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Month: September 2019

Ground-breaking Ceremony for New Plant

Posted on by David Priestman

Today, Wednesday, starts the construction work for the nearly 4,000 m² large industrial park of the GEBHARDT Intralogistics Group GmbH & Co. KG. Here, a new factory hall with integrated office space will be built in the next few months. As general contractor GEBHARDT has commissioned the team of Zapf Gewerbebau from Reihen. The completion of the construction project is planned for September 2020.

Due to the continuous growth of GEBHARDT Intralogistics Group GmbH & Co. KG, several overseas and domestic branches have been opened in recent years. The main location in Sinsheim no longer has sufficient open space for further production halls, which is why GEBHARDT acquired the approximately five hectare site in the industrial area ‘Hinter der Mühle’ in Sinsheim-Dühren. “The new GEBHARDT Industrial Park enables us to position ourselves for the future and to continue to guarantee our employees and customers the optimum environment for efficient processes and best quality.”, says Marco Gebhardt, Managing Director of GEBHARDT Intralogistics Group GmbH & Co. KG.

The industrial park is located in the immediate vicinity of the main plant and situated close to the Sinsheim south motorway exit. In the future, storage and retrieval machines, warehouse shuttles, mobile robots, the GEBHARDT ConVer goods lift as well as telescopic belt and vertical conveyors will be produced here. In the new buildings, GEBHARDT also focuses on innovative industry 4.0 standards and attaches particular importance to connectivity and digitization. For example, in-house transports are carried out by autonomous, mobile robots, which GEBHARDT develops and manufactures on site.

“This spectacular new building directly on the A6 motorway further strengthens the industrial location of Sinsheim.”, says Gerardo De Gioia, the chief architect at the general contractor Zapf Gewerbebau. “It is an exciting project for me and my employees to be able to implement this modern and innovative building concept in such an exposed location.”, the co-owner continues.

“With GEBHARDT, we have succeeded in convincing another top company from the region to place the implementation of this demanding construction task in the hands of Zapf Gewerbebau. We wish GEBHARDT success for everything that is coming and are looking forward to working together”.

International Network Expanded

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

LogCoop GmbH and the French Tred Union have decided to continue on a mutual path: With immediate effect, the two logistics companies will cooperate in the areas of transport, storage, purchasing, marketing, PR, and sales. With this strategic partnership, LogCoop successfully enters the French market, known to be a difficult one, whereas Tred Union now gains access to the rest of Europe. Networking and cooperating together the new partners will succeed in closing a gap in the transport business. The cooperation with Tred Union immediately adds to the LogCoop warehouse network an additional 1.25 million square metres of logistics space and thus propels it to the unrivalled number 1 position in Europe. At the same time, the purchasing syndicate grows by another 70 companies. Thus the partnership is not only a milestone for the expansion of the international business of the two cooperations; it also places LogCoop in a better position when it comes to price negotiations with suppliers and service providers.

“Thanks to this cooperation, we have succeeded in closing a large gap. This is because, generally-speaking, the French market is an extremely difficult terrain for German freight forwarders. Finding return loads, for example, can be challenging or even impossible,” says Marc Possekel, managing director of LogCoop GmbH. Thanks to the alliance concluded with the French logistics cooperation Tred Union, this is now set to change, due to the exchange of enquiries and tenders.

Joël Vigneron, president of Tred Union, sees the strength of the cooperation in the heterogeneity of its members: “The freight forwarders contribute an array of different competences and service portfolios. By exchanging information, they can provide solutions to any challenge, now even across the whole of Europe.” Like LogCoop, Tred Union is an alliance of medium-sized companies which promotes networking and resource-bundling. For this purpose, it maintains networks of truck-mounted forklifts, pallet distribution and warehouses. Currently, Tred Union has 70 members, 150 locations, a total of 6,500 trucks, and 7,600 trailers, as well as 1.25 million square metres of logistics surface. To date, the operating activities have been limited to France, where LogCoop has not been active until now. Vigneron: “We are delighted that, with LogCoop, we have now found the right partner for expanding our internationalisation.”

The cross-national alliance is also important for LogCoop from a geopolitical point of view. Many transports going to and from Spain, Portugal, Italy, and the British Isles pass through the territory of the Grande Nation. Possekel: “To be in a position that will allow us to fall back on contacts is also interesting for forwarders who currently do not have their own francophone business, or for those who are active on the Iberian Peninsula.” Still another benefit of the merger is the opportunity of generating price advantages in purchasing by bundling demand. With now clearly more than 220 partners, the negotiating clout of LogCoop and Tred Union toward producers and dealers has significantly improved. Equally, in future, the two partners can bundle their competences when it comes to marketing and sales. “One objective will be to offer the shippers the local services in the foreign market, thereby significantly increasing the depth and range of services. Needless to say, joint trade fair appearances and international industry and country meetings are also in the pipeline,” Possekel says. To coordinate the activities, both cooperations have hired bilingual experts.

Cargo Network Connectivity

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has announced its winter schedule and network plan will come into effect on September 29, with new weekly freighter services marking an increased presence in the United States of America and other strategic global cargo markets.

Leading Etihad Cargo’s annual refresh is the enhancement of its freighter services between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Columbus, Ohio. A weekly service, now via Europe to Ohio’s Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), will be supported by an extensive road feeder network between LCK and other US destinations including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia. The outbound flight will operate via Frankfurt (FRA) and return via Amsterdam Schipol (AMS). Etihad Cargo plans to introduce a second weekly flight to LCK, opening up an additional European gateway before the end of the year.

The LCK freighters provide the perfect main deck complement to existing bellyhold capacity on Etihad’s direct widebody services between Abu Dhabi and major US gateways including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C. Supporting Etihad Cargo’s operations across North America and reinforcing its commitment to the market, Christel Alaimo has assumed the role of Area Manager – North America with immediate effect. Mrs. Alaimo joins Etihad Cargo from Flexport, where she held the role of Senior Manager – Airfreight for the Americas. Previously, Alaimo has held similar senior roles for various reputable international carriers in the US.

Abdulla Mohamed Shadid, Etihad Aviation Group’s Managing Director Cargo and Logistics Services, said: “As a strategic addition to our US team, Christel will significantly boost our Stateside operation as an invaluable in-market resource to drive growth across North America and spearhead plans to provide additional connectivity to our customers across the US.”

Emerging Transshipment Hub on the East Coast of India

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Visakha Container Terminal (VCT), is located centrally and strategically on the East Coast of India between Kolkata and Chennai. The Terminal handled over 0.45 million TEUs during FY 18-19 and is on the verge of crossing the 0.5 million TEUs mark in FY 19-20, thanks to a steady growth in traffic to/from adjoining areas at a progressive rate of 16% complemented with inbound and outbound rail movement from/to the hinterland and also Transhipment. VCT has the capability to handle large volumes of container transhipment traffic as compared to all the other ports on the East Coast because of its locational advantages, depth of 16.5m, weekly main line and feeder service calls.

The operations of VCT started from June 2003 with only feeder vessels that plied between Vizag – Singapore & Colombo while the local volumes at the terminal grew at a steady pace. The transshipment volumes commenced with the main line services that started calling the terminal thereby providing the much sought global connectivity from Visakhapatnam. VCT thus became the local transshipment hub primarily catering to Kolkata which is a riverine port and Paradip.

Keeping this growth in view, Visakhapatnam port was identified in the National Maritime Agenda 2010:2020 to be developed as a transhipment hub. The Transhipment volumes at VCT grew at a remarkable rate of 148% in FY 19 over FY 18. With the continuous growth in transhipment volumes and with the patronage from various lines like RCL, WHL, Evergreen Shipping, Samudera, Global Feeders and NVOCCs, the growth rate in FY 20, as compared to FY 19, for Apr – Aug is at 188% and is expected to rise further – with increased participation from other lines who are actively exploring VCT to be their partners in progress.

In terms of service profile and sectoral coverage VCT has 3 services namely, FME, CHX and MDM services towards the East, which feature major Main Line operators such as Maersk, Cosco, CMA-APL, Wan Hai, RCL, KMTC, TSL and feeder service providers such as Feeder Tech and BTL that cater to volumes towards South East Asia & Far East. To the Arabian Gulf Evergreen and Global Feeders operate the CCG service while Far Shipping connects VCT to Colombo. In terms of connectivity for Indian Coastal Services, Shreyas and Samudera link VCT to Kolkata & Haldia. Further some of these services have other Indian port calls such as Krishnapatanam, Cochin etc on their schedule. The latest development is the announcement of a new direct service to Mediterranean and Europe which will also bring connectivity with Africa and the Americas from VCT thereby making VCT a terminal with True Global Coverage to assist the Trade in the region
VCT, with proximity to the other hub and spoke ports and its own origin & destination cargo, is excitingly poised to become the preferred Regional Transhipment Hub on the East Coast of India. The commercial benefits (discounts on Vessel Related Charges) offered by Visakhapatanam Port Trust makes the product even more attractive, sustainable and competitive in the long run by being the Gateway to the East for both Northern and Southern regions extending right upto Bangladesh and even Myanmar as an ideal Gateway in the Upper Bay of Bengal.

Körber Acquires Majority Stake in Cohesio Group

Posted on by David Priestman

The international technology group Körber strengthens its Business Area Logistics Systems by acquiring a majority stake in Cohesio Group Ltd. The Australian-based company is a leading integrator of voice-directed and autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) solutions for logistics.

The Cohesio Group, headquartered in Melbourne, within just a few years established itself as one of the leading providers of voice-controlled and robotics software solutions for the logistics
industry, particularly in the Asia Pacific region (APAC). Cohesio will complement the Business Area’s existing voice solutions business with its market-leading brand Voiteq. This strengthens one of the world’s largest and most experienced Honeywell Vocollect voice integration teams. Cohesio has also pioneered the deployment of autonomous mobile robotics solutions in the region.

“With Cohesio, we are underpinning our claim to ‘market leadership through technology leadership’ in the future-oriented fields of voice and robot technology,” says Stephan Seifert, Chairman of the Group Executive Board at Körber AG. “We are also expanding our presence in the particularly fast-growing markets of the APAC region, where we are able to inspire and support our customers with the best products and solutions for the supply chain”.

Dirk Hejnal, CEO of the Körber Business Area Logistics Systems, adds: “With its broad, technology-oriented product and service portfolio, Cohesio is an ideal fit for us and our growth ambitions. By adding Cohesio, we are in an even stronger position to offer customers the right supply chain technologies and service them on a global level. The Cohesio team is characterized by entrepreneurship, years of experience with logistics technologies, and a history of good partnership with its customers”.

Nishan Wijemanne, CEO of Cohesio Group Ltd. says: “We feel fortunate to have found a partner in Körber that can help accelerate the next stage of growth for Cohesio. Körber offers us an innovative culture, a broader portfolio of complementary supply chain technologies and access to customer relationships on a global scale. The Cohesio founders and the entire Cohesio team are very excited to be part of this international technology group”.

Digital Electric Motor Technology Now in Flexi Range

Posted on by David Priestman

Narrow Aisle Ltd has announced the introduction of new digital electric motor technology across its Flexi range of battery powered VNA warehouse reach trucks. With all drive, hydraulic and power-steering functions controlled digitally, the trucks in the Flexi ACiON battery power collection are described as a ‘tour de force’ in articulated lift truck technology.

“The development of digital multiplex control systems for our battery powered trucks’ key functions delivers a more integrated performance, and results in greater reliability and higher productivity combined with significantly reduced operating and maintenance costs,” says Narrow Aisle Ltd’s managing director, John Maguire.

Full digital control means that all models are ultra energy efficient: regenerative energy produced every time the truck’s mast is raised or lowered, as well as during forward and reverse travel and by movement of the steering wheel, feeds back to the battery to maximise the time the truck can perform for between battery changes or charges.
In addition, noise levels are significantly reduced and steering and mast control operations – whether using the lift/lower or sideshift functions – are carried out with optimum precision at all times.

It is not just ‘under the bonnet’ where enhancements have been made: when developing the new Flexi ACiON electric range, Narrow Aisle’s design team sought to produce the ultimate ‘easy to drive’ driver-friendly articulated reach truck on the market.

All aspects of operator visibility have been improved, it is claimed. For example, the trucks’ HiVis overhead guard has been redesigned and strengthened and its design reconfigured to ensure perfect upward visibility of both the forks and the load. The guard also features a soft grey finish that is proven by optometrists to be easy ‘on the eye’ to further aid the operator’s through vision.

 

Ligentia Drives to Digital and Reveals New Brand

Posted on by David Priestman

Supply chain and freight forwarding provider Ligentia has today unveiled its new brand along with a new global website. It signals the commitment to deliver ‘Next Generation Freight’ via technology enabled solutions. The brand has been re-mastered to represent the positive move towards global diversity and an open business model that further places customers at the heart of the business.

Ligentia says the move goes hand in hand with making clear and differentiated propositions to supply chain customers under the banner; Ligentia ‘Enterprise’ and a globally accessible next generation freight forwarding service named; Ligentia ‘Plus’. All customers will continue to benefit from a leading system in Ligentix that connects the entire supply chain in one seamless platform.

Customers are already seeing benefits in the way Ligentia connects technology and people to deliver a high-quality experience, it says. Ligentix has been transformed with unique digital customer service tools as well as advanced business intelligence and data analytics.

Daniel Gill, Chief Customer Officer explains: “Digital transformation is on the strategic agenda for each and every one of the organisations we serve. Ligentia is on a similar journey, digitising processes to increase efficiency and applying AI and Machine Learning technologies to add significant value to customers. Our passion is to make it easier and more commercially advantageous to do business with Ligentia. This has already started, but our customers can expect a rolling programme of tech innovation in the months ahead.”

Seconds Out for Latest STILL E-Truck Launch

Posted on by David Priestman

STILL has expanded the RX with a reissue of the RX 60-25/35 series. With record-breaking acceleration, a driving speed of up to 21 km/h and lift speeds which have once again been improved, the RX 60 sets new standards in the 2.5- to 3.5-ton weight class, the company says.

The new drive concept with two motors offered in two performance classes, together with active cooling and shortened power transfer distances, ensures extremely short response times and maximum torque even from the first revolution. It all adds up to previously unrivalled dynamism, greater driving and goods handling performances together with pure battery-powered driving pleasure. The RX 60-25/35 is nothing short of inspiring from the very first second, with its perfect relationship between performance, availability and ergonomics. With this, STILL offers numerous options for the truck’s cab and operating unit to provide the driver with maximum comfort and fatigue-free working. With its optimum equipment for demanding tasks, the RX 60 is extremely versatile in use: for sideways loading/unloading of trucks, horizontal transport of load carriers, stacking in shelves or racks with lift heights of up to 7390 mm, order-picking and provisioning.

 

Robotic Hyster Trucks Target Automotive Supply Chain Efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

New self-drive lift truck solutions from Hyster Europe will enable the automotive supply chain to introduce “affordable automation” for repetitive handling tasks, the company says. Intelligent Hyster® trucks can help support Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution, through reliable consistency, with the flexibility of manual use to perform additional tasks and support the “unexpected”.

“Repetitive lift truck tasks can be unnecessarily expensive,” says Tracy Brooks, Industry Solutions Group Manager for Hyster Europe. “The automotive industry has been adopting automated technologies in its factories to keep the busy production lines running smoothly, while driving down cost.”

Hyster ‘Driven by Balyo’ technology uses reliable Hyster® lift trucks with the addition of robotic control systems to help improve accuracy, efficiency and reduce damage. The automation hardware and software neatly interfaces with the truck’s electronic systems allowing them to be used manually when required. Camera systems, lasers, geo navigation, or a combination of several systems may be used depending on the application.

“With repetitive tasks, there is a particular risk of human error, which may make damage or delays more likely,” says Tracy. “Automating these activities can help reduce these costs and offer a good return in the right applications.”

Hyster can now offer robotic tow tractors (LO7.0T) to transport parts and kits reliably and consistently to line feed operations. The tow tractors will follow the required route automatically and autonomously stop at the necessary drop-off stations just in time to deliver small loads and collect empty component containers. There will often be human interaction with the robotic truck. For example, a person may be at a station where the self-drive truck stops in order to unload and then send the truck on to the next station.

Hyster robotic pedestrian counterbalance trucks (S1.0C-1.5C) can also be used to automatically shuttle pallets and stillages over a long distance, together with the Hyster robotic low-level order pickers (LO2.5) to help retrieve goods from storage areas close to the assembly line. Using automation in this way, it’s possible for the operation to become more accurate and predictable with less people management, and the opportunity to deploy staff to more added value tasks.

The initial customer environment mapping for Hyster robotic lift trucks operation is completed in cooperation with the customer, which includes defining the tasks, and details such as pick up and drop off locations. Speed is a fundamental factor in automotive manufacturing with strict time trials down to the second.

“Automation can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure such as pedestrian areas,” says Tracy. “Hyster robotic trucks are programmed to interact with other vehicles and people. For example, to stop and give way.”

In addition to the flexibility of operation, quality and reliability of the robotic lift truck solutions from Hyster®, users benefit from the support of a large, global distribution network for service and maintenance, parts supply and technical support.

New East of England Depot for Palletways

Posted on by Paul Hamblin

Palletised freight network Palletways has strengthened its presence in East Anglia, UK, with the launch of a dedicated regional depot in Colchester. The business was created following Palletways’ acquisition of SLI (Systematic Logistics International) from the Administrators at the end of 2018.

Rob Gittins, Managing Director, Palletways UK, said: “East Anglia is an integral part of the Palletways network. By securing this site we can continue to offer our customers unrivalled service, customer-care and coverage for collections and deliveries nationwide.

“Palletways Colchester plays a key role in the network and provides first-class express distribution services across Europe. The acquisition safeguarded jobs and made sure the company can carry on serving customers, across the East of England, reliably. We’ve worked closely with staff through this period of major change to support the business. It’s now on solid foundations and we hope it’ll go from strength to strength.”

Recent innovations include full track and trace through the Palletways online portal coupled with GPS delivery stamps on their PODs. This, along with Palletways’ ability to provide Email and SMS alerts with a two-hour estimated time of arrival for all deliveries, adds further value to the customer experience.

The depot will cover consignments within the IP, CO and CM postcode areas. The local team manage and service all parts of the operation from its local collection and delivery operations, up to trunking its longer semi-trailers between Palletways Hubs and the depot.

The Palletways owned depot is one of over 115 transport providers that are part of the Palletways UK network. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost effectively than ever before. The Palletways Group, famed for its industry-leading IT developments and operational systems, comprises 450+ depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 24 European countries, including the UK.

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