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Day: 18 October 2019

Double Awards Success for Victa Railfreight

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Victa Railfreight, the Maidstone-based provider of operational support services to the UK rail sector, is celebrating a double success for its ground-breaking local rail operations at Dove Holes quarry in Derbyshire’s Peak District.
The first recognition was winning the Customer Care prize at the industry’s Railfreight Group Awards evening for a joint entry with their customer Cemex, with whom Victa has established a close and collaborative working relationship.

The judges of this award were particularly impressed with the turn-round in both the output figures by rail from the quarry, which moved some 2.6m tonnes of aggregate last year by rail to receiving depots around the UK taking over 100,000 lorries off the congested roads of the Peak District and the road networks beyond, and the improved performance in timekeeping of services from the site which minimised the impact of late running trains across the rail network. This was Victa’s eighth win since the awards started in 2008, including the prestigious Railfreight Business of the Year in 2017.

This success was followed a week later with Victa being Highly Commended for the same operation in the Freight and Logistics Achievement of the Year category of the popular National Rail Awards in London. Once again the judges were impressed by the improvements in performance and said that “the operational efficiencies and improvements that have been achieved in the first period of modified operations are more than sufficient to justify this commendation, but this entry also demonstrates that there can be value in taking a fresh look at how some freight operations are structured”

Victa Railfreight commenced a long-term contract with CEMEX for the terminal operations in June 2018 and since then there has been an increase in volume leaving the quarry with 99% of departures being right time.

The contract employs twelve local staff who were recruited and trained for both shunting and locomotive driving duties by Victa and provide operational cover twenty-four hours a day, six days a week.

Neil Sime, Managing Director of Victa Railfreight said: “Both of these awards reflect the efforts of our team at Dove Holes and elsewhere who provide first class customer service on a daily basis.The performance improvements we have seen reflect the close collaboration between the parties involved and validate Cemex’s decision to do things differently and appoint Victa to specifically manage the shunting and loading operations at the quarry”.

Victa Railfreight is currently working with other terminal operators to provide similar solutions to ensure the future development and growth of Freight on rail.

Double Awards Success for Victa Railfreight

Posted on by David Priestman

Victa Railfreight, the Maidstone-based provider of operational support services to the UK rail sector, is celebrating a double success for its ground-breaking local rail operations at Dove Holes quarry in Derbyshire’s Peak District.
The first recognition was winning the Customer Care prize at the industry’s Railfreight Group Awards evening for a joint entry with their customer Cemex, with whom Victa has established a close and collaborative working relationship.

The judges of this award were particularly impressed with the turn-round in both the output figures by rail from the quarry, which moved some 2.6m tonnes of aggregate last year by rail to receiving depots around the UK taking over 100,000 lorries off the congested roads of the Peak District and the road networks beyond, and the improved performance in timekeeping of services from the site which minimised the impact of late running trains across the rail network. This was Victa’s eighth win since the awards started in 2008, including the prestigious Railfreight Business of the Year in 2017.

This success was followed a week later with Victa being Highly Commended for the same operation in the Freight and Logistics Achievement of the Year category of the popular National Rail Awards in London. Once again the judges were impressed by the improvements in performance and said that “the operational efficiencies and improvements that have been achieved in the first period of modified operations are more than sufficient to justify this commendation, but this entry also demonstrates that there can be value in taking a fresh look at how some freight operations are structured”

Victa Railfreight commenced a long-term contract with CEMEX for the terminal operations in June 2018 and since then there has been an increase in volume leaving the quarry with 99% of departures being right time.

The contract employs twelve local staff who were recruited and trained for both shunting and locomotive driving duties by Victa and provide operational cover twenty-four hours a day, six days a week.

Neil Sime, Managing Director of Victa Railfreight said: “Both of these awards reflect the efforts of our team at Dove Holes and elsewhere who provide first class customer service on a daily basis.The performance improvements we have seen reflect the close collaboration between the parties involved and validate Cemex’s decision to do things differently and appoint Victa to specifically manage the shunting and loading operations at the quarry”.

Victa Railfreight is currently working with other terminal operators to provide similar solutions to ensure the future development and growth of Freight on rail.

Draper Tools Gets the Drill with Red Ledge WMS

Posted on by David Priestman

Hand and power tool distributor Draper Tools is now using supply chain software and engineering company Red Ledge’s warehouse management system (WMS) to drive the ongoing automation of its warehousing and logistics, the two companies announced today. ‘Red Ledge WMS’ sits at the heart of Draper Tools’ 560,000 ft., 15,000-SKU operation, which services up to 5,000 UK and overseas customers. The WMS is integrated with the company’s IBM ERP and Knapp automated picking systems and updates inventory in real time. Other WMS-driven functions include a volumetric packing optimiser and automated labelling. Many of Draper Tools’ 125 staff in its two-site Eastleigh, Hants (UK) operation now use mobile scanners driven by the WMS.

Red Ledge WMS is also being used to generate management reports on the performance of individuals, teams and warehouse processes.

Commenting on the impact of the system, Draper Tools head of warehousing and logistics Matt Boschi says: “Red Ledge WMS gives us greater visibility and a clearer, more structured way of working, as well as delivering new efficiencies. We can now track our core warehouse work streams in real time, identify trends, pinpoint problems and measure results.

“With this WMS we are also well-positioned to manage change. Whether we move from two sites to one in the UK, introduce a distribution centre in continental Europe following Draper Tools’ acquisition of a business in Holland, or both, the functionality of the WMS can be easily replicated or customised to support multiple operations.”

“Automation is central to all our systems and gives our WMS users a greater level of control over their operations, with measurable results” adds Red Ledge managing director Andy O’Donnell.

Draper Tools Gets the Drill with Red Ledge WMS

Posted on by David Priestman

Hand and power tool distributor Draper Tools is now using supply chain software and engineering company Red Ledge’s warehouse management system (WMS) to drive the ongoing automation of its warehousing and logistics, the two companies announced today. ‘Red Ledge WMS’ sits at the heart of Draper Tools’ 560,000 ft., 15,000-SKU operation, which services up to 5,000 UK and overseas customers. The WMS is integrated with the company’s IBM ERP and Knapp automated picking systems and updates inventory in real time. Other WMS-driven functions include a volumetric packing optimiser and automated labelling. Many of Draper Tools’ 125 staff in its two-site Eastleigh, Hants (UK) operation now use mobile scanners driven by the WMS.

Red Ledge WMS is also being used to generate management reports on the performance of individuals, teams and warehouse processes.

Commenting on the impact of the system, Draper Tools head of warehousing and logistics Matt Boschi says: “Red Ledge WMS gives us greater visibility and a clearer, more structured way of working, as well as delivering new efficiencies. We can now track our core warehouse work streams in real time, identify trends, pinpoint problems and measure results.

“With this WMS we are also well-positioned to manage change. Whether we move from two sites to one in the UK, introduce a distribution centre in continental Europe following Draper Tools’ acquisition of a business in Holland, or both, the functionality of the WMS can be easily replicated or customised to support multiple operations.”

“Automation is central to all our systems and gives our WMS users a greater level of control over their operations, with measurable results” adds Red Ledge managing director Andy O’Donnell.

Dachser UK Opens New Rochdale Logistics Centre

Posted on by David Priestman

Dachser UK’s key investment in the northwest of England is fully operational. After announcing the development of a new logistics centre at the beginning of the year, the logistics service provider, part of the international Dachser group, has moved rapidly to complete the newly built 5,175 square metre hub. Rochdale has been Dachser’s home in the region since 2010, the new unit replaces their existing distribution facility.

The development of the 3.7 hectare (9.2 acre) site represents a EUR 16 million (GBP 14.4 million) investment by the company and is evidence of Dachser’s commitment to the UK market. In particular, it strengthens the company’s presence in the northern UK region and will further improve its transport and distribution services in one of British industry’s heartlands.

“We have an optimistic view on the future of both import and export trade with the rest of Europe and beyond,” commented Mark Rollinson, Managing Director, Dachser UK. “Since the company’s initial expansion into the area in 2010, our business has grown fivefold, necessitating the warehouse expansion to satisfy the demands of our customers’ global integrated supply chains. We have also experienced a sustained increase in UK exports delivered through Dachser’s extensive European distribution network.”

The location is optimally situated from a logistics viewpoint, adjacent to the Trans-Pennine motorway, which is an important artery of the UK’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’. The new facility has 49 dock loading doors and an additional four level access doors, and the build is nearly 7,000 square metres, including office space.

“The Rochdale Logistics Centre is connected to the global Dachser network with daily direct freight services,” explains Gary Atkinson, Branch Manager at Rochdale. “With this new construction, our location in the North of England is evolving into an important hub within Dachser’s European network. Ensuring that the new facility remained within Rochdale was an important consideration in the interests of the company’s workforce,” he emphasised.

Dachser UK Opens New Rochdale Logistics Centre

Posted on by David Priestman

Dachser UK’s key investment in the northwest of England is fully operational. After announcing the development of a new logistics centre at the beginning of the year, the logistics service provider, part of the international Dachser group, has moved rapidly to complete the newly built 5,175 square metre hub. Rochdale has been Dachser’s home in the region since 2010, the new unit replaces their existing distribution facility.

The development of the 3.7 hectare (9.2 acre) site represents a EUR 16 million (GBP 14.4 million) investment by the company and is evidence of Dachser’s commitment to the UK market. In particular, it strengthens the company’s presence in the northern UK region and will further improve its transport and distribution services in one of British industry’s heartlands.

“We have an optimistic view on the future of both import and export trade with the rest of Europe and beyond,” commented Mark Rollinson, Managing Director, Dachser UK. “Since the company’s initial expansion into the area in 2010, our business has grown fivefold, necessitating the warehouse expansion to satisfy the demands of our customers’ global integrated supply chains. We have also experienced a sustained increase in UK exports delivered through Dachser’s extensive European distribution network.”

The location is optimally situated from a logistics viewpoint, adjacent to the Trans-Pennine motorway, which is an important artery of the UK’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’. The new facility has 49 dock loading doors and an additional four level access doors, and the build is nearly 7,000 square metres, including office space.

“The Rochdale Logistics Centre is connected to the global Dachser network with daily direct freight services,” explains Gary Atkinson, Branch Manager at Rochdale. “With this new construction, our location in the North of England is evolving into an important hub within Dachser’s European network. Ensuring that the new facility remained within Rochdale was an important consideration in the interests of the company’s workforce,” he emphasised.

Microlistics WMS Brings Gourmet DC Service to Tableware Supplier

Posted on by David Priestman

Utopia Tableware (Utopia), the UK’s largest supplier of glass and tableware to the hospitality industry, says it has supercharged its recently opened Distribution Centre (DC) with the deployment of Microlistics WMS.

The Chesterfield, UK based business has introduced the Microlistics WMS ‘Express’ variant to power the 170,000 square foot, purpose-built facility, completing one phase of a £15 million-pound drive to improve capacity, productivity and efficiency across its operations.

The new WMS, forms the nerve centre and management control tower for the operation, driving optimisation of the DC, its resources, workflows, inventory management and fulfilment capabilities, including system-directed task management.

Cut-over to the new WMS went smoothly with on-site support from the Microlistics team able to conclude after just seven days on-site following go-live.

Under the new WMS, the DC is currently dispatching up to 14,000 carton picks per day with approximately 30,000 pallet space locations and pick-faces fully managed by the WMS. These volumes will increase, as Utopia continues to ramp up operations through a period of rapid global growth.

Utopia Founder and CEO, Mark Rammell, said implementation timeframes and solution functionality were crucial determinants in their decision to implement Microlistics WMS.

“We needed a proven Tier 1 WMS, but also had a requirement to deploy rapidly as part of a scale-up to service the growing demand from our wholesale customers and distributors.”

“It was paramount that we choose a WMS capable of scaling with us as we ramp up our current operations and with the advanced capabilities we will need to introduce new technologies in future as we further refine our warehousing operations.”

Microlistics Managing Director, Mark Dawson, said top priorities for the Utopia team were deployment speed, solution flexibility and the implementation of warehousing best practices at every opportunity.

 

Microlistics WMS Brings Gourmet DC Service to Tableware Supplier

Posted on by David Priestman

Utopia Tableware (Utopia), the UK’s largest supplier of glass and tableware to the hospitality industry, says it has supercharged its recently opened Distribution Centre (DC) with the deployment of Microlistics WMS.

The Chesterfield, UK based business has introduced the Microlistics WMS ‘Express’ variant to power the 170,000 square foot, purpose-built facility, completing one phase of a £15 million-pound drive to improve capacity, productivity and efficiency across its operations.

The new WMS, forms the nerve centre and management control tower for the operation, driving optimisation of the DC, its resources, workflows, inventory management and fulfilment capabilities, including system-directed task management.

Cut-over to the new WMS went smoothly with on-site support from the Microlistics team able to conclude after just seven days on-site following go-live.

Under the new WMS, the DC is currently dispatching up to 14,000 carton picks per day with approximately 30,000 pallet space locations and pick-faces fully managed by the WMS. These volumes will increase, as Utopia continues to ramp up operations through a period of rapid global growth.

Utopia Founder and CEO, Mark Rammell, said implementation timeframes and solution functionality were crucial determinants in their decision to implement Microlistics WMS.

“We needed a proven Tier 1 WMS, but also had a requirement to deploy rapidly as part of a scale-up to service the growing demand from our wholesale customers and distributors.”

“It was paramount that we choose a WMS capable of scaling with us as we ramp up our current operations and with the advanced capabilities we will need to introduce new technologies in future as we further refine our warehousing operations.”

Microlistics Managing Director, Mark Dawson, said top priorities for the Utopia team were deployment speed, solution flexibility and the implementation of warehousing best practices at every opportunity.

 

JCB Opens New £50 million Germany HQ

Posted on by David Priestman

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford has officially opened a new headquarters for one of its most important European businesses in an investment worth around £50 million.

JCB Germany – which was founded in 1965 – is now operating from a brand new facility on a 12 acre site in Cologne following one of the biggest investments in JCB’s history. The new HQ includes offices for 75 employees and a training centre for use by customers and JCB Germany’s network of dealers which employ a further 2,000 people.

Lord Bamford unveiled a plaque to mark the opening during a conference at the new HQ attended by JCB’s largest 50 dealers from around the world.

He said: “Europe has been a very significant market for JCB since the 1950s and this facility is a great example of our investment in future growth. JCB has operated in Germany for more than 50 years and it is a crucial market for JCB because it is Europe’s second largest construction equipment market and the fifth largest in the world. This investment will help JCB deliver sales growth in the years ahead.”

The new HQ is triple the size of JCB Germany’s former facility in Cologne and is situated at the heart of Germany’s largest industrial area, the Rhine-Ruhr zone. It has excellent transport links, with the A4 Autobahn connecting the new HQ to the Netherlands and Belgium and the A1 Autobahn linking it to northern and southern Germany.

The new HQ – which includes a showroom for JCB’s latest machines – will host 3,000 delegates a year for sales and technical training as well as holding operator training courses in a specially constructed demonstration area for construction and agricultural dealers.

JCB Opens New £50 million Germany HQ

Posted on by David Priestman

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford has officially opened a new headquarters for one of its most important European businesses in an investment worth around £50 million.

JCB Germany – which was founded in 1965 – is now operating from a brand new facility on a 12 acre site in Cologne following one of the biggest investments in JCB’s history. The new HQ includes offices for 75 employees and a training centre for use by customers and JCB Germany’s network of dealers which employ a further 2,000 people.

Lord Bamford unveiled a plaque to mark the opening during a conference at the new HQ attended by JCB’s largest 50 dealers from around the world.

He said: “Europe has been a very significant market for JCB since the 1950s and this facility is a great example of our investment in future growth. JCB has operated in Germany for more than 50 years and it is a crucial market for JCB because it is Europe’s second largest construction equipment market and the fifth largest in the world. This investment will help JCB deliver sales growth in the years ahead.”

The new HQ is triple the size of JCB Germany’s former facility in Cologne and is situated at the heart of Germany’s largest industrial area, the Rhine-Ruhr zone. It has excellent transport links, with the A4 Autobahn connecting the new HQ to the Netherlands and Belgium and the A1 Autobahn linking it to northern and southern Germany.

The new HQ – which includes a showroom for JCB’s latest machines – will host 3,000 delegates a year for sales and technical training as well as holding operator training courses in a specially constructed demonstration area for construction and agricultural dealers.

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