February 2019

Five New Leaders to Drive Growth at GEFCO Freight Forwarding

Posted on 15 February, 201931 July, 2025 by David Priestman

GEFCO Group has named five new leaders to grow and expand its Freight Forwarding business line worldwide.

The new leaders are:
• Valentin Elistratov, Global Commercial Director
• Karin Van Den Brekel, Life Science and Health Care Global Manager (above)
• Katherine Shek, Regional Director for Asia
• Peter West, Country Director for Australia and New Zealand
• Alicja Szewczyk, Global Human Resources People and Culture Manager

With proven track records, these experts will each play a key role in driving GEFCO’s Freight Forwarding business expansion worldwide, serving an expanding portfolio of industrial customers with diverse requirements. In particular, the division will reinforce client value in the life sciences and healthcare sector and consolidate its activities in Asia and Pacific, reinforcing the company’s “Partners, unlimited” approach.

In 2019, GEFCO Freight Forwarding will continue to pursue the strong growth achieved in recent years. Notable recent events include the division extending its seven-year global partnership with Westcon International for a further three years to manage air flows in 28 countries across five continents. For Belgian engineering company Sarens, Freight Forwarding’s Industrial Project Cargo teams have designed solutions to transport their cranes globally.

Pursued expansion worldwide

Building on a successful year in 2018, GEFCO Freight Forwarding will continue to grow its business with the arrival of Valentin Elistratov as Global Commercial Director. Valentin brings 25 years of experience in the logistics and freight forwarding industry, combined with expertise in the European and Asian markets, where he worked for many years as a senior business developer for various world leading brands, including DHL and APL Logistics. A solid leader with a proven sales track record, strong financial and IT acumen, and the ability to foster relationships internally and externally, Valentin will drive GEFCO Freight Forwarding’s ambitious expansion plans worldwide in the coming year.

More value for life sciences and healthcare clients

GEFCO provides integrated door-to-door, temperature-controlled logistics and multimodal, fully compliant transport solutions to meet the highest industry standards while ensuring maximum value.

With 20 years of experience in international logistics, the new Global Manager for Life Sciences and Healthcare, Karin Van Den Brekel will reinforce GEFCO’s expertise and capabilities to offer customers tailored, secure solutions worldwide. Karin will be based at GEFCO’s Schiphol office, next to the airport and at the very core of a strategic hub composed of the Antwerp and Rotterdam ports and Brussels airport, where GEFCO has offices and specific Freight Forwarding warehouses (including temperature-controlled facilities).

A stronger regional organisation to provide even more integrated services

After GEFCO’s acquisition of IJS Global facilitated its access to the world’s two largest freight forwarding markets (China/South-East Asia and the United States), the company now plans to further boost its business in Asia with the appointment of a new Regional Director, Katherine Shek. Previously in charge of the North Asia region for the Freight Forwarding business at GEFCO, where she has been instrumental in transforming results over the last two years, Katherine will now be responsible for the entire Asian zone, driving growth and profitability in all markets, including Singapore and Thailand.

In addition to Asia, GEFCO is also investing in the Pacific, appointing Peter West as the new Country Director for GEFCO Air & Sea in Australia and New Zealand. A global specialist in supply chain, logistics and operations management, Peter brings 20 years of experience at top level positions in Europe, China and Australia, where he has developed an intimate knowledge of the food and beverage, manufacturing, consumer healthcare, retail and logistics sectors. His longstanding experience in multiple sectors will contribute to the division’s diversification strategy and drive business expansion for both existing and new customers.

Finally, because such an ambitious expansion plan could not be handled without a talented people expert, Alicja Szewczyk joins GEFCO Forwarding as Global Human Resources People and Culture Manager, working with Nicola Lyons, Global Human Resources Director. She will support the division’s expansion and drive people programmes and initiatives, ensuring they are aligned with the Group’s “Infinite Proximity” culture.

450 Job Opportunities at M&S Hertfordshire DC

Posted on 14 February, 201931 July, 2025 by Keith McKinley

UK retailer M&S is working with DHL to search for 450 permanent colleagues to join its national distribution centre in Welham Green, Hertfordshire, which will officially open in summer 2019.

The distribution centre has already recruited for 150 roles and will play a key part in delivering Clothing & Home products to over 98 stores in the South East.

DHL has this month started operating the site, which will gradually build up over the next 18 months and will recruit a total of 600 permanent colleagues by the end of 2019. At its peak, Welham Green will employ up to 1,000 colleagues.

Staff will play a crucial role in organising and packing products to be delivered to stores, overseeing customer returns, organising and managing stock and ensuring the whole process runs smoothly – from products arriving at the centre to delivering them to store for customers to browse through.

Mark Defanis, General Manager of the new distribution centre said: “The new Welham Green distribution centre offers a variety of exciting roles and great prospects for successful candidates. We urge anyone who’s interested to get in touch.”

They promise that staff at the new national distribution centre will benefit from competitive rates of pay, extensive training programmes, access to an on-site restaurant and colleague recognition schemes, as well as free parking and car sharing or cycle-to-work schemes.

Sales and Service Roles Now Closer at Hoppecke UK

Posted on 14 February, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

With the promotion of Stuart Browne to Operations Director – Sales and Service and a new engineer recruitment drive Hoppecke Industrial Batteries in the UK is initiating a change in culture. He will head up the operations side of the business with a remit covering sales, warehousing, service and rental. This new role has been created specifically to bring sales and service closer together and to ensure that service support meets customer needs both now and in the future.

Jon Bailey, who joined Hoppecke UK as managing director in October 2018, says: “Our customers’ needs are becoming ever more complex and so our offering has expanded and diversified in line with this challenge. Whether it’s new or used products, rental, refurbishment or service solutions, including on-site energy storage, we’re attuned to the issues our customers face, especially those factors that distinguish the sectors in which they operate. As such, we want to be able, as an entire organisation, to move rapidly to deliver meaningful solutions. It was clear to me that the company’s cultural mind set would benefit from putting customers at the centre of our operation. Now, our sales and service guys are close companions, working in the same office, with joint meetings and training/awareness sessions, of all which helps to bring us closer to achieving our goals.”

IT investment in 2018 enabled a series of business process upgrades to improve standards of service and maximize efficiencies within Hoppecke UK, including updating its dedicated engineering tool, SITs; the roll out of a sales app and the introduction of a new CRM system.

Pallet Shuttle System “Lifted to Another Dimension” Claims LogiMAT Exhibitor

Posted on 14 February, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Belgium-based intralogistics specialist Stow has a range of offerings on show in Stuttgart next week.

The Stow Atlas® pallet shuttle system is lifted to another dimension, according to the company. The Stow Atlas® 2D can change storage lanes through one or more central aisles, with or without pallets. Meanwhile, the Averys after sales service is lifted to another degree, says the firm, and the Stow Atlas® Connect is a direct connection between the installed shuttles and the after sales service, claiming many advantages.

The Stowshelf® industrial shelving is lifted to another level: the company says its picktower demo will show all features and benefits for several industry sectors such as the booming e-commerce logistics.

Meet Stow at LogiMAT in Hall 3, Stand D37.

Linde Supply Truck Combines Forklift and Train Benefits

Posted on 14 February, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The Trolley Supply Truck is a new vehicle concept from Linde Material Handling that the company claims combines all the advantages of a Linde logistics train with those of a forklift. The design is based on Linde’s matrix concept: both the goods transporter’s control unit and drive unit come from the modular system for Linde warehouse equipment. What is completely new, according to Linde, is the load unit which takes the form of a bar trolley with steered wheels. It allows efficiency increases of up to 30 percent to be achieved in material transport to production plants.

“Many of our customers have already implemented forklift truck-free production supply via tugger or logistics trains,” explains Ralf Knaut, Project Manager Special Solutions at Linde Material Handling. This is because trains consisting of tow tractors and trailers are often superior to forklifts, especially in purely horizontal goods transport. They are loaded and unloaded from the side and therefore require less space than a forklift truck which is at right angles to the carriageway when setting a pallet down. In addition, the tugger trains can transport a larger amount of material to the assembly lines per journey. Both of these factors result in a lower volume of disruptive traffic, a lower risk of accidents and lower costs alongside higher productivity.

“However, existing factory layouts cannot always be adapted to the requirements of tugger train solutions without constraints,” Knaut points out. In many existing plants, the source or destination are located at dead ends and are therefore not accessible for tugger trains that can only drive forwards with their trailers. This is where the Trolley Supply Truck comes into play. It complements the Linde logistics train and thus ensures further optimization on short and medium distances. “This makes it another piece in the process standardization mosaic and leads to more efficient intralogistics overall,” adds Markus Schmermund, Vice President Product Management Automation & Intralogistics, Linde Material Handling.

Four metres long, 1.28 metres wide and 2.36 metres high, the Trolley Supply Truck is extremely compact and requires a carriageway width of merely 1.88 metres, including a safety clearance of 30 centimetres. If the route includes curves, a 2.30-meter-wide carriageway is sufficient for the load transporter to turn at right angles. The electrically steered wheels at both the front and rear ensure great directional stability both on straight stretches and in bends. The U-shaped load support is designed for a wide variety of goods carriers. For example, two standard Euro pallets or one double Euro pallet as well as other goods carriers such as trolleys measuring between 800 and 1600 x 1200 millimetres can be transported.

Industry View: 5 Key Logistics and Tech Trends for 2019

Posted on 14 February, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

5 Key Logistics Trends and Technology Implications for 2019, as forecast by Chris Jones (above), EVP Marketing & Services, Descartes:

2018 can certainly be summarised as a turbulent year in logistics and transportation management. On the one hand, ecommerce continued to grow at record levels without the slowdown that many were predicting, leading many organisations to recognise the importance of reaching beyond traditional strategies to enhance their logistics and transportation capabilities. Yet, on the other there was considerable global trade instability and the focus of many companies was to determine what strategies they needed to put in place to mitigate the brewing trade wars and Brexit uncertainty. Market hype was also at an all-time high, making it harder to identify the best opportunities for technology investments. As the start of the year sees these trends continue to dominate the sector, [Spokesperson], Descartes says that the question for logistics and transportation professionals globally is what will drive 2019 strategies and investments to meet the market challenges and provide the greatest returns.

• Collaborative Transportation Management.

The concept has been discussed, but never realised on a large scale. With the capacity shortage continuing for the perceived future, shippers and LSPs are looking for ways to expand their network. Real-time visibility solutions can identify the capacity that is trapped in a given network. New solutions have been developed to allow companies to share capacity and cover a greater percentage of the loads. Work in 2018 has shown that, as the number of participants expand, the ability to dramatically increase available capacity rises. Collaborative transportation management will be the fastest way in 2019 for shippers and LSPs to meet their transportation capacity challenges.

• The Global Trade Scramble.

For many shippers and LSPs, there is no choice but to spend a lot of time and effort on strategies and tactics to mitigate the impacts of Brexit, the current US administration and the affected countries. The uncertainty that exists in the market is what is most disconcerting and driving this high level of focus. In North America, changing duties and quotas are driving companies to develop new sourcing strategies, evaluate the impact of new duties on the bottom line and vet new suppliers. Brexit is even more problematic for Europe as companies try to understand the effects on their supply chains and logistics services if the seamless flow of goods stops between the UK and the rest of Europe. In 2019, companies will focus on global trade and customs solutions that can help them navigate the potential changes, glean clearer insight into alternative trade opportunities that exist and ensure compliance with much higher customs clearance requirements. 2018 was also a very active year in the area of sanctioned parties list expansions, stepped up enforcement actions especially on challenging rules like the OFAC 50%, and it is very likely the pace of sanctions and enforcement actions will ramp up in 2019.

• Home Delivery Hangover.

Again, another “no choice” for retailers as consumer expectations for home delivery continue to rise with, again, record online sales during the 2018 holidays. Retailers will be focused on getting costs in line and better understanding what customers want and are willing to accept for home delivery services. In 2018, companies started to get a better perspective on the different kinds of expectations customers had for delivery services, and that “as fast as possible” and “free” were more market hype than reality. In addition, leading retailers started to focus on understanding the balance between delivery service and the fees charged and—most importantly—understanding that allowing consumers to self-select their delivery options based upon speed and price could lower or recover delivery costs. In 2019, retailers will increasingly look for home delivery solutions that allow them to provide consumers with delivery choice, and even steer them to options that help the bottom line.

• Parcel Power.

As ecommerce grows, so does parcel shipping. In 2018, the rapid expansion of domestic and international parcel shipping continued. Carriers established more aggressive pricing and delivery strategies to keep pace with the increasing demand and improve profitability. Governments adopted more stringent tariff policies to make sure they were not missing an increasingly large revenue stream from ecommerce direct from Asia. As the cost and complexity of parcel shipping increases in 2019, companies will deploy solutions that can minimise their parcel shipping costs through more intelligent carrier and mode selection, and effectively address international requirements such as landed costs, restricted party checking and customs filings.

• Technology – Some Hot & Some Not.

There was not a day in 2018 when some organisation or technology company was not announcing their AI, Machine Learning, Big Data or Blockchain solution or initiative. Even the business and trade press pointed to these technologies as ushering in a new era in logistics technology. As 2018 unfolded, however, there was a divergence in the value of some versus others that will carry into 2019. In 2019, there will be greater investment in—and results from—AI, Machine Learning and Big Data because of the ability of these technologies to significantly augment existing solutions and deliver business value in the near term. Unfortunately for Blockchain, it heads to the “trough of disillusionment” for the next year as pilots end and questions remain about the change and costs required to deploy it, its technological limitations and, most significantly, the lack of standards. For anyone who has been in the tech industry for 20 years, Blockchain should be a reminder of the hype that XML received in the late 90s. The question for the value of Blockchain isn’t if, just when.

The macro trends of ecommerce, global trade destabilisation and the over-the-road transportation capacity shortage will continue to shape 2019 just as they have in 2018. Shippers and LSPs are realising that they must act differently to survive or thrive and will more aggressively adopt new logistics and transportation technology solutions.

Goplasticpallets.com Launches New Multi-trip Pallet Box

Posted on 13 February, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Four years since the original launch of its multi-trip pallet box – the Trip Box – Goplasticpallets.com has introduced a new, improved version to its range, which it claims will deliver superior strength, better security and enhanced performance for large volume goods handling and distribution.

Designed by Belgium-based plastic pallet and pallet box manufacturer Smart-Flow, the new Go Trip Box 1208 Ultimate 3R boasts a stronger, more robust pallet base; a lockable pallet base and lid to secure the pallet sleeve in place; a durable, injection moulded lid – in contrast to the original thermoformed lid; and the option to choose from different sleeve thicknesses.

In addition, the pallet base can be reinforced with three metal bars to accommodate heavy loads in excess of 500kg, increasing the racking capacity of the pallet box to 900kg.

Jim Hardisty, Managing Director for Goplasticpallets.com, said: “We truly value customer feedback on the plastic pallets and pallet boxes we supply. The launch of our new, improved Trip Box demonstrates that we not only listen to our customers, but share their experiences with our manufacturing partners, who invest a great deal in R&D to enhance existing products and develop new ones.”

Quick and easy to assemble and disassemble, the new, improved Go Trip Box 1208 Ultimate 3R is comprised of three components – a recyclable plastic pallet base which measures 1200mm (L) x 800mm (W), a sturdy but lightweight plastic sleeve and a durable plastic lid.

When assembled the new Trip Box has a storage capacity of 516 litres and can be stacked and stored safely up to four boxes high with a maximum load of 1600kg. When not in use the multi-use pallet box folds virtually flat – the plastic sleeve slots into a groove around the pallet edge and the lid locates easily on top. In folded-down mode, the Go Trip Box 1208 Ultimate 3R can be stacked up to eight boxes high, saving considerable space in storage as well as reduce costs on return journey trips.

Kivnon to Showcase Omnidirectional AGV at LogiMAT

Posted on 13 February, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Spanish AGV maker Kivnon has developed a new and, it says, completely different AGV that “entails an Industry 4.0 revolution”. This automated guided vehicle, named K41 Slim, combines a 1000kg lifting capacity with an omnidirectional movement. In this way, it is always able to work with a 360º perimeter security. Additionally, Kivnon’s K41 Slim is “even more efficient and endowed with more autonomy due to the lithium batteries it has equipped”.

Height is also one of its singularities since its lower than 210mm, which makes it an extremely flexible AGV and ready to operate in all kinds of environments and trollies.

This new autonomous vehicle, that as confirmed by Kivnon is just the beginning of a family, will be exhibited for first time next week at LogiMAT, Stuttgart.

New Kärcher Ride-on Sweeper Offers Speed and Convenience

Posted on 13 February, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The battery-powered KM 85/50 R is the new entry-level model in the ride-on sweeper range from Kärcher. It is an alternative for operators seeking a very compact and manoeuvrable machine, rowho do not wish to compromise on convenience and speed. The company says that professional users can expect area performance/hour at about 30% higher than that of a walk-behind sweeper with the same working width.

Clean solution
The machine can be equipped with a second additional side brush as required. The operator can adjust the rotational speed during operation to suit the type and amount of dirt. In addition to optimum cleaning performance, this results in reduced dust impact. The floating main sweeper roller requires no manual adjustment or wear adjustment by the operator. The contact pressure is automatically adjusted and the roller reacts flexibly to uneven surfaces.

The collected dirt is divided evenly between two 25 litre catch pans. This facilitates removal and transport of the full container for emptying.

Operator-friendly operating concept
Thanks to the slim construction style and a working width of 85 cm with one side brush, this machine is ideal for cleaning in narrow corridors or between shelves quickly and conveniently. It also fits easily between doors with a minimum width of only 90 cm. The turning circle is less than 2 m. The machine is suitable for indoor and outdoor operation.

The seat position and steering column height can be adjusted for a healthy and fatigueless working posture. With self-explanatory symbols and clear imagery, the coherent and intuitive operating concept minimises the possibility of erroneous operation. Both sophisticated and practical: the Kärcher Home Base system offers supports and holders for further accessories such as litter pickers, brooms or an additional container.

Easy to service
The main emphasis in the development of the KM 85/50 R was on minimum maintenance effort. If there is a loss of suction power, the filter cleaning can be activated conveniently during operation from the driver’s seat with a handle. A mechanical stripping system subsequently removes the dust from the filter segments very effectively. The filter and main sweeper roller can be replaced without additional tools.

Meet Kärcher at LogiMAT next week, Hall 10, A31

UK Furniture Retailer Picks Paragon Routing and Scheduling

Posted on 12 February, 20197 August, 2025 by Paul Hamblin

Barker and Stonehouse, the UK’s largest independent family-run furniture retailer, has invested in a logistics solution from Paragon to provide customers with a superior delivery service with more choice. Combining Paragon’s routing and scheduling software and fleXipod ePOD system, the solution will enable the retailer to efficiently fulfil increasing order volumes nationwide without compromising on excellent customer service.

As a fast-growing retailer that has successfully combined bricks and mortar stores and a strong internet proposition, Barker and Stonehouse recognises the importance of using the latest technologies. Having already invested in its warehouse and stores, the company decided that the next step was to improve its logistics operation. They evaluated several solutions, eventually selecting Paragon because of the functionality its logistics software offers and its proven experience in the furniture retail sector.

“Our delivery operation now handles 1,500 orders a week, with volumes growing month-on-month. We needed a technology solution that would help us make better use of our vehicles and drivers but also help us to provide a better customer service with more options for the customer to choose from,” explains Shane Butler, Retail Director at Barker and Stonehouse. “Our fleet of 27 in-house vans operate on a nationwide basis – often travelling long distances – so removing inefficiencies and inconsistencies in our transport planning was essential.”

Barker and Stonehouse stores were previously responsible for planning deliveries using a fixed planning matrix that scheduled orders on certain days of the week based on rigid post code areas. When transport plans were complete, each driver would then create their individual daily routes. The company realised that not only were fleet resources being underutilised, but also it had no central visibility of how the operation was performing. As a result, maximising both vehicles and drivers was a challenge.

With the adoption of Paragon’s routing and scheduling software, Barker and Stonehouse will increase delivery frequency, serving nearly 90 per cent of postcodes nationwide on a daily basis, six days a week. This will allow the retailer to offer customers a wider choice of delivery time windows whether they are buying online or ordering in one of the company’s beautifully designed stores.

The customer experience will be further enhanced by frequent and accurate communications including notification of proposed time windows and delivery reminders. On the day of delivery itself, Barker and Stonehouse will be able to use fleXipod to send customers a link to the fleXipod track my driver service via email or text alert, allowing them to monitor the progress of their delivery driver.

Using fleXipod will enable Barker and Stonehouse to streamline the day of delivery process from start to finish. Before leaving the warehouse, drivers will be prompted to complete their pre-shift vehicle checks and carry out an equipment checklist for all deliveries that day. Data can then be stored centrally for compliance requirements. At the customer’s home, drivers will be able to capture proof of delivery data as well as notify the company’s customer care centre of any issues in real-time, sharing photos if required so disputes can be resolved quickly.

“We expect the project to be fully rolled out by the end of April. Paragon’s implementation and support team have been on hand throughout the deployment to ensure we have the necessary processes, resources and skills to make the most of the software solution. They have been fantastic in getting us to where we are today and continue to do so. This has reinforced our belief that we made the right choice when selecting Paragon as our technology partner,” concluded Shane Butler.

Once operational, Barker and Stonehouse will also be able to use their Paragon routing and scheduling software as a strategic planning tool to create what if scenarios that identify further improvements or support future operational decision-making.

William Salter, Managing Director of Paragon Software Systems commented: “Keeping control of logistics costs while offering excellent customer service is a big challenge for retailers today. Being able to offer customers convenience and choice at the point of purchase can play a critical role in the purchasing decision. The ability to then follow that up with consistent communication and a professional experience on the day of delivery can really make a difference to how the consumer views the retailer’s brand. Paragon’s logistics solutions and the experience of our implementation and support team are designed to help retailers deliver on the promise they have made at the point of purchase with confidence.”

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