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Month: June 2019

Latest UniCarrier Aims to Beat Stop-Start Picking Process

Posted on by David Priestman

UniCarriers has launched the first in a new range of order pickers. Thanks to an improved design and many technological refinements, the new order pickers meet the ever-increasing demand for efficiency and productivity in order picking, says the company. It is available in four models for lifting capacities from 1,200 to 2,500 kilograms.

Getting in and out up to 300 times, starting and stopping again – countless small interruptions define the picking processes in warehouses. During one shift they add up to an immense loss of time – which is becoming an ever greater challenge in view of the increasing need for efficiency in logistics. To minimise those effects, UniCarriers has developed the new O-range. Starting in July, the globally active manufacturer of industrial trucks will first be offering the four models OLP, OEP, OLH and OEH – order pickers with and without lifting platforms and Ergolift. Further models are to follow in autumn.

Instant Launch and Boost Effect provide speed
One of the key features of the new low level order pickers is their Instant Launch technology that allows the driver to accelerate immediately when boarding without having to operate the presence switch. The vehicle reacts without delays and response times are significantly reduced compared to conventional order picking trucks. The vehicle also reaches top speed quickly, thanks to the new Boost Effect technology. If necessary, the driver can press both acceleration keys simultaneously and bring the low level order picker to its maximum speed within seconds.

Well thought-out ergonomic design
The speed of the warehouse employee determines productivity during picking, therefore convenient, intuitive and ergonomic operation is crucial. Numerous well thought-out design elements of the new series help to process orders quickly and flexibly. Access to the driver’s platform with bevelled sides – the new 3D Step-In – is convenient and safe.

The operator floor area has a step height of only 123 mm, which is below the industry average. With 300 entries and exits a day, a difference of only a few millimetres per step adds up to a significant reduction in physical strain on the driver. The unique platform design, with its excellent damping system and gripped surface structure of the floor provides support without restricting the driver’s mobility. Additionally, the new order picker is equipped with a seat that folds into the back wall, and the comfortable X Control steering wheel offers the driver multiple grip options, which reduces strain and excessive neck angles while reversing. Such refinements are examples of the ergonomic design that is so typical for UniCarriers.

Latest UniCarrier Aims to Beat Stop-Start Picking Process

Posted on by David Priestman

UniCarriers has launched the first in a new range of order pickers. Thanks to an improved design and many technological refinements, the new order pickers meet the ever-increasing demand for efficiency and productivity in order picking, says the company. It is available in four models for lifting capacities from 1,200 to 2,500 kilograms.

Getting in and out up to 300 times, starting and stopping again – countless small interruptions define the picking processes in warehouses. During one shift they add up to an immense loss of time – which is becoming an ever greater challenge in view of the increasing need for efficiency in logistics. To minimise those effects, UniCarriers has developed the new O-range. Starting in July, the globally active manufacturer of industrial trucks will first be offering the four models OLP, OEP, OLH and OEH – order pickers with and without lifting platforms and Ergolift. Further models are to follow in autumn.

Instant Launch and Boost Effect provide speed
One of the key features of the new low level order pickers is their Instant Launch technology that allows the driver to accelerate immediately when boarding without having to operate the presence switch. The vehicle reacts without delays and response times are significantly reduced compared to conventional order picking trucks. The vehicle also reaches top speed quickly, thanks to the new Boost Effect technology. If necessary, the driver can press both acceleration keys simultaneously and bring the low level order picker to its maximum speed within seconds.

Well thought-out ergonomic design
The speed of the warehouse employee determines productivity during picking, therefore convenient, intuitive and ergonomic operation is crucial. Numerous well thought-out design elements of the new series help to process orders quickly and flexibly. Access to the driver’s platform with bevelled sides – the new 3D Step-In – is convenient and safe.

The operator floor area has a step height of only 123 mm, which is below the industry average. With 300 entries and exits a day, a difference of only a few millimetres per step adds up to a significant reduction in physical strain on the driver. The unique platform design, with its excellent damping system and gripped surface structure of the floor provides support without restricting the driver’s mobility. Additionally, the new order picker is equipped with a seat that folds into the back wall, and the comfortable X Control steering wheel offers the driver multiple grip options, which reduces strain and excessive neck angles while reversing. Such refinements are examples of the ergonomic design that is so typical for UniCarriers.

Prime DC Development Site on M1 Corridor on the Market

Posted on by Keith McKinley

A 37-acre prime development site within the UK’s logistics Golden Triangle, at Milton Ham, Northampton has been put up for sale by Travis Perkins Properties. The site already has planning consent for three logistics and distribution units, totalling 324,889 sq ft.

The consent is for a standalone unit of 219,689 sq ft with 206 car spaces and 25 dock-level doors. Units Two and Three are semi-detached units, capable of being let as a single unit, and are 52,600 and 105,200 sq ft respectively with 59 and 55 car spaces.

Charles Binks, Head of Logistics and Industrial, Knight Frank said: “We expect significant interest due to its location and scarcity. Milton Ham in Northampton is in the Golden Triangle and has the attraction of a nearby workforce and excellent transport connectivity. Next to the M1 and with Birmingham Airport 46 miles, Luton Airport 38 miles, and London Heathrow only 66 miles away.”

Prime DC Development Site on M1 Corridor on the Market

Posted on by David Priestman

A 37-acre prime development site within the UK’s logistics Golden Triangle, at Milton Ham, Northampton has been put up for sale by Travis Perkins Properties. The site already has planning consent for three logistics and distribution units, totalling 324,889 sq ft.

The consent is for a standalone unit of 219,689 sq ft with 206 car spaces and 25 dock-level doors. Units Two and Three are semi-detached units, capable of being let as a single unit, and are 52,600 and 105,200 sq ft respectively with 59 and 55 car spaces.

Charles Binks, Head of Logistics and Industrial, Knight Frank said: “We expect significant interest due to its location and scarcity. Milton Ham in Northampton is in the Golden Triangle and has the attraction of a nearby workforce and excellent transport connectivity. Next to the M1 and with Birmingham Airport 46 miles, Luton Airport 38 miles, and London Heathrow only 66 miles away.”

Industry View: Eliminate Pallets by Using Slip Sheets

Posted on by David Priestman

A UK forklift attachment specialist explains how pallets can be eliminated altogether:

The slip sheet is an excellent alternative to heavy, bulky and expensive plastic or wooden pallets, allowing companies to eliminate the use of pallets altogether. Slip sheets are thin pallet-sized sheets made of plastic, laminated kraft paperboard, or corrugated fibreboard, and are used in commercial shipping. The same as a pallet, they are placed underneath a load and are used to push or pull the load on and off the platens of the push pull attachment. Slip sheets are becoming more and more popular as companies start to realise their potential for return on investment. They offer a significant number of advantages over pallets. The slip sheet has huge potential for cost savings as well as productivity benefits for a company.

Unlike pallets, a slip-sheet is cheap enough to be thrown away after each use, and it doesn’t need to be tracked or repaired. It also weighs much less than a wooden pallet. Therefore, you can load more goods on slip sheets into the truck or container, maximising the use of space and minimising shipping costs. It is very thin compared to pallets, taking up much less space when stored.

Considered environmentally friendly, slip sheets are easily recyclable due to an increasing number of companies producing them from recycled materials.

To enable the use of slip sheets, a forklift truck must be fitted with a specialist hydraulic push-pull attachment. A push pull attachment can be easily installed on a forklift in only a few minutes.

K-based material handling equipment manufacturer B&B Attachments specialises in attachment design and innovation. The company manufactures and supplies push-pull attachments, together with a full range of handling solutions for a variety of industries.

Specifically developed for handling slip sheets, the Push Pull attachment from B&B, utilises a gripper bar which clamps down on the sheet and pulls the load onto the platens during the loading process. The driver can then extend the hydraulic pushing grate, while reversing the forklift, allowing the goods to be discharged from the platens and onto the container or truck trailer.

This fork mounted attachment is easily connected to a conventional forklift truck for efficient pallet-less handling. It can then be swiftly disconnected to allow the forklift to return to handling pallets, ensuring the highest truck utilisation possible. It enables safe, productive handling of pallet-less materials in applications such as beverage handling, general cargo handling, bagged goods, fruit and corrugated box handling. Capacities are available in 1600kg and 2000kg and are designed with options of load push, push pull and push pull with sheet retention. Side shift is optional on dedicated models.

An alternative solution is the slip-on fork mounted model. This model is designed for applications requiring the intermittent use of a slip-sheet. This attachment can be fitted to the forklift’s original forks within minutes by the truck operator, without the use of specialised tools or hydraulic equipment. It can also be fitted to the truck with a load backrest in place. It provides the perfect solution for when a standard lift truck needs to be converted to a slip sheet forklift.

For more information about how slip sheet handling with a Push-Pull attachment could improve your operation, contact B&B Attachments www.bandbattachments.com or e-mail info@bandbattachments.com.

Industry View: Eliminate Pallets by Using Slip Sheets

Posted on by David Priestman

A UK forklift attachment specialist explains how pallets can be eliminated altogether:

The slip sheet is an excellent alternative to heavy, bulky and expensive plastic or wooden pallets, allowing companies to eliminate the use of pallets altogether. Slip sheets are thin pallet-sized sheets made of plastic, laminated kraft paperboard, or corrugated fibreboard, and are used in commercial shipping. The same as a pallet, they are placed underneath a load and are used to push or pull the load on and off the platens of the push pull attachment. Slip sheets are becoming more and more popular as companies start to realise their potential for return on investment. They offer a significant number of advantages over pallets. The slip sheet has huge potential for cost savings as well as productivity benefits for a company.

Unlike pallets, a slip-sheet is cheap enough to be thrown away after each use, and it doesn’t need to be tracked or repaired. It also weighs much less than a wooden pallet. Therefore, you can load more goods on slip sheets into the truck or container, maximising the use of space and minimising shipping costs. It is very thin compared to pallets, taking up much less space when stored.

Considered environmentally friendly, slip sheets are easily recyclable due to an increasing number of companies producing them from recycled materials.

To enable the use of slip sheets, a forklift truck must be fitted with a specialist hydraulic push-pull attachment. A push pull attachment can be easily installed on a forklift in only a few minutes.

K-based material handling equipment manufacturer B&B Attachments specialises in attachment design and innovation. The company manufactures and supplies push-pull attachments, together with a full range of handling solutions for a variety of industries.

Specifically developed for handling slip sheets, the Push Pull attachment from B&B, utilises a gripper bar which clamps down on the sheet and pulls the load onto the platens during the loading process. The driver can then extend the hydraulic pushing grate, while reversing the forklift, allowing the goods to be discharged from the platens and onto the container or truck trailer.

This fork mounted attachment is easily connected to a conventional forklift truck for efficient pallet-less handling. It can then be swiftly disconnected to allow the forklift to return to handling pallets, ensuring the highest truck utilisation possible. It enables safe, productive handling of pallet-less materials in applications such as beverage handling, general cargo handling, bagged goods, fruit and corrugated box handling. Capacities are available in 1600kg and 2000kg and are designed with options of load push, push pull and push pull with sheet retention. Side shift is optional on dedicated models.

An alternative solution is the slip-on fork mounted model. This model is designed for applications requiring the intermittent use of a slip-sheet. This attachment can be fitted to the forklift’s original forks within minutes by the truck operator, without the use of specialised tools or hydraulic equipment. It can also be fitted to the truck with a load backrest in place. It provides the perfect solution for when a standard lift truck needs to be converted to a slip sheet forklift.

For more information about how slip sheet handling with a Push-Pull attachment could improve your operation, contact B&B Attachments www.bandbattachments.com or e-mail info@bandbattachments.com.

New CIO for Imperial as it Secures More BMW Haulage Business

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

Imperial Logistics International has appointed Hugo Pluess (above) as its new Chief Information Officer, based in Zurich. He takes up his new post on August 1.

Reporting to Chief Executive Officer Hakan Bicil, Pluess will be responsible for all aspects of IT throughout Imperial Logistics International’s operations, which employs 9000 staff at 170 locations in 20 countries. One of his major tasks will be leading the continuing IT integration of the Imperial Logistics International business.

Pluess is a senior IT executive with over 30 years of extensive international experience in the delivery of cost-effective, high-performance IT services and organisations – starting as a degree-qualified electronics engineer, and progressing through systems integration, programming, and IT management up to the most senior levels. Past positions held include VP Global Distributed Computing Services at NCR Corporation in the USA; CIO NCR Switzerland; Global Head of Enterprise Computing Services at Roche Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland; and (most recently) EVP Global IT Infrastructure at CEVA Logistics, also in Switzerland.

Says Imperial Logistics International CEO Hakan Bicil: “The pace of our expansion to date, our plans for organic growth across new locations, and the likelihood of further strategic growth, make it essential that our IT environment continues to develop in a scalable, adaptable and future-proof manner.

“Hugo is a true IT heavyweight, and just the right man to take charge of this hugely important aspect of Imperial Logistics International operations. His recent involvement in logistics, and his considerable experience and distinguished achievements in designing and implementing major global systems, and supporting large-scale IT user communities, equip him perfectly to provide the solutions we need to grow our business into the future, and to continue adding value for our customers.”

In a separate announcement, Imperial says it has secured additional road transportation management business from its major client BMW Group. It is adding new routes and extra daily runs to its existing programme of JIT (just in time) and JIS (just in sequence) megatrailer operations, delivering parts from component suppliers and BMW Group locations throughout Europe to the company’s plants in Germany.

Imperial continues to operate its WOW (warehouse on wheels) concept at the trailer park it manages for the BMW Group plant at Wackersdorf (Bavaria), where it manufactures dashboards. Trailers loaded with these parts are shuttled from the production line to the trailer yard, where they are held for delivery on demand to BMW’s assembly plants in Munich, Dingolfing, Leipzig and Regensburg.

New CIO for Imperial as it Secures More BMW Haulage Business

Posted on by David Priestman

Imperial Logistics International has appointed Hugo Pluess (above) as its new Chief Information Officer, based in Zurich. He takes up his new post on August 1.

Reporting to Chief Executive Officer Hakan Bicil, Pluess will be responsible for all aspects of IT throughout Imperial Logistics International’s operations, which employs 9000 staff at 170 locations in 20 countries. One of his major tasks will be leading the continuing IT integration of the Imperial Logistics International business.

Pluess is a senior IT executive with over 30 years of extensive international experience in the delivery of cost-effective, high-performance IT services and organisations – starting as a degree-qualified electronics engineer, and progressing through systems integration, programming, and IT management up to the most senior levels. Past positions held include VP Global Distributed Computing Services at NCR Corporation in the USA; CIO NCR Switzerland; Global Head of Enterprise Computing Services at Roche Pharmaceuticals in Switzerland; and (most recently) EVP Global IT Infrastructure at CEVA Logistics, also in Switzerland.

Says Imperial Logistics International CEO Hakan Bicil: “The pace of our expansion to date, our plans for organic growth across new locations, and the likelihood of further strategic growth, make it essential that our IT environment continues to develop in a scalable, adaptable and future-proof manner.

“Hugo is a true IT heavyweight, and just the right man to take charge of this hugely important aspect of Imperial Logistics International operations. His recent involvement in logistics, and his considerable experience and distinguished achievements in designing and implementing major global systems, and supporting large-scale IT user communities, equip him perfectly to provide the solutions we need to grow our business into the future, and to continue adding value for our customers.”

In a separate announcement, Imperial says it has secured additional road transportation management business from its major client BMW Group. It is adding new routes and extra daily runs to its existing programme of JIT (just in time) and JIS (just in sequence) megatrailer operations, delivering parts from component suppliers and BMW Group locations throughout Europe to the company’s plants in Germany.

Imperial continues to operate its WOW (warehouse on wheels) concept at the trailer park it manages for the BMW Group plant at Wackersdorf (Bavaria), where it manufactures dashboards. Trailers loaded with these parts are shuttled from the production line to the trailer yard, where they are held for delivery on demand to BMW’s assembly plants in Munich, Dingolfing, Leipzig and Regensburg.

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