‘Drive-through’ Irish Border Promised by BluJay Software

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

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.

Pallet Strapping Machines on Show at Bauma Construction Expo

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

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.

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

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

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.

Spanish AGV Maker ASTI to Innovate at Hannover Messe

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

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.

Changes to Senior Team at Intralogistics Provider Eisenmann

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.

Conveyor Specialist Interroll Reports Strong 2018 Numbers

Conveyor technology expert Interroll has reported strong annual growth figures for 2018. “The high dynamics of the previous years were again significantly surpassed at all levels,” it says. The result means that the dividends are to go up (+33.3%) on the occasion of the company’s 60th anniversary. Thanks to the good backlog of orders, the group also says it was able to start the 2019 financial year positively in all regions and with all product groups.

In short:
• Record order intake of CHF 592.6 million (+29.4%)
• Net sales climb to a record level of CHF 559.9 million (+22.9%).
• All regions surpass the previous year with regard to order intake and net sales.
• Despite higher research and development expenditure: EBITDA grows by +40.6% to CHF 93.2 million
• Net profits increase by +32.6% to the new high of CHF 51.8 million.
• The operative cash flow climbs by a significant +45.9% to CHF 67.4 million.
• New dividend increase proposed: By +33.3% to CHF 22.00/share (previous year: CHF 16.50/share)
• A good order backlog allows for a positive outlook on the 2019 financial year

The Annual Report 2018 can be downloaded here.

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