November 2019

Innovation Award for Handling and Storage System

Posted on 26 November, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

North West based Alison Handling has been crowned winners of the Most Innovative Established Business Award at this this year’s Venturefest North West Innovation Showcase competition.

The Innovation Showcase targets small to medium-sized businesses who have launched a new product, service or digital innovation in four categories and Alison Handling beat stiff competition from over 120 entrants to scoop their award.

The award was given to Alison Handling in recognition of its new A-Link Dolly, a new product they have just launched which is designed to be a rack to shelf solution, cutting the need for cage trolleys, and inefficient storage systems.

The rigorous entry process culminated in a pitch to an audience in excess of 1000 potential customers and investors and an esteemed panel of business experts at Manchester Central.

Alison Dearden, director at Alison Handling took centre stage and said: “The daunting prospect of pitching to the audience was certainly worth the sleepless nights now we have been declared winners. We are delighted that the new Dolly solution has been recognised in this way, we firmly believe it provides an effective and efficient storage and transport solution for many sectors.

“With Black Friday looming, many warehouses and retailers will be overstretched and additional pressure put on staff which inevitably leads to error and even breakage. By using the A-Link Dolly, businesses can address this issue as it can cut staff handling times between the warehouse and the store by approx. 46%, meaning huge savings on labour, whilst increasing efficiency and profitability.”

The A-Link Dolly has been over a year in development and testing and represents a major R&D investment for Alison Handling. The system is a unique wheeled dolly, designed to accommodate all types of plastic storage boxes, tote boxes, stack-nest crates, with a feature on the trolley to create location points for castors for safe stacking of the dollies when in storage or returned to store.

Eurotec’s Lowpad Wins Logistica Award 2019

Posted on 25 November, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Eurotec has won the Logistica Award 2019 for its Lowpad autonomous mobile robot.

The jury statement read: ‘Eurotec has in a remarkable short time succeeded in developing a fleet of autonomous mobile robots which works seamlessly together and can be used for the autonomous movement of many types of load carriers. Eurotec has developed a unique system which we have never seen before on the market. It’s a unique robot, high-tech and ultralow. We would like to encourage them with the Logistica Award’.

Eurotec is an international operating industrial company dedicated to the development, production and sales of high-tech equipment solutions for logistics. Marketing manager Chris van Vianen said: “Of course, we are very proud to win the Logistica Award. It’s a recognition for the sheer investments in both time and money to develop the fine-tune Lowpad system. Taking the Logistica Award home is a big accomplishment. A special thanks to our dedicated team, our partners and our customers.”

New NORD Products at SPS Nuremberg This Week

Posted on 25 November, 2019 by Keith McKinley

Nord Drivesystems is to present new products at SPS Nuremberg this week.

Smart Production Solutions (26-28 November) is one of the most important exhibitions in the automation space. Nord’s focus is on an energy-efficient latest generation synchronous motor that considerably exceeds IE4, and on future-proof frequency inverters.

As an absolute innovation in its portfolio, NORD will be presenting an energy-efficient latest generation permanent magnet synchronous motor that has considerably lower losses than the current IE4 series, it says. The compact and unventilated smooth surfaced motor achieves its high efficiency, which at times is significantly above efficiency class IE5 over a wide torque range, making it optimally suitable for intralogistics applications and operation in the partial load range. The IE5+ motor offers a high power density and will be initially launched in a size for power ranges from 0.25 to 1.1 kW.

Optimum performance in the control cabinet
The NORDAC PRO SK 500P frequency inverter is the first device of the new generation of NORD frequency inverters. It uses the latest component technology and features ultimate levels of functionality, connectivity and modularity. As well as the standard CANopen interface, a multi-chip for Industrial Ethernet enables the use of the most important real-time Ethernet standards via a single interface. In addition to improved characteristics and performance features, the new inverter generation uses the proven NORDAC parameter structure and is physically and functionally downward compatible

A solution for mobile use
With the NORDCON APP and the mobile Bluetooth connection device NORDAC ACCESS BT, NORD has created a mobile commissioning and service solution for all NORD electronic components. It is used for analysing, monitoring and parameterisation of NORD drive systems. The dashboard-based visualisation can be used for drive monitoring and fault diagnosis. With a help function and rapid access to parameters, parameterisation of drive units is simple and easy.

You can find NORD DRIVESYSTEMS in Hall 3A on Stand 465 at SPS. For the first time, Hall 3A has a separate entry that can be reached by shuttle bus.

Jigsaw Hits New Level As Refresco Marks Biggest Contract Win

Posted on 25 November, 20197 August, 2025 by Paul Hamblin

EV Cargo company Jigsaw has won its largest-ever contract after securing a multi-year transport and distribution agreement with Refresco – described as the world’s largest independent beverage bottler.

Jigsaw, which manages transport solutions, says it beat off competition from larger multinationals to secure the contract, which will see 200 million cases of soft drinks and beverages transported annually from 10 UK manufacturing and distribution sites direct to customers and for warehousing.

EV Cargo companies will play key roles, with CM Downton a major transport lead and the Palletforce network involved with the efficient distribution of smaller consignments.

The winning solution sees Jigsaw help drive efficiency and deliver significant added value across Refresco’s transport requirements, working closely with partner haulier Sparks Transport which has comprehensive experience delivering Refresco products. Jigsaw’s agility to adapt and optimise network complexity was a key aspect in securing the new business.

Its commitment to continuous improvement will see Jigsaw help Refresco switch to a variable cost model, adding significant value by enhancing fleet utilisation and intelligently applying load fill to reduce waste and damages. Alongside a core fleet of more than 50 vehicles, Jigsaw will have an on-site logistics presence at two key manufacturing sites with 45 staff moving across to the Jigsaw network under TUPE.

Andy Humpherson (above), Jigsaw managing director, said: “Securing the Refresco transport contract is a huge business win for Jigsaw and EV Cargo and a major milestone in our history. Our client offering has developed over the years and, as part of EV Cargo, we’re more than capable of competing with the large multinationals at the top of the managed transport sector. Working seamlessly with our partner hauliers, we will deliver significant added value and continuous improvement for Refresco by driving efficiency across its transport operations.”

BÖWE SYSTEC Acquires Majority Stake in SGA Conveyor Systems

Posted on 25 November, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

BÖWE SYSTEC has signed an agreement to take a majority stake in SGA Conveyor Systems AB, a Swedish manufacturer and integrator of conveyor systems based in the Gothenburg area.

SGA Conveyor Systems was founded in 1990. Their individually tailored picking and transport solutions have established it as a strong partner for logistics centers. It is particularly strong in the e-commerce market, where companies are increasingly handling their own distribution logistics. The product portfolio of SGA Conveyor Systems includes roller and belt conveyor systems as well as sorting, picking and packing systems.

The acquisition of SGA Conveyor Systems AB is an important step for BÖWE SYSTEC, a global supplier of smart automation solutions. “Today, we are our customers’ single point of contact for integrated intralogistics solutions”, explains Dirk van Vinckenroye, Managing Director of BÖWE SYSTEC. “We offer them everything they need to optimize their sorting centers and warehouses – we are a one stop shop from goods in to goods out. The acquisition of SGA Conveyor Systems therefore fits in perfectly in our corporate strategy”, states Joachim Koschier, Managing Director of BÖWE SYSTEC.

Pictured left to right are: Tommy Klasson and Henrik Mårtensson (SGA Conveyor Systems AB) withJoachim Koschier (BÖWE SYSTEC Group).

Safe Pedestrian Access to Rear Truck and Container Doors

Posted on 22 November, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Safe access pedestrian to the rear doors of trucks and container carrying vehicles in inspection and unloading areas has been a perennial unresolved risk in the absence of a loading dock. The increasing level of inspection arising from current levels of fugitive trafficking and the expectation of enhanced examination of shipments following Brexit will only increase exposure to this risk. Ladders and stepladders are not justifiable in view of the need to reduce risk of falls from height. To support and encourage rapid risk reduction, Alto Access Products have brought out a mobile and convenient product with stair access and full deployable guardrails.

Uniquely, the Alto Angel Stairs offer gated and guard-railed access to vehicle rear doors with spring loaded secure locking mechanisms, braked industrial quality castors and compliant handrailed stairs. The guardrails fold away for convenient storage.

Design Director John Moreby commented: “As with all Alto equipment, safety is our primary concern. Wide, slip resistant treads and permanently fitted swing out compliant handrails give peace of mind to responsible management in vehicle examination and unloading facilities.”

Falls from height stubbornly remain the most common cause of death and serious injury in the workplace. Vehicle access remains one of the most problematical areas due to the variety of types of site, vehicle and task/payload involved. These units make it economical and practical to provide safe convenient access to the rear of all vehicles and containers

Geek+ Smart Warehouses Break 11/11 Singles Day Record

Posted on 22 November, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Robotics innovator Geek+ has reported that it successfully deployed and completed large-scale scheduling of more than 4,000 robots in its smart warehouses during this year’s 11.11 Singles Day shopping festival. China’s largest smart warehouse network processed a record 8 million orders in 72 hours.

The company said: “The successful deployment is a fantastic validation of the strength of the Robot-as-a-Service business model and the flexibility and efficiency of smart warehouses during periods of peak orders, including the ultimate challenge of the world’s largest shopping festival.”

In under 72 hours, Geek+ smart warehouses completed all 11.11 orders and shipped a total of 8.11 million orders, up 62% year on year, with a 48h delivery rate of 86%, nearly double that of manual 3PL warehouses. The 4000 robots had a total mileage of more than 1.5 million kilometres.

Geek+ cloud brain, the company’s proprietary software system was a key component to the success, the company claimed. The peak capacity of the entire system for order taking, processing, single-point feedback, pre-processing and interface feedback processing reached 200,000 single orders/per minute. “The system operated smoothly, with zero interruption and zero accidents. It successfully seized the biggest order flood peak so far,” it said.

Yong Zheng, founder and CEO of Geek + said: “We are extremely proud that our solution can help hundreds of brands successfully navigate peak order seasons. With RaaS, we make smart warehousing accessible to businesses of all sizes.”

Singles Day is a shopping festival in China in which young people celebrate being single and is seen as the world’s largest 24-hour shopping event, eclipsing the US-originated Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This year it was staged on November 11.

Supply Chain Consulting Group Racks Up the Numbers

Posted on 22 November, 2019 by Keith McKinley

UK-based industry consultant Supply Chain Consulting Group is celebrating two special milestones as 2019 draws to a close.

Proving itself to be a busy year, 2019 brought its experienced group of professional Logistics Consultants and Supply Chain specialists a total of 52 new projects from the period between January and November 2019. Meanwhile, SCCG announced separately that it has now successfully won a total of over 500 projects.

Specialist consultants have enjoyed working with new clients including Aldi, Iceland, Foodbuy, Robins and Day, and Oakwood Fuels.

This in addition to repeat business with existing clients including Co-Op, Bestway, Avara Foods, Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate, Diageo, Bunzl, PPG, British Gypsum and many more.

Having a new business achievement, the SCCG team will continue their hard work, eager to commence work on more, new and exciting projects, soon entering into 2020, and beyond, a spokesperson promised.

Toyota Logiconomi Forum: “Standing Still is Not an Option”

Posted on 22 November, 201925 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The Logiconomi Forum, jointly staged last week in Amsterdam by leading companies including Toyota Material Handling, Microsoft, Vanderlande, Toyota Motor Europe, Ericsson, Bosch and Eneo concluded last week. It provided a unique opportunity for senior logistics managers to explore and understand the latest technologies and discuss specific issues with experts in various fields; Automation, Mobility, Lean, IoT, 5G, and Energy.

“Listening to customers over the past two years, we have recognised that the pace of change in the world of logistics has been creating some serious challenges for the logistics profession. We could see the need for a new type of event to provide solid information and advice to help clarify the many choices that are available,” explained Matthias Fischer, President and CEO of Toyota Material Handling Europe. “But we also knew that this would require a collaborative approach, involving other companies with specialist knowledge, so we were very pleased to work with our partners to stage this event.” The event also included expert advice from EcoVadis, a leading company in the area of sustainability.
‘In logistics, standing still is not an option’ was the theme at the Logiconomi Forum, reflecting the speed of change in handling processes and the fact that for many companies the effectiveness of their logistics system can be critical in terms of success or failure in the marketplace.

Another key focus was lean-thinking, which is very much at the heart of Toyota’s own approach to manufacturing, and all other aspects of the business. ‘We aim for Zero Muda, which means no waste, and we believe our customers ultimately have similar goals. We also know that in today’s logistics systems, getting things right on time cannot just save cost through the elimination of waste – it can also create competitive value,” continues Matthias Fischer.

The Logiconomi Forum had a very unusual format, entirely geared to informing and supporting the participants in a practical and detailed way. Every delegate had the opportunity to register specific questions and areas of interest, allowing one-to-one discussions to be planned with a relevant expert in that field.

Presentations were mainly structured around short technical briefings, with a focus on simplicity of communication and practical guidance on how to adopt technologies in different logistics scenarios. These were supported by physical demonstrations, Including the use of machine learning which enables the training of autonomous vehicles prior to deployment, resulting in opportunities for seamless one-day commissioning alongside existing processes.

Top UK Wellness Retailer Adopts Paragon Routing and Scheduling

Posted on 22 November, 201929 July, 2025 by David Priestman

UK wellness retailer Holland and Barrett has adopted Paragon’s routing and scheduling software as part of its ongoing transformation, strengthening operations to better deliver what customers expect in a rapidly evolving retail sector. The software solution will enable the health and wellness retailer to restructure its store replenishment operation which supplies over 900 locations across the UK from its warehousing and international distribution centre in Burton-on-Trent.

Until now, Holland & Barrett has operated fixed daily routes with each store receiving a single weekly delivery. However, the health and wellness retailer took the decision to reduce inventory in the stores as much as possible, which would require increasing store deliveries from one to three times per week. With such an extensive range of more than 9,000 different products, this is critical to removing waste and inefficiency from the supply chain. Following an external review of its transport management function, Holland & Barrett decided to replace existing manual planning processes with dynamic planning enabled by Paragon’s routing and scheduling software.

The introduction of dynamic planning will ensure the health and wellness retailer can reduce in-store inventory and improve on shelf availability, while at the same time confidently delivering on the promise of its click and collect offering.

The Paragon routing and scheduling software will help Holland & Barrett identify and achieve transport cost savings by reducing dead mileage, enhancing reverse logistics and delivering maximum productivity levels. As most of the stores are located on the high street, the planning solution will also help its transport planning team to far more efficiently factor in complex delivery variables such as daytime access restrictions and the impact of urban congestion. This is critical to achieving the required efficiency levels. Moving forward, the health and wellness retailer is looking to reduce its fleet size using the planning software to create more efficient routes and effectively double-shift available vehicles.

William Salter, Managing Director of Paragon Software Systems commented: “The UK high street is under immense pressure to keep up with rapidly changing consumer habits. Experienced and trusted brands like Holland & Barrett are evolving to meet this challenge by investing in best-practice systems and processes to protect revenue levels, customer loyalty and ultimately profitability. Our routing and scheduling software is enabling retailers to optimise their transport operations, helping to deliver a superior customer experience and more efficient fulfilment operations.”

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