from Campisa include; dock levellers, dock shelters, loading bay accessories, sectional overhead doors, fast action doors.

For more information, visit www.campisa.co.uk Tel: 01403 741935

as they successfully complete the final test, comprising of 25 multiple choice questions. This two-year NORS extension can only be applied once before a full practical course must be undertaken to obtain further RTITB operator registration.

This keeps operators and employers within scope of the 3-5 year refresher period recommended by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

For more information, visit www.rtitb.com/course-locator Tel: 01952 520200

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COMBILOK® puts the block on accidents in the dock • Improved Protection: Reduces the risk of accidents and litigation.

• Positive Positioning: Automatically restrains the rear wheel of the HGV.

• Improved Security: Reduces unwanted tampering and theft.

• Integrated Control: Can be interlocked with existing dock products.

• Improved Health & Safety: Provides ‘reasonably practical’ precaution.

• Easily Retro Fitted: No civil works required.

• Versatility: Suitable for HGVs including vehicles with ‘tail lifts’.

• Demonstrations: Available at our Northampton demo theatre.

a member of the Stertil Group

Tel. 0870 770 0471, info@stertil.co.uk, www.stertil-dockproducts.co.uk

High Speed Doors

Numbers you can trust All too often advertisers accept publisher’s statements on their performance. Our ABC Certificate shows we have been independently autided and gives added credibility to support our claim.

Aluminium Support Legs and Head meaning easier and quicker installation.

Built in integral Windbar system giving excellent wind resistance, no need for additional add on wind bars.

Designed for external door locations where wind resistance is Key. Variety of activation options available, from basic push button, to remote handsets, movement detectors, pull chords and induction loops.

Safety features as standard, Multi Light beam and electronic safe edge.

Justify your marketing spend and get the exposure you’ve been promised.

To advertise, call Angela Lyus on 01342 836275 or email alyus@western-bp.co.uk Email: sales@dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk

Website: www.dpdoorsandshutters.co.uk

Tel: 01142 889464 For more information visit www.abc.org.uk or email info@abc.org.uk

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SAFER LOGISTICS Save cash with stock protectors

Graphene-enhanced face masks available KPS PPE PROTECTS, a subsidiary of automotive parts supplier KPS Automotive, has added Versarien’s graphene-enhanced face masks to its offering.

The protective face masks feature a coated layer of Polygrene, a graphenebased material with Nanene, the world’s only independently verified graphene product certified by The Graphene Council. The masks are comfortable to wear, easy to put on, and provide a simple way for safety managers to protect workers in a range of environments where maintaining social distance can be a challenge, says the firm.

The first product available is an FFP2/KN95 rated mask, and KPS says it is designed to help provide enhanced protection against airborne bacteria and minimise the spread of viral infections. The graphene coated layer is said to provide exemplary protection with excellent breathability and comfort. The mask is also reusable and washable.

The mask meets the strict BS EN 149:2001+A1:2009 standard for respiratory protective devices, with its antibacterial performance certified to GB/T 20944.2.2007 and its anti-viral performance to ISO 18184:2014 (E).

The mask meets the guidelines as

issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

KPS PPE Protects will continue to extend its distribution portfolio over the coming weeks.

KPS PPE Protects sales director Steve Blake says: “We want to provide the leading products in the market, and Versarien’s face mask is the best of breed. Using graphene is a game-changer when it comes to improving durability and safety, and we are very happy to be able to make this British technology and its protective properties available for our customers.”

Global sales director / CTO Robert Cottingham adds: “These are unprecedented times, and we have worked incredibly hard to produce this outstanding and certified mask.

I am delighted to announce KPS PPE Protects, subsidiary of KPS Automotive Parts, as a new distribution partner. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure their customers have access to British technology at its best, giving everyone peace of mind and freedom to travel and work safely.”

For more information, visit www.kpsautomotiveparts.co.uk Tel: 01582 723490

High-vis options SNICKERS WORKWEAR HIGHLIGHTS options for hazardous environments and inclement weather.

The company says: “Long working days and cheap uncomfortable clothing makes Snickers Workwear’s protective wear range the betterinformed choice for men and women working in hazardous environments and inclement weather. There’s a comprehensive selection of ergonomically designed Base-, Mid- and Top-layer clothes, certified as appropriate for different risks at work to ensure comfort, health and workforce-wellbeing all day, every day.”

The range also includes waterproof

and windproof AllroundWork Hi-Vis Jackets that provide protection in lowlight, high-risk environments.

For more information, visit www.snickersworkwear.co.uk Tel: 01484 854788

ABBOS STOCK PROTECTION has released panels that reinforce pallet loads quickly and easily, protecting delicate stock & saving cash.

The company says: “Stock worth millions of pounds is damaged every year and very little is done to prevent it. Abbos Stock Protection works for any organisation that stores or distributes delicate stock. The stock protectors stay within your warehouse racking and stock is delivered to it.

“From food and drink to

Personal antifatigue matting ITALIAN SAFETY FOOTWEAR manufacturer U-Power has launched what it claims is the most technologically-advanced safety shoe on the market, the Red-Carpet.

The Red-Carpet range of 20 different styles is said to feature an anti-fatigue matting insert in every outer sole, made from a new material from BASF. Wearing a Red-Carpet shoe is said to feel like standing on an anti-fatigue mat. The shoe stimulates the foot to continually revitalise blood flow and energy through the legs and feet, so eases fatigue and exerts a positive

pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, Abbos Stock Protection can save your stock from damage, speed up picking and fulfilment and protect your employees.”

For more information, visit www.abbos.co.uk Tel: 01604 210775 influence across the whole body, relieving neck, back, leg and joint pain, increasing circulation, providing exceptional comfort and hugely improving the working day.

Every Red-Carpet shoe comes as ESD as standard, is lightweight and flexible, highly slip resistant and features an anti-static, shockabsorbing, breathable Elastopan memory + Gel insole that moulds to the shape of the foot. Two of the styles feature Hypertex Putek technology, a breathable and water-repellent material that is 20 times more abrasion-resistant than traditional materials.

For more information, visit www.upower.it Tel: 020 89443100

Integrating antimicrobial technology SALTO HAS ADDED BioCote antimicrobial technology to its door handles to improve hygiene.

The company says: “In the new normal, we’re all going to have to get used to doing things differently and hygiene is something that will play a greater part in all our lives. That’s why Salto incorporates BioCote, the market-leading antimicrobial technology, in our electronic smart lock range.

“Whatever type of logistics, warehouse or distribution centre building you’re managing, it will have a greater or lesser number of doors and that means each person that uses the door transfers the bacteria on their hands to the door handle every time they go through it.”

BioCote has been tested against a feline strain of coronavirus, showing a reduction of 90% in two hours.

Previous testing has revealed that BioCote delivers 99.9 percent, 24/7

protection against an array of microbes including Influenza A H1N1, E.coli, Salmonella, and antibiotic-resistant CRE, VRE, and MRSA. The invisible silver-ion technology is integrated with the handle during the manufacturing process and cannot be wiped off or worn away.

The finish is said to be long-lasting and maintains its antimicrobial performance over the expected lifetime of the Salto electronic lock products.

For more information, visit www.saltosystems.com Tel: 01926 811979

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Robotic start-up seeks UK partners Robot-based parcel sortation firm LiBiao Robot is entering the European market with its ‘Mini Yellow’ range of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

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he company is seeking strategic alliances with distribution partners in the UK, Germany, Spain, France and Italy.

LiBiao’s ‘Mini Yellow’ range has been developed as an alternative to the high CapEx fixed tilt-tray and cross-belt conveyor-based sortation systems that have traditionally been used within many busy parcel and eCommerce operations. Initially, two models will be offered to the European market – a 5kg tilt-tray robot and a 30kg cross-belt model. Both types have CE certification.

Mini Yellow’ robots are more compact than other AMRs currently on the market, which means they require less space within which to operate: 350 ‘Mini Yellow’ AMRs can cover 1,300 square metres and handle 20,000 items per hour, says the firm.

LiBiao’s control software navigates the robots and is compatible with all popular European warehouse management systems.

The robots require no fixed infrastructure, and are scalable as additional robots can be introduced as they are needed. The technology is also portable – meaning systems can be switched between sites if required.

A significant product differentiator is that they can operate within cold store environments down to a temperature of minus 30 degrees centigrade.

So far more than 10,000 LiBiao autonomous mobile robots are in operation across China, Australia, New Zealand, South-East Asia and the USA. The technology has been deployed at a

More than 10,000 LiBiao autonomous mobile robots are in operation.

number of ‘blue-chip’ client facilities worldwide – including Walmart in the US, Uniqlo in Japan and China Post in China – and it is estimated that some two billion parcels a year are processed using LiBiao AMRs. LiBiao Robot’s founder and chief executive, Xia Huiling, says: “Demand for more efficient and smarter warehouse management is strong in Europe, where online shopping has been growing at a tremendous pace and driving up the number of parcels handled, so we believe that the market will benefit from our advanced mobile robot technology.”

Xia Huiling adds: “The hardware, software and management system for the ‘Mini Yellow’ sorting system has been refined to the point where our clients usually recover the cost of their investment within one and a half to two years.”

Potential distribution partners interested in finding out more about the opportunities to work with LiBiao Robot in Europe should contact Jason Zhang by email at jasonzhang@libiaorobot.com For more information, visit www.libiaorobot.com Tel: +86 571 85857719

Robot sorter for large packages Geek+ has launched the S100C large-size parcel sorting robot, augmenting its line of sorting robots and expanding the possibilities for automated sorting.

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he robot can support unit sortation, parcel sortation, and bins transportation. Equipped with an independent rotating control chassis and collision avoidance, S100C can operate in narrow spaces, saving 30% of the sortation area. High-speed control belts allow the robot to process two items in one go or deliver one large item at a speed of 2m/s. If a package is positioned too close to the edge of the control belt, the robot will slow down and adjust the position of the package.

Additionally, the mechanical structure and load-bearing components of S100C allows for seamless handling of packages weighing 100kg or more.

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Geek+ co-founder and VP picking & smart warehouse Kai Liu says: “At Geek+ we strive to develop robotics solutions that won’t make it a choice of efficiency or safety. With S100C, companies will be able to ensure a safer working

environment, while meeting the needs for accuracy and more effective handling of larger order volumes. The robot is also a good economic choice since the system powering S100C allows easy deployment and quick scaling of operations.”

Built on AI-driven AMR technology, the sorting system powering S100C enables quick deployment in less than 2 weeks. The flexibility of the system is said to lead to lower implementation costs and allows businesses to quickly scale operations by adjusting the number of robots.

The robot can be integrated with existing infrastructure and collaborate with other robots. The system can be customised to support RFID technology or bar code scanning.

For more information, visit www.geekplus.com Tel: 011 86 10 852 3462 2128

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Insight & Clarity

BS Handling Systems:

Delivering the right solution for your warehouse At BS Handling, our close knit design and engineering team has an outstanding track record of delivering innovative projects for e-commerce, retail or 3PL companies.

Whether it’s a large, complex turnkey solution or a small conveyor or storage system, we can handle it.

Our detailed planning and project management skills enable us to design and install multifaceted logistics and materials handling projects, on time and in budget.

So, if you’re looking for the right solution to a challenging logistics project or a straightforward installation, pick up the phone or drop us an email:

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Conveyors | Sortation Solutions | Garment Handling Systems | Racking, Shelving & Mezzanine Floors

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Royal Mail awards sortation contract for Warrington hub The facility is scheduled to be fully operational by early 2022 and will handle 800,000+ parcels per day.

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eumer Group has been chosen

by Royal Mail to design the technology for its new fully automated parcel super-hub in Warrington. To achieve the desired levels of parcel sortation Royal Mail specified widespread use of automation at the hub.

Royal Mail national operations director Simon Barker says: “We have

seen a major rise in parcel demand over the past few years. Speeding up the passage of parcels within our system through automated sorting technology is key to boosting Royal Mail’s parcel processing capacity.

Beumer Group’s know-how has been instrumental in providing the flawless integration of this new technology into our existing network.”

The result is a highly dynamic operation that allows instant updates to many parts of the system, such as the automatic allocation of chutes.

The smoothness of the parcel handling process is made possible by the complete system interface between the new system being provided by Beumer and Royal Mail’s existing business logic.

The result is a highly dynamic operation that allows instant updates to many parts of the system, such as the automatic allocation of chutes, thereby optimising the overall use of floor space.

The majority of the parcels will enter the hub in roll cages. Automated tippers will then tip inbound parcels from these onto a conveyor to enable singulation and sortation to take place. Roll cages prepared for dispatch will, in turn, be taken to outbound vehicles for loading.

Deploying a high degree of automation enables the hub to rightly claim to be at the leading edge of operating ergonomics, while health and safety aspects are also positively impacted due to very little manual handling, enabling Royal Mail staff to be reassigned to other tasks.

For more information, visit www.beumergroup.com Tel: 01530 267091

VarioRoute sorter now modular solution Siemens Logistics is bringing to the market a new variant of its triedand-tested VarioRoute for flow splitting in parcel sorting centres.

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y splitting parcel flows, filtering out rejected parcels or rerouting consignments can be tailored to specific customer requirements. As a modular system, the fully automated VarioRoute can be adjusted for different plant layouts in the sorting centres and can also be adapted to the range of parcels to be processed. This includes an optimised configuration for fast and reliable processing of typical eCommerce parcels, which also cover a wide variety of small, lightweight consignments.

“In addition to the modular design, what distinguishes our enhanced VarioRoute is its plug & play system

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design,” says Siemens Logistics CEO Michael Reichle. “The flow splitter can be expanded with additional modules without major outlay, making it easy to adapt to the changing requirements in the sorting centres.”

The robust VarioRoute allows the best possible use of spaces in logistics centres as the independent modules can be put together in various different ways. Its architecture is made up of roller units, independent of each other, pivotable by +/- 45 degrees and each equipped with its own integrated electric motor. This is an electrical solution without pneumatics. Up to 12,000 packages and parcels per hour are split or diverted by the powerful system. Consignments weighing from 0.1 to 50kg can be processed reliably depending on the configuration. Maintenance and servicing are said to be simple due to the service-friendly design; with repair times less than 30 minutes.

For more information, visit www.siemens-logistics.com Tel:+49 69 797 6660

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Re-think fulfilment A boom in online orders is likely to become a feature of the new reality and is triggering a major re-think of the fulfilment operation, says Frazer Watson.

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ith a ‘new normal’ introducing greater uncertainty over product profiles and patterns of demand, much higher levels of flexibility and agility will be required within the fulfilment process – and this will need to be reflected in the technology deployed.

Here are some factors that need to be considered:

Agility If eCommerce businesses are to minimise risk and respond quickly to change, greater operational agility will be required to provide the responsiveness that customers expect – and the resilience logistics practitioners are looking for. Meeting such a significant rise in demand for online orders will, for many businesses, take automation. But, importantly, the automation applied will have to be highly flexible, readily scaleable and capable of delivering the speed, accuracy and performance demanded of a highly responsive fulfilment operation.

improving efficiency by 84%. Perhaps the key advantage of bringing the goods to the person is that it cuts out dead time in walking the warehouse floor during picking and put-away activities. .

straightforward and fast, and provides a future-proofed solution suited to a fast expanding business.

Software

Flexibility & scaleability Labour The traditional, manual approach to order picking has in recent times been significantly challenged by three key factors. Brexit, the National Living Wage and Covid-19 social distancing requirements present a challenge.

Flexible automation using goods-toperson technology offers an attractive alternative to manual picking.

Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) allow valuable human resources to be reallocated to alternative, more skilled tasks.

Performance If businesses are to meet a significant rise in demand for eCommerce orders, then picking and put-away performance will need to be radically improved.

Bringing in large teams of people at Peak is simply no longer a viable option.

Automated goods-to-person order picking processes can offer a significant boost to warehouse performance – reducing labour costs by 58% and

The big revolution that is taking place within the warehouse is the use of autonomous mobile robots. AI and robotics is transforming order picking.

High cap-ex automation, where conveyors and shuttles are bolted to the floor, is not always seen as flexible enough for the fast-changing world of eCommerce. A fleet of AMRs can fetch mobile shelf units of products and present them to a picking station in a pre-determined stream, according to order management. At the same time as picking an order, pickers can replenish shelves, and the robot simply carries away the shelf unit to a high-density storage area, ready for the next activity.

Autonomous mobile robot systems can scale up the operation by adding more robots – increasing the capacity of the system as required. Having 80 robots working independently in a warehouse is not a problem, as each performs its duties by plotting their own path, following QR codes placed on the warehouse floor. Installation is

Having 80 robots working independently in a warehouse is not a problem, as each performs its duties by plotting their own path.

Trying to get large WMS vendors engaged in writing the interfaces for materials handling systems can often present a hurdle for an automation project. This is why leading automation companies offer their own warehouse control software (WCS) with the hardware – in the UK, Invar Systems writes the WCS for Hikrobot AMR platforms. When integrated with a business’ upper system, intelligent AMRs deliver valuable digitised warehouse data.

This information helps companies to optimise business processes, such as labour resource management, which can significantly boost operational performance. The provision of a WCS package is particularly important for smaller automation projects, or the first steps of a modular development, where the costs of providing an interface with a WMS can be budget-breaking.

Frazer Watson, head of sales for Hikrobot at Invar Systems For more information visit www.invarsystems.com Tel: 01234 436000

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Fashion retailer opts for Schaefer Kastner & Öhler, one of the largest fashion and sports providers in Austria, has commissioned SSI Schaefer to equip its central warehouse in Graz.

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he flexibly expandable solution to be implemented is designed to facilitate shorter delivery times while enabling efficiency increases for order processing in the growing online business.

The new shipping solution will be able to process more than 10,000 shipments per day. For the Kastner & Öhler central warehouse in Graz, modern intralogistics will ensure efficient processing of shipments for the e-Comm business. Scaling up for a future implementation can be easily done too, thanks to the already considered extension stages.

The decision to select SSI Schaefer was strengthened by the fact that the intralogistics expert is able to supply the project with required solution components from its location north of Graz. Regarding the logistics concept itself, efficiency and flexibility were just as convincing as was the ergonomics

factor, which played an essential role in the design of shipping work stations.

Completion and commissioning of the project is scheduled for mid-October this year – just in time for Black Friday and holiday shopping. This helps achieve short delivery times even in case of higher shipping volumes for a positive customer experience.

Shuttle system SSI Schaefer has also built a new logistics building for Carhartt WIP, which includes a Cuby shuttle system, a compact bin and carton conveying system as well as picking locations with sequencing tower.

Carhartt WIP supplies 70 of its own retail stores and eleven outlet stores as well as online sales through an omnichannel strategy from its central logistics centre.

SSI Schaefer extended the storage capacity of the Carhartt WIP logistics

centre and increased the process efficiency of made-to-order production for various distribution channels, with optimised material flows and modern system technology. The existing automated shipping buffer was extended and connected to the new system.

SSI Schaefer implemented a fully automated 5-aisle Cuby shuttle system with about 35,000 carton storage locations, a pre-zone and a high-speed loop in the add-on building, which exceeds 4,000 sq m. The dynamic and scalable storage system is operated by ten lifts.

For more information, visit www.ssischaefer.com Tel: 01264 386600

Item level tracking Avery Dennison launched its dual-technology AD362r6-P inlay that combines item-level tracking and the digital ID capabilities of a high-performance RAIN RFID (UHF) tag.

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his is suitable for a wide range of retail apparel products and applications with the secondary loss prevention functionality of an EAS tag.

AD-362r6-P inlays are equipped with the Impinj Monza R6-P IC that provides interchangeable 96/128 bit EPC and 64/32 bit User Memory. TID memory is 96 bits with a 48-bit unique serial number.

The term ‘electronic article surveillance” does not stand for one clearly defined technology, but rather for a concept: There are, among others,

Electro-Magnetic (EM), AcoustoMagnetic (AM), and Radio Frequency (RF) based EAS systems, each with specific advantages. The RF-based variation is technologically related to RFID, and the most popular anti-theft solution for retail, particularly in apparel stores, due to its low installation costs per tag: Countless stores have RF EAS gate readers installed which cannot work as RAIN RFID readers.

The primary RAIN RFID related feature of the new AD-362r6-P inlays enables retailers to benefit from improved inventory accuracy, enhanced

brand security, and the ability to create a more satisfying shopping experience.

“Our new dual-technology AD362r6-P inlay is proof of our ability to listen and quickly respond to our retail customers who need to leverage RFID capabilities with their RF EAS infrastructure including gate readers installed at store exits to mitigate theft,” says Avery Dennison Intelligent Labels head of product line management Hal Hikita.

For more information, visit www.averydennison.com Tel: 0800 805020

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Space-saving rolling rack launches Elvedi has extended its range of cantilever racks with a light rolling rack for loads of up to 6 tons.

The trolleys are pulled out vertically and do not have to be moved horizontally like heavy mobile racks on rails. Thus, the solution does not need a moving aisle. Users of the rolling rack therefore gain a significant plus in terms of net storage space. About 90% of the total space can be used, while it would only be around 50% in a conventional arrangement with aisles. They do however need space at the front for the rack to be pulled out for access.

The Elvedi rolling rack is pulled out at the frontside and moved vertically, whereas mobile racks normally have to be moved horizontally on rails. The light racking system is operated either manually or by forklift. In order to optimise the running qualities of the trolleys, they have a low overall height and can be easily moved by

heavy duty rollers. Due to their elasticity, these rollers can compensate for small unevenness in the floor. Guiding rails, complicated and expensive to install and maintain, are not required anymore.

Since the space-consuming rail track is omitted, more space is available for storage. Employees can move several racks simultaneously and store or retrieve material on them. Initial use cases at window manufacturers show that thanks to Elvedi’s rolling rack, about 90 percent of the available warehousing space can be used effectively, while conventional solutions only allow for use of 50 percent for storage. This makes the racking system ideally suited for the high-density individual storage of long goods with a wide variety of products.

“With our rolling rack we reduce costs in two areas: We minimise the amount of wasted space in the warehouse and maximise access

See-through boxes available Translucent BITO MB multipurpose containers with coloured attached lids offer a way to organise stock, while also helping to give visibility of products. Made from translucent polypropylene, the MB containers are available as either open units; with stacking rails; or with a lid.

With three different colour options, the sturdy hinged and robust two-part lids enable colour-

coded storage of goods. This is particularly useful for track and trace applications. Furthermore, being translucent means staff can quickly see what is stored in a box without having to touch it or waste time opening it. The product is available from the BITO Direct website.

For more information, visit https://shop.bito.com/en-gb/ Tel: 024 7638 8852

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times to the material,” says Elvedi sales manager Edwin Müller.

The rolling rack is modular and is constructed according to individual customer requirements. As an example, the upright and trolley load capacity are adapted to the particular use case. Also, the modular design of the racking system makes it possible to modify it quickly and easily if necessary. Nevertheless, the light rolling rack is of course not suitable

for every requirement. If logisticians need to move very heavy loads of up to far over 100 tons Elvedi’s automatically movable rack system on rails, which is operated by electric motors, is suitable here. This heavy mobile racking system is available both as cantilever and pallet racking.

For more information, visit www.elvedi.com Tel: +49 (0) 7702 43 82 - 00

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Our warehouse and logistics structures are individually designed to meet the needs of your organisation.

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Safe storage and picking SEC Storage has designed and installed a highly efficient pallet racking and storage solution at GM Treble in Wolverhampton, which incorporated comprehensive health and safety elements to ensure an efficient and safe facility.

As one of the longest established pump specialist suppliers to the UK, the key to GM Treble’s success over the past 50 years has been to maintain full stock coverage of products from the main manufacturers. This enables them to offer a next day delivery service on a huge range of items and having an efficient and safe storage and picking system is paramount to achieving their desired delivery and customer service levels.

The two clear aims of the project was firstly, to provide a modern and flexible pallet racking and storage solution which would allow the business to grow in line with their business strategy. Secondly, SEC Storage was tasked with designing a solution to encompass an upgrade of the existing facility to enhance health and safety elements with a recent increase in employee numbers.

Within the facility’s 1550 sq m, SEC installed a new pallet racking area and multi-tier picking

structure, featuring short span shelving at the highest point of the building. This provided additional storage space which optimised the cube in terms of available storage space and ensured each product was stored at the optimal height and in the correct location to enable both efficient and safe manual picking.

On the ground and 1st floors,

shelving designated for small products was installed at optimal picking heights which no longer required mechanical handling equipment.

Throughout the facility a combination of health and safety elements including segregation, walkways, floor barriers and anticollapse mesh ensured a safe and

efficient work space. Furthermore the overall solution incorporated a flexible design with the system able to be easily reconfigured as the business expands.

For more information, visit www.sec-online.co.uk/warehousestorage-solutions Tel: 01438 731990

Warehouse kitted out Interbrands Romania has awarded a contract to AMCO and AR Racking to equip its new warehouse.

After a detailed study of the customer’s needs and situation, it opted for AMCO and AR Racking’s

AR PAL adjustable pallet racking system. It is the most common pallet loading system which allows direct and immediate access to all unit loads.

In this project, Interbrands reached an industrial storage

capacity of over 8,000 pallets. This warehouse will ultimately increase its capacity with approx. 3,000 pallets.

Amco project manager Costin Gheorghe says: “This AR PAL system installed for Interbrands was configured and projected for a flexible use of the application in the future. As national leader in distribution, Interbrands deals a great variety of customers. That is why we considered from the start a system which covers today’s needs, but also a solution that meets tomorrow’s challenges. For this scope, we installed 4 levels of storage, the last reaching a height of 8.5 metres. Due to the AR PAL features, the client may store over 8,000 euro pallets and industrial

pallets. The flexibility of the structure has also allowed us to install and adapt a Pallet Flow and Carton Flow solution, for improving existing picking activities, directly from the pallet and from small boxes.”

Interbrands Romania logistics manager adds: “We have trusted in Amco and AR Racking solutions in our warehouses for more than 10 years. Our choice for this new relocation and expansion was easy.

In spite of global context of Covid19, the storage solution and its implementation was carried out faster than anticipated.”

For more information, visit www.ar-racking.com Tel: 01628 421825

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3PLs well placed for the eComm boom The savvy third party logistics firm can seize the day, with sharper IT operations, says Tony Dobson.

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t’s been trending for a while actually, but the global pandemic and associated ‘stay at home’ orders, plus restrictions on business operations and occupancy of brick-and-mortar establishments has accelerated it beyond even the most hardened analyst expectations.

As much as e-commerce is a commercial opportunity for once traditional retail B2B businesses, they also face acute growing pains as they struggle to meet warehouse and fulfilment demands. That’s where third party logistics (3PL) companies have an opportunity to seize the day.

For 3PLs, they are also having to adapt their operations and models to meet the ‘new world’ customer requirements that are often difficult to systematically accommodate, such as gift experience, low-mix/high volume, size, weight and packaging requirements, high mix/low volume, increased service and delivery levels, to name but a few. This makes it hard to perform efficiently while also maintaining the proper inventory visibility and accuracy needed.

Most challenging though is having to qualify internal limitations or present an unattractive price in order to cover the transactional cost to the 3PL. At SnapFulfil we have been working increasingly with 3PL partners to provide a scalable, easily configured, API friendly and robust pathway to meet the demands of B2C multichannel fulfilment operations. Advanced cloud-based WMS offers

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best-of-breed billing software, flexible and easy specific workflows and processes to meet individual customer needs, multiple picking/packing approaches to ensure the application can support efficient approaches in structuring and prioritising work, plus an information-rich portal offering enhanced visibility.

This all combines to provide a very fitting answer to a very complex question: How do I gain the ability to satisfy a variety of customers with differing requirements, without incurring custom coding costs and delays for every new client?

We bring a base-feature set tailored to your challenges that is highly configurable – even by your own team, after training – to support everything from new customer onboarding to changes they may need in their processes. We’ve also standardised our interfaces to support easily understood and accomplished integrations and come to the table with a library of existing applications to help ease your technical sales processes.

All said and done, SnapFulfil will really sharpen up your warehouse management efficiencies and bring greater accuracy and transparency, as well as cost and resource savings.

Tony Dobson, CEO, SnapFulfil for UK & Europe For more information, visit www.snapfulfil.com Tel: 0333 241 2082

Configuration SnapFulfil has launched a digital adoption platform enabling its customers to ‘go configure’.

SnapBuddy is an integrated platform offering proactive, step-by-step guidance on how to perform key processes within the SnapFulfil WMS. Through the use of smart tips, system tours and walkthroughs, users can learn and enhance their understanding of a range of WMS processes as they work on a live system without any significant downtime or loss of productivity.

The launch of SnapBuddy marks a further step towards enabling SnapFulfil customers to realise the full benefits of its rules-based configuration engine.

SnapFulfil COO Stefanie Rollins explains: “Ours is a truly modular solution. Every customer has access to its full functionality and with the correct training can learn how to switch functions on and off to keep pace with an ever changing environment.

“The global Covid19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for businesses to react quickly and adapt to sudden market changes, with cost control absolutely key.

The end result is that swift, selfconfiguration has never been more advantageous and timely.”

By enabling the customer to take charge of their independence earlier, SnapBuddy can support rapid scaling of warehouse processes, as well as quick succession of multiple warehouse rollouts, with minimal growth of the implementations and support teams.

SnapBuddy can be tailored to an individual user’s organisation, role and tasks, plus additional content and features will be added on a regular basis.

A new certification programme is also being developed in conjunction with SnapBuddy.

Stefanie Rollins adds: “Expect the unexpected is now our commercial reality. This means that businesses simply cannot afford to waste time and money on hard-coded systems that will ultimately compromise their ability to develop agile and responsive solutions.”

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: FOOD & DRINK

Steep curve as grocers grapple with fulfilment Large companies like Walmart are investing millions into new tech and innovation. It’s a sign of what’s to come in a post-pandemic economy, says Melissa Valentine.

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he pandemic has created an urgent demand for flexible solutions that can operate efficiently despite fluctuations in the economy and changes in the marketplace. Robotic automation has gained popularity over the last 5-10 years, and companies that have adopted the technology early have been able to adapt to safety-focused requirements caused by the coronavirus pandemic including BOPIS (buy online, pickup in store), BORIS (buy online, return in store), curb-side pick-up, and 1-2 hour rapid delivery.

However, the effects of this shift are not nearly over; there is a new normal ahead and grocers need to adopt automation technology to stand a chance against competitors. The biggest challenge grocers face in fulfilling online orders is profitable fulfilment, and many are trying to find the balance between an investment in automation while generating revenue with small margins.

The decision to automate has to be affirmative, and there are several opportunities to integrate robots that grocers are evaluating and implementing. Large decision factors will narrow down that list including cost, size, infrastructure requirements, and operational downtime during installation. For example, robots that run on a grid require massive

infrastructure planning and changes, and in most cases cannot be installed in the same space that current operations are running.

Robotic arms can pick groceries effectively but cannot be the only solution implemented; they require a hybrid automation solution, working in tandem with conveyor belts and other robots or machines to fulfil orders, which is very costly. For these reasons, many companies are turning to a multibot solution that requires little infrastructure changes, can be installed in working operations, and multiplies the productivity of workers while returning an ROI within months instead of years.

The multi-bot solution uses autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and runs on a Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, essentially removing the up-front capital costs that cripple many plans to automate. Stores and warehouses monitor their demand in real-time and place an order for additional robots when volume increases, then send them back to return to the baseline operation.

The fleet of robots is also safe enough to operate in BOH or FOH environments, fulfilling orders from a stockroom or traveling between aisles to the many locations of goods.

A multi-bot solution is so flexible, it is

The multi-bot solution uses autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and runs on a Robots-as-aService (RaaS) model.

capable of high performance in hybrid human-centric environments as well as dark microfulfilment (MFC) or eCommerce fulfilment (EFC) centres.

Being highly portable as well, it does not limit grocers to keep unbusy robots in a particular store site as robots can be moved between multiple sites based on demand. This power of flexibility strengthens operations to weather through the most unexpected demand increases or changes; it future-proofs the entire operation.

Small and large grocers reap the benefits of a multi-bot solution to solve some of the most difficult problems including order accuracy, training, and social distancing. Store associates and warehouse workers express positivity and excitement about their robot coworkers and experience improved personal job performance as their order accuracy reaches near-perfect rates. In current pandemic conditions, a multibot solution provides social distancing measures as part of its design, maintaining a grocer’s high productivity while complying with safety guidelines.

For more information, visit www.locusrobotics.com Melissa Valentine, sales director, Locus Robotics Tel: +1 844-562-8700

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: FOOD & DRINK

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Swerving a labour shortage Robotic manipulation automates a simple-seeming but complex food handling process.

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lthough simple automation can give some manufacturers the boost needed to increase production and product consistency, more complex applications often require intelligent, flexible robotic solutions that can adapt to variable products and picking locations.

In the case of a large-scale sandwich producer, growing production demands coupled with a major labour shortage provided motivation for them to robotically automate a high-speed sandwich stacking application.

To resolve the challenge, TechBrew Robotics, a Kawasaki Robotics Preferred Integrator based in British Columbia, Canada, designed a custom solution using Kawasaki’s R series robots and F60 controller.

The robots’ task may seem simple: after the sandwiches are halved in the cutting machine, the robots need to pick up and rotate to stack one half on top of the other, making them easier for human workers to package manually further down the line. However, this application was tricky to automate for a number of reasons. The sandwich halves vary in their position as they come out of the cutting machine, so the robot would need some sort of vision intelligence to recognise and understand

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the location of each half on the conveyor. They also needed to be able to stack the sandwiches in practically the blink of an eye.

Because TechBrew needed to integrate its solution into the customer’s existing production line, it meant making creative use of limited space. To this end, the R series robots were inversely mounted on a cantilever beam attached to the cutting machine, and the F60 controllers’ compact size made it possible to save further space by stacking them on top of the sandwich cutting machine itself. To maximise throughput, the robots face outward, stacking sandwiches on two different conveyors which are running simultaneously. There are many variables in this application, so TechBrew used a laser range finding system coupled with conveyor tracking to detect the shape and location of the sandwich halves as they emerge from the cutting machine. Once the sandwich halves have been stacked, they travel down the conveyor to a place where human workers are waiting to place the product into triangular cardboard boxes.

TechBrew designed a custom gripper specifically for this application. The pneumatic end effector is controlled directly by the F60 Controller, allowing

To maximise throughput, the robots face outward, stacking sandwiches on two different conveyors which are running simultaneously.

for quick movements. A controllable pressure plate comes down to hold the product in place as two stainless steel paddles slide under the sandwich half to lift it. Once lifted, the actuator spins the sandwich half through 180°, and force dampers at the end of the rotation keep the sandwich and its ingredients intact.

Like many other manufacturers, the customer struggled, sometimes daily, to keep up with production goals due to absent workers.

“The main driver for the end user here was the frequent shortage of labour.

Their production lines were understaffed, and they were always missing people from their optimum shift capacity,” says TechBrew mechatronics designer Kyran Findlater.

Obviously TechBrew had to consider national food safety regulations when designing this solution, and in this case the integrator used the cleanroom version of Kawasaki’s 5kg payload RS005L general purpose robot. As standard it offers a pressurised cavity, ISO Class 5 cleanroom specification, and comes with an aluminium arm cover, rubber outer seals and a chemical resistant epoxy paint finish for easy wash down. The patent-pending end effector’s tool-less design makes it easy to disassemble for cleaning purposes, and it is constructed with stainless steel and food-grade plastic.

The combination of Kawasaki’s AS programming language and its F60 controller easily handled the complexities of this project. Findlater was able to program this application directly on the robot, without a coprocessor, which reduced costs and simplified the installation. The Kawasaki F60 Controller’s high processing speed handled real-time scanning and data analysis on the sandwich halves, and output the robot coordinates in under 200 milliseconds, while processing a queue of sandwiches at a rate of 60 per minute.

The entire sandwich stacking process takes just 800 milliseconds. Throughput has increased significantly as a result of the robot’s consistency.

For more information, visit https://robotics.kawasaki.com Tel: 01925 713000

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Interroll High-Performance Crossbelt Sorter The new Interroll High-Performance Crossbelt Sorter represents a new development in sortation technology.

Proven, robust mechanical design.

Large carriers to accommodate larger and heavier objects.

40% increase in overall speeds.

Throughputs of up to 20,000 items per hour.

Additionally, the Interroll Belt Curve, with its proven, reliable chain drive mechanism, is the most durable and reliable solution for your turns.

Contact us to discuss your sortation needs.

interroll.co.uk Interroll Limited Phone:Â +44 15 36 31 27 70 Mail: gb.sales@interroll.com

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Airflow Refrigeration Spacers save Space, Time & Money, making them the preferred choice of Food Processors & Commercial Freezer Operators.

Now there is a new addition to the Airflow range, designed for the insertion & removal of freezer spacers into the palletised load. • Splits the load at any point • Permits pallet reconfiguration such as height for transport & storage • Allows exchange of pallets from wood to plastic • 30 pallets/hour cycle time • Small warehouse footprint • No need to invert product – no drip of fresh produce

Airflow | Refrigeration Spacers Ltd Balfour Street, Great Harwood, Blackburn, Lancashire, United Kingdom BB6 7SZ Email - paul@airflowspacers.co.uk Website - www.airflowspacers.co.uk Mobile - 07833 489 423

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: FOOD & DRINK

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Reader for challenging barcodes COGNEX HAS LAUNCHED the DataMan 8700 Series of handheld barcode readers.

The reader is built on a redesigned platform, with no tuning or operator training required.

Cognex SVP and business unit manager of identification products Carl Gerst says: “Cognex specialises in reading the most difficult barcodes at the highest speed and accuracy. With the 8700 series, we’ve developed the world’s fastest line of industrial handheld readers, offering unprecedented response times and durability right out of the box.”

Featuring advanced image formation and quick processing, the 8700 Series can instantly read challenging direct part mark (DPM) and label-based codes, even when vital elements of the code are missing or damaged, the firm says.

Designed with oil-resistant and waterproof plastics, the readers are built to last in the harshest manufacturing environments.

The new readers include built-in OLED display screens and supports a broad range of industrial protocols and wireless communication options.

DataMan 360 A brewery has deployed Cognex DataMan 360 Series barcode readers to read barcodes even under difficult conditions.

When the forklift drivers load trucks at the Flensburger brewery with filled kegs or beer crates, a Cognex barcode reader mounted on the forklift mast recognises the pallet label and scans the barcode.

This not only saves time, but enhances safety in congested forklift and truck traffic, and has proven its worth since the technology was installed.

The readers can read in poor ambient light as they are equipped with high-performance lighting accessories. The DataMan 360 Series is built for robust industrial barcode

reading applications as they have no moving parts. The splash guard protects the readers from everyday damage. Creased, torn or reflective codes can be read with the image

processing-based decoding algorithms.

For more information, visit www.cognex.com Tel: 0121 2965163

Maxinest for micro-fulfilment

Rugged and waterproof keyboard for food industry RDS HAS INTRODUCED the NSI keyboard which has been designed for the food industry. It is built rugged, waterproof to IP65 and easy to clean.

The combination of cold temperatures and hot cleaning and damp creates a really challenging environment. With this new keyboard NSI have introduced a number of innovations that are said to deliver a very stable and reliable product.

The keyboard has 105 short travel keys and is available with an

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integrated waterproof trackball or multi-touch touchpad that can be operated using gloves. Its operating temperature range is 0°C to +60°C and it comes with a detachable 2m shielded usb cable.

A waterproof but breathable membrane covers the back of the keyboard ensuring a dry environment within the stainless-steel housing. Not only is it sealed to IP65, but this hygienic design is also easy to clean.

For more information, visit www.review-displays.co.uk Tel: 01959 563345

SCHOELLER ALLIBERT HAS launched the Maxinest family of returnable packaging solutions in the UK, the Maxinest E-Tail.

It is designed to deliver enhanced logistics efficiency, hygiene and sustainability for today’s challenged retail supply chains. The Maxinest E-tail also meets the needs of the growing micro-fulfilment sector.

The Maxinest E-tail design can be combined with dividers to ensure multiple customer orders can be stored separately in a single container. This ensures it is a highly versatile option for manual and automated handling applications alike. It has a very high nesting ratio of 80% meaning return

transportation costs and the logistics carbon footprint are minimised. It is also fully interoperable with the rest of the Maxinest family. To boost hygiene, the Maxinest E-tail tote incorporates a floor design that is flat and non-vented for easy cleaning and to contain any spilt liquids.

Increasing safety and ease of use in operations, the design includes a 6-way handle system – 4 on the end wall and 2 on the long wall. A lower handle recess on the short side also offers easy removal if located on high racking and access is required.

For more information, visit www.schoellerallibert.com/uk Tel: 01606 561900

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INDUSTRY FOCUS: FOOD & DRINK

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E-grocery: FoodOase automates warehouse ONLINE RETAIL FOR groceries is continuously on the rise and calls for intelligent and flexible logistics solutions.

The German company FoodOase has partnered with the AutoStore intralogistics specialist Element Logic. The e-grocer has grown steadily since 2007 but recent years have seen faster growth. In 2019, FoodOase integrated the online shop querfood.de and in the first half of 2020, there was another significant increase in order volume due to the pandemic.

In the past, FoodOase handled its warehouse logistics via a 3PL provider, who experienced the rapid growth of the company with its manually operated warehouse as an increasing challenge. Founder Sandra Neuber realised a new logistics concept was necessary. As a result, the entrepreneur rented a logistics hall in Geesthacht, east of Hamburg and decided to take over the logistics by

integrating it into her own company.

The planning and implementation of the new warehouse is conducted in cooperation with Element Logic and the German logistics consultant LogBer. The heart of the warehouse will be a fully automated, robotbased storage and retrieval system, AutoStore by Element Logic. In the first expansion phase, the system will have a size of 220 sq m and is

intended to process orders from the company’s online shops. According to the founder, this is one of the largest, but also most important investments in the history of FoodOase.

“Our customers expect us to ship their products very quickly and reliably. This is particularly important for them. Due to their special nutritional needs, they usually cannot find their daily food

Have your fill SICK’s CQF16 CAPACATIVE level sensor has been developed to provide a universal, non-contact solution wherever the fill level of water-based liquids must be detected in non-metallic vessels, tanks or pipes.

The ECOLAB-certified SICK CQF16 level sensor is supplied with a one-clip mounting bracket that can be fastened securely to the wall of any pipe or container. Using the capacitive measurement principle, it accurately detects water-based media regardless of foam, moisture or deposit build-up on the inside of the vessel.

The SICK CQF16 is a cost-

which they tolerate well in supermarkets. With our scalable, automated warehouse, we want to ensure that we will always continue to meet these expectations now and, in the future,” says Sandra Neuber.

In addition to the AutoStore solution, Element Logic – in its role as general contractor – will also supply a warehouse management and material flow control system for this project. This system does not only manage and optimise AutoStore, but also the manual areas of the logistics centre.

In the first step, the AutoStore system at FoodOase will contain 6,100 storage bins and 13 AutoStore robots. Three carousel ports are available for goods in- and outbound. The finished installation is to be handed over to the customer

by February 2021.

For more information, visit www.elementlogic.co.uk Tel: 07827 851066

effective alternative to continuous analogue measurement with a diverse range of fill-level detection uses. For example, it is ideal for detecting levels of oils, milk or honey in food processing machinery.

The compact CQF16 measures 16 mm x 34 mm x 8 mm and has a sensing range up to 6 mm. With a housing rated up to IP69K, and the option of M8 male connector or integral cable connection, the rugged CQF16 level sensors avoid the risk of fluid penetration in process environments. With a 100mA signal, the sensors offer a flexible choice of PNP/NPN or NO/NC switching outputs.

For more information, visit www.sick.co.uk Tel: 01727 831121

Suited for baked goods THE PRIMARY AND secondary packaging of confectionery and baked goods can be challenging as sensors must continuously and reliably detect a wide range of products.

The new DRT 25C dynamic reference sensor from Leuze is said to solve this problem in an innovative and reliable way, with a ‘one-of-a-kind reference technology and three light spots’.

First, the surface characteristics of the belt are taught, this enables the sensor to subsequently detect all objects that do not correspond to

the belt surface as ‘deviations’, even if the conveyor belt is dirty or vibrating. Colour, gloss, or transparency do not influence the detection guaranteeing a high machine throughput and preventing system downtime.

No realignment of the sensor is needed when products or packaging materials are changed over. This significantly reduces the setup time required and enables higher product volumes.

For more information, visit www.leuze.com/drt25c Tel: 01480 408 500

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TRANSIT PACKAGING

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Pop quiz: Are you ready for a Peak like no other?

In the run up to Black Friday and the peak Christmas shopping season, logistics businesses should not delay their packaging preparations a moment longer, says John Garner.

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s we approach the traditional peak shopping period, it will be a “peak like no other”. With so much uncertainty in the air, it’s difficult to say what will transpire over the next few months. We have already seen job losses and, with furlough payments due to come to an end in October, the unemployment figures are only going to go up. But what we can be fairly certain about is that the vast majority of what people are prepared to spend will be online.

Prior to Covid-19 the shift to online was steady, with businesses able to make gradual adjustments to their operations in line with demand. But following the introduction of a nationwide lockdown, many online retailers and logistics providers were overwhelmed by the flood of online orders. Fulfilling this unprecedented volume of orders would have been challenging at the best of times, but the introduction of social distancing measures meant it just wasn’t possible to have enough people on the shopfloor to do the picking and packing, compounding an already difficult situation.

While most businesses have managed to make adjustments to be able to cope with much of the recent growth, some are doing little more than treading water.

My concern is coping with the

pressures Black Friday and the Christmas shopping rush will bring.

Demand on the order fulfilment part of any operation will be increased; while we might see fewer sales of expensive, big ticket items, the chances are that these will be replaced with lower value items, but more of them.

So, how do you get a packaging operation already running at full capacity ready for the biggest demand in online sales ever seen?

You need to make every single part of your operation work hard. And while social distancing measures are still in place it’s not possible to increase capacity by taking on additional workers, so the most efficient way to increase capacity and efficiency is automation.

Over the last few months at Antalis, we have helped numerous businesses to successfully transform their operations by adding packaging machinery. Even just adding one bit of kit, such as ondemand void fill can make a huge difference. All businesses, whatever their size, can benefit from the introduction of some degree of packaging automation. It can generate huge efficiencies. If a business already uses packaging machinery, it might not be running as efficiently as it could be. Get whatever kit you currently have checked

While social distancing measures are still in place it’s not possible to increase capacity by taking on workers. The most efficient way is automation.

over and serviced. At Antalis, we have helped customers to increase throughput at the same times as saving as much as 70% in material costs and wastage after reviewing their existing equipment and set up.

The pressure on online retailers doesn’t end with order fulfilment. With fewer people heading out to physical stores, the fight for retail market share is also shifting online. Giving consumers an online shopping experience that will make them come back again and again is going to be key to long-term success.

One of the best ways to achieve this is with personalisation, and there are some great things that can be done in this regard nowadays. Our team at the (currently virtual) Smart Packaging Centre have done some brilliant work in this area, such as limited edition beauty box it created for subscription brand TheVeganKind’s collaboration with vegan influencer Monami Frost.

Among the mayhem of the last few months, the need to operate responsibly and sustainably hasn’t gone away. John believes it’s easy to lose focus on this when you’re trying to simply get stuff out of the door, but with government packaging waste targets coupled ongoing concerns about the impact of packaging, particularly single-use packaging, it’s important that businesses continue to give it the attention it deserves.

Again, it’s something that automation can make a difference with. For example, some machinery can eliminate the need for void fill altogether, creating a smaller package footprint and reduced material usage; plus, because more packages can be loaded onto a vehicle, it can also help to reduce carbon emissions.

John Garner, head of business development for packaging, Antalis For more information, visit www.antalispackaging.co.uk Tel:01530 505150

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TRANSIT PACKAGING

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On-demand paper packaging offered THE STOROPACK PAPERPLUS Track system is designed for medium to large packages weighing between 5 and 50 kilograms.

The company says it is a ‘perfect solution for shipping valves, controls, spare parts, electronic components, heavy duty products, and engineering parts’.

Fast and compact, the ondemand paper packaging system is designed for high throughput use where secure packaging material is needed for eliminating transit and handling damage. Users change the crimp setting and not the paper type, meaning the paper pads can be tailored to each parcel if needed - saving time and improving cost efficiencies.

The company adds: “It is ideal for cushioning and block and bracing applications, the paper pad system produces cushioning pads in seconds directly at the packing station.

“This delivers highly effective padding while using less material.

The volume of paper pads can also be adjusted.

“PAPERplus Track also benefits from: safe blade-free technology, the paper is perforated making it very easy to individually separate each paper pad mechanically. The system has a small footprint, featuring a touch screen for crimp adjustment. It can also be connected to Wi-fi and controlled from an external location via smartphone or tablet. Paper replacement is fast and simple.”

PAPERplus Track can be easily integrated into any existing warehouse operation, and as a result guarantees optimal packing processes and reduces operational costs.

Storopack is a specialist in protective packaging and technical moulded parts. It has certified production facilities and locations around the world.

For more information, visit www.storopack.co.uk Tel: 0114 249 2004

Taking flight

Online pallet shop opens GOPLASTICPALLETS.COM, DUBBED THE Responsible Plastic Pallet Company, has launched an online shop making it possible for customers to purchase a selection of its most popular plastic pallets online for the first time.

The new online shop offers a diverse selection of plastic pallets across the company’s entire range from lightweight nestables and export pallets through to heavy duty pool pallets and specialist hygienic varieties.

Goplasticpallets.com managing director Jim Hardisty said: “We’ve launched our shop to help streamline the purchase process for those customers who know what they want! We recognised the need

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and demand and have responded accordingly.

“We will be expanding our shop in the coming months to offer an even greater variety of products across a range of applications.”

Each product is available to purchase from a half stack up to five full stacks with the option to pay by credit card or by applying for a credit account.

Goplasticpallets.com is also offering free delivery to mainland UK locations with all products guaranteed to be dispatched and delivered within three working days.

For further information visit www.goplasticpallets.com/shop Tel: 01323 744057

KITE PACKAGING’S SPECIALIST aerospace and defence team are MPAS registered for design.

The employee-owned packaging business is now a MPAS registered company with one of Kite’s Aerospace & Defence Packaging Design Engineers a MPAS certified designer.

This registration is not only important for companies already working with Kite Packaging, but also demonstrates the commitment

to excellence and expertise that is important to a range of businesses looking to Kite for specialist design capabilities.

Administered by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), MPAS registration assures that Military Level Packaging design meets the MOD requirements for safe handling, storage, and transportation. The registration reinforces the capabilities of Kite’s Aerospace & Defence Team.

For more information, visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk Tel: 024 7642 0065

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DISTRIBUTION

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Greater options on recycled Eurocrates EXPORTA HAS EXPANDED its range offering on Eurocrates with three new sizes. It has also added a new range of five Eurocrates made entirely from recycled material, said to be the most eco-friendly euro crates available in the UK. Exporta identified a gap in the market and worked with its suppliers to create a range that ticks every box. Recycled material is significantly cheaper than virgin plastic, making this range more affordable than standard Eurocrates

made from virgin material. They are also available in black, making them easily recognisable in different situations and when in transition within the supply chain.

The three new sizes in the virgin range present a greater choice for Exporta’s customers.

Virgin plastic has the advantage of being food safe; food can be placed directly onto the crate surface without issues of plastic contamination.

The recycled crates are ideal for

Carrier selection

organisation’s Manufacturing Inner Circle, influencing how the system works with manufacturers, and has over two decades’ experience delivering critical ERP for businesses.

SmartFreight’s automated Carrier Management Solutions (CMS) enable customers to manage high volume deliveries through a single platform, with the choice of the transport providers best-suited to the client’s requirements, whether the quickest, the cheapest, the most reliable or the greenest. CMS also offers automatic carrier invoice reconciliation, eliminating the risk of human error and streamlining processes that were traditionally manual and time consuming.

For more information, visit www.smartfreight.com Tel: 0333 996 2216

ANNOUNCING ITS FIRST SAP B1 partner in the UK, shipping software specialist SmartFreight has joined forces with Frontline Consultancy and Business Services, a specialist providing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), cloud and secure managed IT services.

The strategic collaboration with SmartFreight enables Frontline’s clients, ranging from SMEs to multinational companies, to benefit from an integrated carrier selection that will help drive business growth and operational efficiencies.

A SAP Business One Gold Partner, Frontline is a member of the

non-food usage - or when food comes already stored in its retail packaging. Another feature of the recycled crates is that they come with open handles, making them easier to lift and carry.

All crates, plastic pallets, boxes and containers supplied by Exporta are 100% recyclable, ensuring that Exporta lives up to its ISO14001 Environmental accreditation.

Don Marshall, head of marketing & eCommerce says: “We like to listen to our customers and support

their needs and also look for innovative products to fill in any gaps in the market and fix our clients issues and pain points.

Expanding the sizes in our Eurocrate range, as well as adding in a range of recycled crates achieves both these goals. It affirms our place as the No1 supplier in the UK if you need to Move It, Store It or Secure It.” For more information, visit www.exportaglobal.co.uk Tel: 0808 301 8121

Insulated roller shutter for busy depot HART DOORS HAS completed another contract at the Wimbledon Traincare depot, the traction maintenance depot servicing South Western Railway.

Hart area sales manager Peter Cairns says there are several Hart doors on site already.

“This depot is one of the busiest in the country, with an average of 250 carriages maintained there each night. We have several Speedors on site some of which were nearly 30 years old.”

The latest contract was to replace the ageing Speedors in this very busy depot with Hart’s highly energy efficient, Insulated Roller Shutters.

“The installation was challenging requiring specific bracketing and in-

fills for the new doors,” adds Mr Cairns.

“Gaps were created with the removal of the Speedor Supers as the typical footprint of the Speedor was larger than the new Insulated Roller Shutter which were 4.5 metres wide and five metres high. Overall the contract took four weeks.”

Hart has also provided Insulated shutters in recent years on a new building on the Wimbledon site working with the contractor, George Osborne and is also active on the Acton Train Care, Gillingham Repair Depot and the Ilford Train Depot.

For more information, visit www.hartdoors.com Tel: 0191 214 0404

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INDUSTRY UPDATE

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Jackets and fleeces highlighted SNICKERS WORKWEAR USES fabric technology in its autumn range for outdoor workwear.

The company says: “Sharp, stylish looks and market-leading recycled Polartec fabric technology make these a must for the autumn on site or outdoor leisurewear. The versatile

FLEXIWork full-stretch jackets, deliver a tight, body-hugging fit with efficient moisture transportation and durable shape retention plus great freedom of movement. There’s also long johns to match for full body insulation.

“The AllroundWork fleeces and bodywarmers - made from 80% recycled polyester - are packed warmth and comfort to keep your body warm or comfortably cool when you most need it. Fashionable and functional, they combine practicality with street-smart looks and the right kind of sustainable choice.”

For more information, visit www.snickersworkwear.co.uk Tel: 01484 854788

Stewart Murdoch to succeed Harry Sands as Hyster-Yale Europe head THE EMEA DIVISION of HysterYale Group has announced that Harry Sands has retired as the company’s senior VP and managing director, EMEA after almost 40 years of service.

Harry Sands has served as the senior VP and managing director, EMEA, for Hyster-Yale Group since 2015. He joined the company in 1980 working for Hyster as Craigavon factory manager then becoming plant manager in Craigavon for Hyster-Yale Group in 1989. In 1998, Harry transferred to Nijmegen to assume the role of plant manager. In 2001, he was appointed VP European Manufacturing and Logistics before becoming the managing director of EMEA in 2015.

During his tenure as EMEA managing director, Harry has

developed a strong team and enhanced the performance and results of the EMEA organisation across many disciplines. Over his extensive career with the company, he has consistently built strong relationships and partnerships both internally and externally.

Stewart D. Murdoch, who joined Hyster-Yale Group on 9 September 2020 as the incoming senior VP and managing director, EMEA. Stewart brings with him over 25 years of international experience in bulk material handling and industrial process automation and has held executive management and operational leadership positions in Europe and the UK as VP of the Schenck Process Group, Germany, and UK managing director/GM & Head of EMEA North and Australasia for the Habasit Group, Switzerland.

Commenting on his new role, Stewart D. Murdoch said: “The Hyster-Yale Group is a fantastic, agile business. With its deep pool of talent and capabilities, broad customer base, strong product families, global footprint and distribution network and powerful brands, I am truly honoured and excited about this opportunity to lead the Group’s EMEA region into the next stage of its strategic development.”

For more information, visit www.hyster-yale.com Tel: 01294 315600

Nearshoring trend could lead to increased warehouse demand ACCORDING TO SAVILLS latest research report, Europe could see an additional 11.6 million sq m of warehouse demand to serve the manufacturing sector by the end of 2022, based on Capital Economics forecast data.

Mike Barnes, European research associate at Savills, said: “If, in the short term, companies adopt nearshoring policies to insulate themselves from future supply chain disruption, it is likely that European manufacturing will increase, which in turn will create a ripple effect for warehouse demand.”

Take up in the European manufacturing sector has grown significantly over recent years, rising from 2 million sq m in 2012 to 4 million sq m in 2019, according to the

international real estate advisor. Even though take up is expected to be slightly lower in 2020, it is anticipated to surpass 4 million sq m in 2021 again and then continue to rise.

Over the past five years, the UK has attracted £148 bn of private manufacturing investment, creating demand for 2.4m sq m of warehouse space. This indicates that for every £1 billion of private manufacturing investment, this creates new demand for 175,000 sq ft of warehouse space.

“If the forecasts from Capital Economics are 20% higher then an additional 13.9m sq m of warehouse space will be required across Europe by 2022,” added Barnes.

For more information, visit www.savills.co.uk Tel: 020 7499 8644

Jungheinrich makes strategic investment in robotic specialist JUNGHEINRICH HAS ACQUIRED a stake in the Munichbased robotics start-up Magazino.

At the same time, Jungheinrich and Magazino agreed on a broad strategic collaboration and intend to combine their skill sets in the field of mobile automation.

Automation is one of the biggest growth drivers in the intralogistics sector. Jungheinrich expects doubledigit growth rates in this segment in the coming years. This trend is driven above all by the persistently strong growth in online trade and the global shortage in logistics specialists, particularly forklift operators.

Magazino has been on the market since 2014 with a mobile order picker robot that has the ability to intelligently navigate the warehouse and precisely grab boxes. The system is used in the warehouses of a variety of online retailers and logistics service providers.

“By controlling the robots in this complex environment, Magazino has

developed globally unique expertise that we want to expand in the future and integrate into the world of Jungheinrich products,” says Dr Lars Brzoska, chairman of the Board of Management of Jungheinrich AG. “Jungheinrich’s investment in Magazino demonstrates the high market demand for our robotics software ACROS.AI and our robots,” says Frederik Brantner, CEO and cofounder of Magazino.

For more information, visit www.jungheinrich.co.uk Tel: 01908 363100

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