Case Study: Moving Perishable Goods in Food Applications

Yale industry experts understand the challenges associated with moving perishable goods in food applications and the demands that operating in cold environments place on materials handling equipment. This understanding has been a key part in the successful relationship between Yale dealer Emtor and the Bonduelle vegetable factory in Gniewkowo, Poland.

Processing around 30,000 tonnes of vegetables annually, the main output of the company’s Gniewkowo factory is frozen produce. Bonduelle vegetables undergo a long, complex process of washing, blanching, and tunnel freezing before they are ready to reach the consumer’s table and proven, efficient materials handling processes play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the factory.

Bespoke solutions keep the cold out
The factory’s current fleet consists of 40 long-term rental Yale trucks, supplied by national dealer, Emtor, who have been providing Yale equipment to the factory for over 10 years.

Emtor carefully consider the needs of the application and continue to work closely with Bonduelle to ensure the rental trucks are ideally suited to the operating environment. The working conditions onsite vary from refrigeration environments (0-4°C) to dedicated cold stores where the temperatures can drop down to -18°C, therefore customised solutions are needed to prepare the equipment for temperature-controlled environments. The Yale trucks provided by Emtor feature enclosed cabins fitted with heated double glazing, double skin insulation and in cabin thermostatic heating, providing operators with a warm and comfortable workspace, whilst helping to reduce the risk of fogging when moving between cold and temperate environments. But the truck cabins are just one way in which Emtor has considered the needs of this customer.

“In our factory, semi-finished products are stored in a block system warehouse, and only finished products migrate to pallet racking. We discussed the need to ‘slim down’ the width of the reach trucks that will work in this area with Emtor because the aisles in our warehouse are extremely narrow. They took up the challenge and prepared narrower versions in line with the Polish Office of Technical Inspection’s requirements especially for us, which are doing well in our narrow aisles” said Paweł Łyczywek, Logistics and Supply Chain Director at Bonduelle.

Reach trucks make up the majority of the Yale fleet onsite with loads being stored at heights of up to 8.5 metres. The reach trucks are also fitted with special HD masts and have a low lifting capacity, enabling them to lift the same load capacity over the entire lifting height.

Electric trucks with a lifting capacity of 1.6 tonnes and higher capacity LPG trucks (1.8-2.5 tonnes) fitted with rotator attachments complement the reach trucks, undertaking tasks outside the warehouse. Most of the equipment in the factory operates seven days a week in a three-shift mode and is equipped with side battery extraction to save time and reduce the disruption caused by changing batteries.

“In the past, replacing the batteries from the top and manipulating them at height was a difficult operation that came with certain risks. The range of trucks we use is very broad, from reach trucks through to warehouse trucks, that’s why unifying the battery exchange system and adapting it to the various models we use is an important element of security for us,” said Paweł.

Dealer relationship the key to success
The majority of the trucks at the Bonduelle Gniewkowo factory operate on a long-term contract for a period of five years, after which they are exchanged for new ones. A shorter, three-year rental period covers the most intensively used trucks.

“The shorter rental period for some trucks is due to the extreme pressure they are subjected to. Some of the Yale forklifts we use transport loads of up to 15,000 tonnes a year,” said Wiktor Kwiatkowski, Transport Manager at Bonduelle.

Paweł added: “This rental agreement helps us maximise the efficiency of our fleet. We are confident that for five years of operation we can work relatively trouble-free, and if necessary, we can count on an immediate elimination of defects or replacement trucks from Emtor, which provides us with uninterrupted continuity of work.”

Emtor guarantees an on-site service in Gniewkowo by providing a dedicated mechanic. However, during the busiest period of the year when the most intense work is under way, the service team is increased with a further two technicians based at the factory.

In addition to the on-site service provided by Emtor, the Yale dealer also has a warehouse within close proximity to Bonduelle. “We have a very well-equipped spare parts warehouse, supported by an outstanding Yale spare part distribution centre, along with a host of replacement trucks, which is why we are able to efficiently repair or replace a forklift if necessary. Emtor is a family company in which the decision-making process is undoubtedly shorter than in a corporation, hence our ability to flexibly adapt to the needs of our clients,” says Dariusz Czaplicki, Technical and Sales Consultant for Emtor.

“I am glad that we have the opportunity to implement such a broad cross-section of solutions for Bonduelle. Thanks to this, we are able to work together to test different options, build expertise, and provide valuable feedback to their factories, allowing us to constantly improve our service,” concluded Dariusz.

Case Study: Moving Perishable Goods in Food Applications

Yale industry experts understand the challenges associated with moving perishable goods in food applications and the demands that operating in cold environments place on materials handling equipment. This understanding has been a key part in the successful relationship between Yale dealer Emtor and the Bonduelle vegetable factory in Gniewkowo, Poland.

Processing around 30,000 tonnes of vegetables annually, the main output of the company’s Gniewkowo factory is frozen produce. Bonduelle vegetables undergo a long, complex process of washing, blanching, and tunnel freezing before they are ready to reach the consumer’s table and proven, efficient materials handling processes play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of the factory.

Bespoke solutions keep the cold out
The factory’s current fleet consists of 40 long-term rental Yale trucks, supplied by national dealer, Emtor, who have been providing Yale equipment to the factory for over 10 years.

Emtor carefully consider the needs of the application and continue to work closely with Bonduelle to ensure the rental trucks are ideally suited to the operating environment. The working conditions onsite vary from refrigeration environments (0-4°C) to dedicated cold stores where the temperatures can drop down to -18°C, therefore customised solutions are needed to prepare the equipment for temperature-controlled environments. The Yale trucks provided by Emtor feature enclosed cabins fitted with heated double glazing, double skin insulation and in cabin thermostatic heating, providing operators with a warm and comfortable workspace, whilst helping to reduce the risk of fogging when moving between cold and temperate environments. But the truck cabins are just one way in which Emtor has considered the needs of this customer.

“In our factory, semi-finished products are stored in a block system warehouse, and only finished products migrate to pallet racking. We discussed the need to ‘slim down’ the width of the reach trucks that will work in this area with Emtor because the aisles in our warehouse are extremely narrow. They took up the challenge and prepared narrower versions in line with the Polish Office of Technical Inspection’s requirements especially for us, which are doing well in our narrow aisles” said Paweł Łyczywek, Logistics and Supply Chain Director at Bonduelle.

Reach trucks make up the majority of the Yale fleet onsite with loads being stored at heights of up to 8.5 metres. The reach trucks are also fitted with special HD masts and have a low lifting capacity, enabling them to lift the same load capacity over the entire lifting height.

Electric trucks with a lifting capacity of 1.6 tonnes and higher capacity LPG trucks (1.8-2.5 tonnes) fitted with rotator attachments complement the reach trucks, undertaking tasks outside the warehouse. Most of the equipment in the factory operates seven days a week in a three-shift mode and is equipped with side battery extraction to save time and reduce the disruption caused by changing batteries.

“In the past, replacing the batteries from the top and manipulating them at height was a difficult operation that came with certain risks. The range of trucks we use is very broad, from reach trucks through to warehouse trucks, that’s why unifying the battery exchange system and adapting it to the various models we use is an important element of security for us,” said Paweł.

Dealer relationship the key to success
The majority of the trucks at the Bonduelle Gniewkowo factory operate on a long-term contract for a period of five years, after which they are exchanged for new ones. A shorter, three-year rental period covers the most intensively used trucks.

“The shorter rental period for some trucks is due to the extreme pressure they are subjected to. Some of the Yale forklifts we use transport loads of up to 15,000 tonnes a year,” said Wiktor Kwiatkowski, Transport Manager at Bonduelle.

Paweł added: “This rental agreement helps us maximise the efficiency of our fleet. We are confident that for five years of operation we can work relatively trouble-free, and if necessary, we can count on an immediate elimination of defects or replacement trucks from Emtor, which provides us with uninterrupted continuity of work.”

Emtor guarantees an on-site service in Gniewkowo by providing a dedicated mechanic. However, during the busiest period of the year when the most intense work is under way, the service team is increased with a further two technicians based at the factory.

In addition to the on-site service provided by Emtor, the Yale dealer also has a warehouse within close proximity to Bonduelle. “We have a very well-equipped spare parts warehouse, supported by an outstanding Yale spare part distribution centre, along with a host of replacement trucks, which is why we are able to efficiently repair or replace a forklift if necessary. Emtor is a family company in which the decision-making process is undoubtedly shorter than in a corporation, hence our ability to flexibly adapt to the needs of our clients,” says Dariusz Czaplicki, Technical and Sales Consultant for Emtor.

“I am glad that we have the opportunity to implement such a broad cross-section of solutions for Bonduelle. Thanks to this, we are able to work together to test different options, build expertise, and provide valuable feedback to their factories, allowing us to constantly improve our service,” concluded Dariusz.

Imperial Opens New Volkswagen Group Packaging Centre

Imperial Logistics has formally opened the new Volkswagen Group Packaging Centre which it is managing and operating at JadeWeserPort, Wilhelmshaven (Germany). The 40,000 sq. m facility took 9 months to complete.

Around 200 representatives of local and state government, senior management of Volkswagen Group and Imperial Logistics, along with service partners and others, attended the grand opening, which included a tour of the highly-automated facility.

Astrid Lühring, Member of the Management Board of Volkswagen Group Logistics, told the audience: “With the integration of the packaging centre in Wilhelmshaven, we have optimized our supply network and so reduced logistics costs for the supply of our overseas plants. During the tender process, Imperial Logistics provided a convincing materials flow concept, among other things. The Imperial Logistics team have done a very good job both during the project phase and since the start of operations.”

Thomas Zernechel, Head of Volkswagen Group Logistics, added: “The choice of Wilhelmshaven as location is of strategic importance for Volkswagen Group. JadeWeserPort is the only deep-water port in Germany. With the location of the packaging site we have a direct link to a port, through which our parts can be transported using the largest vessels in the world.”

Beatrice Liedtke, Site Manager Wilhelmshaven for Imperial Logistics International, told those present: “This packaging centre complements the supply network of the Volkswagen Group’s overseas plants and ensures an optimal supply. The responsibility associated with this motivates us daily. We regard automotive logistics as the king of all logistics, for good reason. In no other sector must the links in the supply chain mesh so precisely.”

Imperial Logistics International Chief Executive Officer, Hakan Bicil concluded: “The same wonderful teamwork, which meant that this new Packaging Centre was finished on time, will continue here in the JadeWeserPort for years to come. More than 500 of our employees will consolidate components of the different Volkswagen brands; and store them, pack them, load them into containers and send them all over the world.”

The new Packaging Centre comprises four halls occupying an area of over 40,000 sq. m. It will receive around 7,000 different Audi, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles parts lines from plants throughout Europe; these will then be stored, picked, packed and containerised for shipment.

Outbound shipments will be despatched to over 30 locations in 13 countries including Mexico, China and the United States. Annual output is expected to exceed 11,000 40′ high cube containers (22,000 TEU).

Imperial Logistics also provides logistics support to Volkswagen Group at ten other locations in Germany, Poland, Hungary and South Africa, employing a combined workforce of 3,600.

From left: Hakan Bicil, CEO Imperial Logistics International; Astrid Lühring, Member of the Management Board of Volkswagen Group Logistics; Beatrice Liedtke, Site Manager Wilhelmshaven, Imperial Logistics International; Frank Leweling, Head of Project Management BTS, Panattoni Europe)

Imperial Opens New Volkswagen Group Packaging Centre

Imperial Logistics has formally opened the new Volkswagen Group Packaging Centre which it is managing and operating at JadeWeserPort, Wilhelmshaven (Germany). The 40,000 sq. m facility took 9 months to complete.

Around 200 representatives of local and state government, senior management of Volkswagen Group and Imperial Logistics, along with service partners and others, attended the grand opening, which included a tour of the highly-automated facility.

Astrid Lühring, Member of the Management Board of Volkswagen Group Logistics, told the audience: “With the integration of the packaging centre in Wilhelmshaven, we have optimized our supply network and so reduced logistics costs for the supply of our overseas plants. During the tender process, Imperial Logistics provided a convincing materials flow concept, among other things. The Imperial Logistics team have done a very good job both during the project phase and since the start of operations.”

Thomas Zernechel, Head of Volkswagen Group Logistics, added: “The choice of Wilhelmshaven as location is of strategic importance for Volkswagen Group. JadeWeserPort is the only deep-water port in Germany. With the location of the packaging site we have a direct link to a port, through which our parts can be transported using the largest vessels in the world.”

Beatrice Liedtke, Site Manager Wilhelmshaven for Imperial Logistics International, told those present: “This packaging centre complements the supply network of the Volkswagen Group’s overseas plants and ensures an optimal supply. The responsibility associated with this motivates us daily. We regard automotive logistics as the king of all logistics, for good reason. In no other sector must the links in the supply chain mesh so precisely.”

Imperial Logistics International Chief Executive Officer, Hakan Bicil concluded: “The same wonderful teamwork, which meant that this new Packaging Centre was finished on time, will continue here in the JadeWeserPort for years to come. More than 500 of our employees will consolidate components of the different Volkswagen brands; and store them, pack them, load them into containers and send them all over the world.”

The new Packaging Centre comprises four halls occupying an area of over 40,000 sq. m. It will receive around 7,000 different Audi, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles parts lines from plants throughout Europe; these will then be stored, picked, packed and containerised for shipment.

Outbound shipments will be despatched to over 30 locations in 13 countries including Mexico, China and the United States. Annual output is expected to exceed 11,000 40′ high cube containers (22,000 TEU).

Imperial Logistics also provides logistics support to Volkswagen Group at ten other locations in Germany, Poland, Hungary and South Africa, employing a combined workforce of 3,600.

From left: Hakan Bicil, CEO Imperial Logistics International; Astrid Lühring, Member of the Management Board of Volkswagen Group Logistics; Beatrice Liedtke, Site Manager Wilhelmshaven, Imperial Logistics International; Frank Leweling, Head of Project Management BTS, Panattoni Europe)

Palletways Hungary Showing Positive Growth

Palletways Hungary is celebrating growing volumes and membership base since launching in October last year. The network, which started with 11 members, transported around 100 pallets a day in its first month of operation. Over the past seven months, this figure has significantly risen with Palletways Hungary currently moving around 300 pallets a day.

Further underlining its exponential growth, the network reached a significant milestone in April of this year, shipping a total of 20,000 pallets.

With its main hub in the western suburbs of Budapest, Palletways Hungary currently has a total of 15 members servicing routes across the country. Customers in the UK and in Hungary have access to a full range of domestic and international services including: a domestic next-day Premium service across Hungary, an Economy service and also morning deliveries. All of these services are provided with Palletways’ Track and Trace technology.

Palletways Hungary Showing Positive Growth

Palletways Hungary is celebrating growing volumes and membership base since launching in October last year. The network, which started with 11 members, transported around 100 pallets a day in its first month of operation. Over the past seven months, this figure has significantly risen with Palletways Hungary currently moving around 300 pallets a day.

Further underlining its exponential growth, the network reached a significant milestone in April of this year, shipping a total of 20,000 pallets.

With its main hub in the western suburbs of Budapest, Palletways Hungary currently has a total of 15 members servicing routes across the country. Customers in the UK and in Hungary have access to a full range of domestic and international services including: a domestic next-day Premium service across Hungary, an Economy service and also morning deliveries. All of these services are provided with Palletways’ Track and Trace technology.

Waste Handling Functions Added to Mandata Cloud TMS

Improved waste handling capabilities are now available as part of the latest version of Mandata’s Manifest app for its cloud transport management system, TMS Go!

The Manifest app enables drivers to receive work instructions and see at a glance, via a suitable smartphone device, the sequence of jobs and manifest details, which can be updated with changes such as additional jobs throughout the day.

In turn, this also gives the transport operator visibility of job progress and real-time electronic proof of collection and delivery saved automatically against each job in the system, as they’re completed.

Mandata’s Manifest app, which is now used countrywide by many hauliers to simplify the proof of delivery process; linking the office to drivers with a robust paperless POD solution.

The new waste-handling function is among a range of beneficial upgrades, designed to provide even greater operational efficiencies for smaller road transport and haulage operators.

Mandata provides integrated transport and logistics software for companies operating in all sectors of the road transport industry. Its software automates and simplifies complex processes and enables operators to plan, manage, monitor and invoice work with one centralised system.

Waste Handling Functions Added to Mandata Cloud TMS

Improved waste handling capabilities are now available as part of the latest version of Mandata’s Manifest app for its cloud transport management system, TMS Go!

The Manifest app enables drivers to receive work instructions and see at a glance, via a suitable smartphone device, the sequence of jobs and manifest details, which can be updated with changes such as additional jobs throughout the day.

In turn, this also gives the transport operator visibility of job progress and real-time electronic proof of collection and delivery saved automatically against each job in the system, as they’re completed.

Mandata’s Manifest app, which is now used countrywide by many hauliers to simplify the proof of delivery process; linking the office to drivers with a robust paperless POD solution.

The new waste-handling function is among a range of beneficial upgrades, designed to provide even greater operational efficiencies for smaller road transport and haulage operators.

Mandata provides integrated transport and logistics software for companies operating in all sectors of the road transport industry. Its software automates and simplifies complex processes and enables operators to plan, manage, monitor and invoice work with one centralised system.

UK Racking Safety Specialist Heading for New Orleans ASSP Expo

UK-based racking safety specialist Rack Armour will be exhibiting its product, installed by some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Wal-Mart, Tesco, BMW, Audi, Office Depot, Mercedes, IKEA, Kellogg’s, McDonalds, Nestle, Toyota, Pepsico, Coca Cola, DHL, and Eddie Stobart, at this year’s ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals) in New Orleans, Louisiana from 10-12 June.

Designed and tested in collaboration with the biggest companies in the world, Rack Armour says it continues to develop new ways to reduce pallet racking damage and increase warehouse safety through its revolutionary ballistics grade product range.

After months of research and testing Rack Armour came up with the product, a cylindrical HDPE shell teamed with an absorbing foam interior, capable of dissipating impact energy effortlessly. Many of the original units are still installed on the original sites after more than eight years, with only the foam needing replacement, highlighting the obvious benefit of installing the guard over anything else. Rack Armour is now sold in over 80 countries and manufactured on three continents.

The company says that the Rack Armour upright protector was subject to thousands of hours of design and testing before the final model was completed and perfected. The guard has been subject to the most stringent and vigorous of testing to ensure it complies with all European legislation including FEM 10.2.02. FEM is the most internationally recognised and one of the most up to date (having been updated in 2001) of all testing standards.

UK Racking Safety Specialist Heading for New Orleans ASSP Expo

UK-based racking safety specialist Rack Armour will be exhibiting its product, installed by some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Wal-Mart, Tesco, BMW, Audi, Office Depot, Mercedes, IKEA, Kellogg’s, McDonalds, Nestle, Toyota, Pepsico, Coca Cola, DHL, and Eddie Stobart, at this year’s ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals) in New Orleans, Louisiana from 10-12 June.

Designed and tested in collaboration with the biggest companies in the world, Rack Armour says it continues to develop new ways to reduce pallet racking damage and increase warehouse safety through its revolutionary ballistics grade product range.

After months of research and testing Rack Armour came up with the product, a cylindrical HDPE shell teamed with an absorbing foam interior, capable of dissipating impact energy effortlessly. Many of the original units are still installed on the original sites after more than eight years, with only the foam needing replacement, highlighting the obvious benefit of installing the guard over anything else. Rack Armour is now sold in over 80 countries and manufactured on three continents.

The company says that the Rack Armour upright protector was subject to thousands of hours of design and testing before the final model was completed and perfected. The guard has been subject to the most stringent and vigorous of testing to ensure it complies with all European legislation including FEM 10.2.02. FEM is the most internationally recognised and one of the most up to date (having been updated in 2001) of all testing standards.

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