March 2019

Fortna Secures Private Equity Funding to Accelerate Growth

Posted on 27 March, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Global automation, engineering services and software provider Fortna has secured investment funding from US private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners. The sums involved have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1946, Fortna provides distribution strategy, operations design and implementation, material handling automation and warehouse execution software systems. Today, Fortna helps the world’s most recognized brands enhance their distribution operations through innovative solutions that result in reduced operating costs, higher throughput, and improved service. With a global footprint across North America, Europe, Latin America, and South Africa, Fortna has over 200 clients globally.

Propelled by the continued growth of eCommerce and increased demand for advanced warehouse automation infrastructure, Fortna says it “sought a strategic and financial partner to invest in the Company’s substantial future growth prospects, including the potential for M&A and continued geographic expansion. As a partner, THL will strive to enhance Fortna’s capabilities and offerings by contributing deep industry expertise and bringing both financial and operational resources to bear, thereby accelerating Fortna’s overall growth strategy.”

Delivery Group Aims to be ‘One-Stop Provider’ with OnePost Takeover

Posted on 27 March, 201931 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The Delivery Group has taken over ONEPOST (Postal Choices Ltd), for an undisclosed sum, bringing together two players in the UK mail and ecommerce sectors. The enlarged group says it will have a combined annual turnover of £250m, employ 500 staff across seven locations, and manage almost a billion items of mail and packages both in the UK and internationally.

Delivery Group Chairman Paul Carvell (above) explained: “Since the management buy-out from Next Wave Partners last year, we have actively pursued our strategy to expand our service-range and geographical footprint, and ONEPOST fits perfectly into our plans. We will be announcing further developments over the coming months as we strive to become the premier systems-driven ‘one stop provider’ in the post, package and parcel distribution sector.”

Mobile Lab Transported by Air from Budapest to Hanoi

Posted on 27 March, 201931 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Hungarian provider ITS Logistics, part of Connecta, has air freighted a mobile laboratory from Budapest to Hanoi. The mobile laboratory is transported by a tractor-trailer, equipped with solar panels and with its own power supply. It had to be dismantled in 3 parts, separating the actual laboratory and accessories from the trailer, with a total weight of 5500 Kg.

While inspecting the laboratory, the ITS Logistics team found that it contained different types of batteries and therefore had to be considered as Dangerous Goods. Both, the lab and the accessories were encased in a wooden crate for security and protection.

On site, ITS Logistics gave assistance during the dismantling of the laboratory, arranged the packaging, prepared the DG certificate and checking and organised security checks with sniffer dogs. Additionally, they handled the export customs clearance and dual use certificate. Finally, they arranged the transportation of all parts, with an open plate truck and a trailer, followed by a security escort up to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

In a record time of 72 hours the packed laboratory and its truck were ready for carriage on a Cargolux Boeing 747 freighter up to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Pangea Group includes Pangea Logistics Network, international network of general freight forwarders, and Connecta Airfreight Network, international network of air freight forwarders.

Geek+ Robotics Brings Advanced Warehouse Robotic Solutions to ProMat

Posted on 26 March, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Geek+ is a leading provider – and describes itself as China’s number-one supplier – of warehousing and logistics solutions in China and SE Asia. It will demonstrate its moving system, M100, and display brand-new products, such as Geek Robot Shuttle System C200 Series and its Automated Forklift at ProMat, the largest supply-chain trade show in the Americas.

Geek+ has a wide range of automated and intelligent devices capable of material handling (bin-carrying/pallets/boxes/single pieces), from goods receipt, unloading and storage, to picking, packing and order shipment. Equipped with cutting-edge robotics and AI technologies, comprehensive product lines have been developed to satisfy various application scenarios, including its:

Picking System for order fulfilment in E-commerce and retailing industries;
Moving System for material handling in factory logistics;
Sorting System for parcels sortation in express;
Automated forklift and collaborative robot for unmanned warehouse;
Robot Shuttle System for bin-carrying with single layer rack and multi-layer mezzanine rack.

Industry View: See the Technology Reshaping Warehousing at IMHX 2019

Posted on 26 March, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Visitors to IMHX 2019 – the UK’s largest intralogistics and supply chain event – will be able to see the developments in automation and robotics technology that are reshaping the way orders are picked, packed and dispatched, says event director, Rob Fisher

The relentless rise of e-Commerce is forcing retailers and logistics operators to adapt the design of their facilities to keep pace with the demands of today’s technology-enabled consumer who is demanding ever-faster and more efficient delivery of goods. As a result, traditional storage warehouses are being transformed into massive high-volume order-fulfilment centres with higher racking and narrower aisles to ensure that every square inch of the site is optimised.

The technology deployed within these facilities is evolving too. Developments in intralogistics systems are advancing more rapidly than ever before as operators search for greater reliability and higher efficiency.

Changes in the ways modern e-fulfiment warehouses operate are, not surprisingly, being driven by developments in automation and robotics. For decades, automation has been used to complete various processes – including storage, inventory control, transport, picking, packing and loading – in more efficient and cost-effective ways: but, until recently, the robots used in warehouses have largely been employed to assemble pallet loads ready for dispatch. Now, however, robotics is closing in on the logistics ‘Holy Grail’ – order picking for e-commerce fulfilment.

The growing role of artificial intelligence and technology within modern supply chain operations will be reflected at IMHX 2019: with over a third of exhibitors showcasing some form of automation, robotics, autonomous vehicles or new tech, visitors to the show will be able to discover exciting technology for themselves and get a greater understanding of how it can deliver operational benefits and competitive advantages.

Dematic is among the leading suppliers of advanced automated materials handling solutions that will be exhibiting at IMHX 2019. The company offers an extensive range of ground-breaking warehouse technology as well as the all important software that manages and controls it. Dematic’s suite of high-intelligence iQ software, for example, ranges from a top-level Warehouse Management System, through Warehouse Execution and Control Software to a cloud-based Asset Performance Management platform which offers live-updates on KPIs across multiple distribution sites.

Visitors to IMHX 2019 will also be able to see the latest innovations from Bito Storage Systems. Bito has recently introduced a driverless container transporter which helps to reduce travel times for returns and other tasks within e-Commerce warehouses. The transporter links workstations and handles transport from the returns department or processing point to other stations for repairs, disposal, packing or returning the item to the warehouse.

Meanwhile, on KNAPP’s stand, visitors will be able to discuss technology such as the OSR Shuttle automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) – technology which not only achieves up to six times the rate of totes in/out than a traditional ASRS, but also requires about 20 per cent less footprint and consumes only some 5 per cent of the energy of other solutions.

Swisslog will highlight a range of robot-based picking and palletising solutions. The company’s systems feature KUKA robots and are designed to reduce operational costs and improve warehouse efficiency. For example, the ItemPiQ robot-based automated solution allows item picking to be fulfilled rapidly and accurately. The robot cell – which is operational 24/7 and can pick and place products from a source into a target bin or carton – is designed to handle repeated piece picking, error-free.

Picking and palletising are the most time consuming processes in the warehouse and make up around 60% of a warehouse’s operational costs. With workers to carry out these tasks becoming harder to find too, there is a growing realisation that automation and self-learning smart-data systems can meet today’s diverse and growing demands and, with some 400 leading companies exhibiting, IMHX 2019 represents an unmissable opportunity to see live and dynamic demonstrations of the latest technological developments that are shaping the modern logistics industry.

In addition, across the four days of the show, visitors will have the opportunity to access a high quality programme of educational seminars and conferences featuring leading speakers from the supply chain world, completely free of charge.

To register for your free IMHX 2019 visitor pass, go to https://www.imhx.net/en/visiting/register.html

‘Drive-through’ Irish Border Promised by BluJay Software

Posted on 26 March, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Supply chain software specialist BluJay Solutions has partnered with Fujitsu to develop an innovative technology solution to maintain an open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland while also enabling customs checks to be made by the UK and Irish Governments.

No one wants to see border checks on the island of Ireland – BluJay and Fujitsu are taking practical steps to help ensure this does not happen.

The proof of concept (PoC) has been developed with the full involvement of the UK Government. It provides a simple and effective solution to the problem of maintaining seamless trade across the Irish border in the event of a no-deal Brexit and will enable border checks to take place with no physical infrastructure erected on the border.

BluJay brings high-capacity customs management and mobility software to the project, allowing individual shipments – rather than trucks – to be tagged and monitored on their journey. Geo-tagging technology on each shipment will notify both Governments and shippers when the cargo crosses the border, prompting the customs system to automatically complete the necessary checks and digitally deliver requests for duty payment as required.

By digitising and automating the customs process, BluJay and Fujitsu remove the necessity for physical traffic stops and barriers.

The system will automatically record the movement of controlled goods including medical and hazardous products and ensure that health and safety standards are maintained. It will also provide a single border-management portal to enable border agencies to collaborate on customs processes.

“BluJay is uniquely placed to make the goal of seamless customs on the Irish border a reality,” commented Doug Surrett, Chief Product Strategist at BluJay. “We already have the necessary IT framework in place, which means we can quickly respond to the complex customs challenges in play to deliver a solution that works for everyone. This isn’t the first time a fast and smooth supply chain has been imperative – we have the expertise and the technology to deliver a workable solution for this problem. We’re pleased to partner with Fujitsu and the UK Government on this important project.”

BluJay’s Customs Management software is a single point of connection for international customs operations. The solution offers the ability to take information from any source and manage the real-time electronic conversation between any ERP system and any customs regime, with complete visibility to what is being paid to customs. In addition, the company’s MobileSTAR technology provides drivers with real-time connection, routing, and delivery capabilities via iOS or Android device.

Pallet Strapping Machines on Show at Bauma Construction Expo

Posted on 26 March, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The name Mosca has long been associated with guaranteed reliability when it comes to securing bricks and other clay-based building materials for transport. At this year’s Bauma construction machinery trade show from 8 to 14 April (Hall C1, Stand 207), the strapping specialist showcases two machines designed for applications across the entire construction industry. Equipped with a high-performance sealing unit, the MK-50 reliably straps semi-finished and other heavy products. As a system consisting of multiple machines, the RO-M-RI straps narrow lumber and roof battens with lengths ranging from four to eight meters. Thanks to fewer wearing parts and encapsulated bearings, these two machines ensure maximum availability – even in environments with impure air or extreme temperatures.

A high-performance sealing unit makes the MK-50 strapping machine a real all-rounder. “Our MK-50 was originally designed for the ceramics industry. But equipped with the new 15- or 19-millimeter high-performance sealing unit, it has become a machine that can be used anywhere in the construction sector,” explains Mosca GmbH CEO Timo Mosca. “With a belt tension of up to 5,000 newtons, the machine is now capable of reliably securing heavier, non-palleted goods like metal sections or semi-finished products for transport.” The sealing unit enables the MK-50 to handle PET strapping materials with a width of up to 19 millimeters and a thickness up to 1.3 millimeters. The sealing unit also guarantees high tensile strength of the strapping at the sealing point of 80% of the strap used. An integrated control switch for strapping offers additional protection by ensuring the bundle is successfully strapped. This final step is essential in fully-automated processes.

If the machine is used exclusively for lighter products, the proven SoniXs sealing unit with electronic self-calibration can be implemented as a cost-effective alternative. This offers a maximum belt tension of up to 2,500 newtons and is suitable for using PP or PET strapping with a width from 9.5 to 12.5 millimeters. Ideal for use in fully-automated lines, the MK-50 on display at the Bauma trade show is equipped with upstream and downstream conveyor technology. When a bundle enters the machine, the frame and sealing unit move downward and the strapping cycle is triggered via an interface before the strapped bundle is conveyed further. The strapping can also be used as a transport aid when workers need to move the strapped bundle – bricks, for example – by hand.

The MK-50 has been tried and tested in the ceramics and clay building materials industry and is optimally protected against dirt, high temperatures and other external conditions. The sealing unit is positioned above the strapping frame and is therefore not affected by falling particles. Encapsulated bearings and electromechanical components help ensure maximum machine availability.

Clark to Build US S-Series Models at Expanded Kentucky Plant

Posted on 25 March, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Clark is to expand its North American headquarters at Lexington and will build all of its S-Series model for the US market at the Kentucky site.

A third production plant will be put into operation, with investment amounting to $4.6 million. Series production is expected to start this summer.

“The expansion of our Lexington facility is an important step in positioning Clark for the future,” said Dennis Lawrence, President & CEO of Clark Material Handling Company in the USA. “With the expansion of production, we want to further improve our processes, avoid waste and shorten throughput times. We would like to exceed the expectations of our customers and push our global growth.”

This is already the third expansion of Clark’s Lexington site in four years. As early as 2017, Clark started operating a new R&D/Engineering Centre in the USA, after production was expanded in 2016 to include high-volume models from the closed Mexican plant. In order to meet the growing demand for electric and internal combustion engine industrial trucks, Clark plans to produce almost 80 percent of its products for the U.S. market in Lexington in the future.

The inventor of the forklift truck opened its first headquarters in the Bluegrass State in 1974. Current product range for the US market includes a complete range of electric and combustion engine counterbalance trucks, narrow aisle trucks, warehousing technology and a comprehensive range of services.

Spanish AGV Maker ASTI to Innovate at Hannover Messe

Posted on 25 March, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Spanish manufacturer ASTI Mobile Robotics will present “a set of pioneering solutions of intelligent and connected AGVs for Industry 4.0 implementation” at Hannover Messe 2019 (1-5 April). Under the claim “Smart and connected intralogistics solutions”, in Hall 17, Stand D57, the mobile robotic engineering leader in the European market will show its proposals to accelerate digital transformation in the industry.

Connectivity is the key for the future of the indoor logistics. ASTI Mobile Robotics is an expert in industry processes, connectivity and customer support, it says. Thanks to its deep knowledge of the market and to the great commitment to innovation, it has incorporated connectivity, among other elements, as a standard feature in all its AGVs.

Also on show will be its new revolutionary ‘goods to person’ solution for intelligent warehouse management (above). In the same way, it will reveal its new Standard EasyBot Range to the market.

ASTI has signed a commercial agreement with German company InSystems Automation, will also present its portfolio of intralogistics solutions alongside the Spanish company.

Changes to Senior Team at Intralogistics Provider Eisenmann

Posted on 25 March, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Intralogistics systems provider Eisenmann has made some changes to its senior team. Sebastiano Sardo (above) has been named Senior Vice President of Eisenmann’s Conveyor Systems business unit. He succeeds Ralf Weiland, who has left the company.

“Mr. Sardo’s in-depth experience in international sales and extensive network of contacts in the intralogistics industry will strengthen our customer-facing skills in conveyor technologies,” states Dr. Kersten Christoph Link, COO Eisenmann SE.

Sebastiano Sardo has a long track record in plant engineering and the intralogistics industry, and had been Vice President of Sales for Conveyor Systems since 2011. This role has now been taken by Gerrit van der Vlist, who joined Eisenmann in 2000 and has since applied his expertise to his strategic roles in sales.

Eisenmann develops tailor-made conveyor technologies for all types of material-flow tasks, with a focus on electrified rail systems.

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