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Month: February 2020

Hyundai Material Handling ‘Paint it Black’ for Oil & Gas Specialist

Posted on by David Priestman

Aberdeen-based Bear Handling Ltd specialises in handling equipment across Scotland. The company also supplies the oil & gas industry and is the Hyundai forklift distributor for the region.

Bear Handling has recently secured a deal with a leading oil & gas operations company, WellGear UK, which has recently taken delivery of an 18-tonne load capacity Hyundai 180D-9 diesel forktruck – the first to be delivered into the region. The compact but powerful machine is powered by a Mercedes Benz 6R1000 209.7 kW engine and has a maximum lifting height of 4020 mm.

WellGear has experienced rapid expansion and has grown from employing just four staff in 2015 to over 150 in just four years within its Holland and Aberdeen divisions.

Murdo MacLeod, WellGear UK Managing Director spoke about their investment in the Hyundai brand and his dealings with Bear Handling, he said, “We were in the market for a new forklift due to business expansion. I got word of Bear Handling via a friend of mine who had worked with the company. I went to see John Maclaren at Bear and was impressed at his pragmatic approach and knowledge of the equipment.

Murdo continued, “In the yard, John had a 16-tonne Hyundai forktruck (160D-9) which I test drove and was really impressed. John said that Hyundai manufactured a larger 18-tonne model, which I decided would be the right machine for the job, based on the impressive performance on the 16-tonne machine.”

Murdo added, “I liked the compact size of the forklift. We don’t have particularly high doors on our workshop and the size of the machine was very compact for its weight capacity – we were able to lift 18 tonnes and still get comfortably through our doors.

Some of the competitors’ machines were quite tall in comparison to the Hyundai. I also liked the spacious cabin and its excellent visibility for the operators – it has practically a 360-degree view. The rear reversing camera is also very good. We didn’t require any ‘extra safety features on the machine, as with the Hyundai, they come as standard.”

Murdo joked, “The machine also has air conditioning – but we don’t need that much in Scotland!”

“I was also impressed that we could specify the machine in our company colours directly from the Hyundai factory in South Korea. From order to delivery was just 12-weeks, which is fantastic considering we ordered a ‘bespoke’ machine.”

He said, “We accept loads in the yard almost every day, so the machine is constantly loading and shifting containers and working on the racks keeping the working areas tidy. It’s on general workshop management for around 12-hours per day.

“We have quite a number of heavy lifts to do each day – some up to as much as 16.5 tonne. Our new forklift is able to lift this capacity with ease and we will use it instead of getting a crane in, which of course, saves us money. The operators who use the machine every day are really pleased with its performance.”

 

Big Ben Bong for Dachser with Very Special Delivery

Posted on by David Priestman

The Elizabeth Tower, or Big Ben as it is more commonly known, is one of London’s most famous landmarks. Its four striking clock faces, each seven metres in diameter, also gave it its name ‘the Clock Tower’. The iconic symbol is currently undergoing renovation work; it is set to chime again in all its glory by 2021.

Renovation work is also being carried out on the glass dials using glass plates from Waldsassen in Germany’s Upper Palatinate region, where Glashütte Lamberts faithfully reproduced Big Ben’s dial and produced 1,300 glass plates for the famous tower by hand. “It is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. And it’s especially moving to think that we’re the ones making the glass for it. It’s something we are proud of,” says Robert Christ, Head of Marketing at Glashütte Lamberts.

Buckingham Palace
The company’s logistics partner Dachser handles transportation from the Upper Palatinate to Dartford near London. Transporting this fragile glass freight requires no small amount of precision and expertise. They have the necessary experience: Dachser Logistics Center Hof delivered glass made by the long-established company to the UK for Buckingham Palace. “We’ve been working with Glashütte Lamberts since 2009 and serve them in other European countries,” says Angela Puchtler, Sales Executive at Dachser Logistikzentrum Hof.

342 glass plates become a dial
Safely packed into wooden crates and palleted for transportation, the glass plates make their way via direct transport to their famous installation site in London, where a British company cuts them to the exact size to fit the tower’s clock face. As of next year, about 1,300 glass plates from Bavaria will adorn what is probably the most famous tower in England. “We work together with our customers to develop transport solutions for very specific requirements such as these,” Puchtler says. “And it goes without saying that we’re rather proud that we, as logistics specialists, have played a part in restoring the Elizabeth Tower to splendour.”

Big Ben Bong for Dachser with Very Special Delivery

Posted on by David Priestman

The Elizabeth Tower, or Big Ben as it is more commonly known, is one of London’s most famous landmarks. Its four striking clock faces, each seven metres in diameter, also gave it its name ‘the Clock Tower’. The iconic symbol is currently undergoing renovation work; it is set to chime again in all its glory by 2021.

Renovation work is also being carried out on the glass dials using glass plates from Waldsassen in Germany’s Upper Palatinate region, where Glashütte Lamberts faithfully reproduced Big Ben’s dial and produced 1,300 glass plates for the famous tower by hand. “It is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. And it’s especially moving to think that we’re the ones making the glass for it. It’s something we are proud of,” says Robert Christ, Head of Marketing at Glashütte Lamberts.

Buckingham Palace
The company’s logistics partner Dachser handles transportation from the Upper Palatinate to Dartford near London. Transporting this fragile glass freight requires no small amount of precision and expertise. They have the necessary experience: Dachser Logistics Center Hof delivered glass made by the long-established company to the UK for Buckingham Palace. “We’ve been working with Glashütte Lamberts since 2009 and serve them in other European countries,” says Angela Puchtler, Sales Executive at Dachser Logistikzentrum Hof.

342 glass plates become a dial
Safely packed into wooden crates and palleted for transportation, the glass plates make their way via direct transport to their famous installation site in London, where a British company cuts them to the exact size to fit the tower’s clock face. As of next year, about 1,300 glass plates from Bavaria will adorn what is probably the most famous tower in England. “We work together with our customers to develop transport solutions for very specific requirements such as these,” Puchtler says. “And it goes without saying that we’re rather proud that we, as logistics specialists, have played a part in restoring the Elizabeth Tower to splendour.”

Keswick Enterprises Buys North-East England Co-Packer APS

Posted on by David Priestman

UK-based logistics and supply chain fulfilment services specialist Keswick has bought Northumberland-based Assembly and Packing Services Limited (APS).

After several years of international logistics and co-packing experience, Keswick Enterprises moved into UK contract packing and fulfilment in 2008 with the acquisition of food and confectionery co-packer SGL Co-packing Limited, based in Nelson, Lancashire. Kewick says that under its secure stewardship this business has “almost doubled in size, and further growth is anticipated after recent significant investment in facilities and equipment”.

APS – which has been in Blyth since it was formed 35 years ago by managing director, Judith Leighton and her sister-in-law Margaret Watson – is one of the UK’s leading non-food contract packing companies. It has extensive expertise in assembling, collating and packing merchandise and giftware for manufacturers, importers and retailers.

Ms Leighton said: “The acquisition is the result of six months’ work to identify and secure the best new owner. Keswick Enterprises already have a strong track record in contract packing, and I am delighted to announce that they will be taking the business forwards. They also own a number of complementary businesses – which will add to APS’s capabilities. Above all, however, they have the right ethos and share our values.”

APS has been at the forefront of its sector for more than three decades, and historically has been the co-packer of choice for multinationals like Procter & Gamble, Diversey, L’Oreal, Nike and The Body Shop, along with local manufacturers and printers.

The business currently employs over 80 permanent staff, but is able to expand to 250 with temporary recruitment to meet seasonal demand. It is based at a 65,000 sq ft factory/fulfilment centre and offices on a substantial site on the Blyth Riverside Industrial Estate (above), with space for further growth. There is also a satellite facility in Derby.

With MHRA authorisation, APS offers a full package of design, procurement, manipulation, storage and distribution services, and also specialises in gift assembly, pick-and-pack, sub-assembly, labelling, collation, flow-wrapping, blister packing and filling. It has extensive capabilities, and delivers deadline-driven, quality packaging solutions to complex and often logistically challenging projects.

Keswick Enterprises’ main board Director Gavin Withers will join APS as Chairman, while fellow main board Director Barry Croft will also take a place on the divisional board. The APS management team will remain in situ, and Ms Leighton has agreed to stay as a strategic advisor to the business.

Gavin Withers commented: “Everyone at Keswick Enterprises is very conscious of the goodwill, staff loyalty and heritage of APS. Co-packing and fulfilment are at the centre of our strategic focus, and we bring longstanding international experience to the business. APS will add substantially to our capabilities, and we hope in due course to offer enhanced opportunities for the good people of Blyth.”

Judith Leighton added: “As part of The Keswick Enterprises Group, APS will benefit from significant investment for future development and growth, as well as enhanced capabilities in sourcing, logistics and systems. It’s a really exciting time for everyone involved.”

The terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

Keswick Enterprises Buys North-East England Co-Packer APS

Posted on by Keith McKinley

UK-based logistics and supply chain fulfilment services specialist Keswick has bought Northumberland-based Assembly and Packing Services Limited (APS).

After several years of international logistics and co-packing experience, Keswick Enterprises moved into UK contract packing and fulfilment in 2008 with the acquisition of food and confectionery co-packer SGL Co-packing Limited, based in Nelson, Lancashire. Kewick says that under its secure stewardship this business has “almost doubled in size, and further growth is anticipated after recent significant investment in facilities and equipment”.

APS – which has been in Blyth since it was formed 35 years ago by managing director, Judith Leighton and her sister-in-law Margaret Watson – is one of the UK’s leading non-food contract packing companies. It has extensive expertise in assembling, collating and packing merchandise and giftware for manufacturers, importers and retailers.

Ms Leighton said: “The acquisition is the result of six months’ work to identify and secure the best new owner. Keswick Enterprises already have a strong track record in contract packing, and I am delighted to announce that they will be taking the business forwards. They also own a number of complementary businesses – which will add to APS’s capabilities. Above all, however, they have the right ethos and share our values.”

APS has been at the forefront of its sector for more than three decades, and historically has been the co-packer of choice for multinationals like Procter & Gamble, Diversey, L’Oreal, Nike and The Body Shop, along with local manufacturers and printers.

The business currently employs over 80 permanent staff, but is able to expand to 250 with temporary recruitment to meet seasonal demand. It is based at a 65,000 sq ft factory/fulfilment centre and offices on a substantial site on the Blyth Riverside Industrial Estate (above), with space for further growth. There is also a satellite facility in Derby.

With MHRA authorisation, APS offers a full package of design, procurement, manipulation, storage and distribution services, and also specialises in gift assembly, pick-and-pack, sub-assembly, labelling, collation, flow-wrapping, blister packing and filling. It has extensive capabilities, and delivers deadline-driven, quality packaging solutions to complex and often logistically challenging projects.

Keswick Enterprises’ main board Director Gavin Withers will join APS as Chairman, while fellow main board Director Barry Croft will also take a place on the divisional board. The APS management team will remain in situ, and Ms Leighton has agreed to stay as a strategic advisor to the business.

Gavin Withers commented: “Everyone at Keswick Enterprises is very conscious of the goodwill, staff loyalty and heritage of APS. Co-packing and fulfilment are at the centre of our strategic focus, and we bring longstanding international experience to the business. APS will add substantially to our capabilities, and we hope in due course to offer enhanced opportunities for the good people of Blyth.”

Judith Leighton added: “As part of The Keswick Enterprises Group, APS will benefit from significant investment for future development and growth, as well as enhanced capabilities in sourcing, logistics and systems. It’s a really exciting time for everyone involved.”

The terms of the acquisition are not being disclosed.

Case Study: Real Time Mobile Interaction with Vessel Loading and Discharge

Posted on by David Priestman

“No terminal in the UK or Europe uses a mobile device with software as advanced that enables an operator to interact with the loading and discharging of a vessel in real time.” Ports operator DP World is using Panasonic TOUGHBOOK rugged notebooks and tablets, purchased through Colva Ltd, to transform productivity and customer service at its busy Southampton terminal operation. 

Initially DP World Southampton was looking for a mobile computing solution for its Leading Hands, who take responsibility to ensure the safe and correct loading and discharging of containers on each vessel visiting the terminal.

“Up until this point Leading Hands had used paper-based crane work lists and bay plans, which were out of date as soon as they were printed,” explained Mark Hooper, Head of Operations, DP World Southampton. “Changes the Leading Hand made would be written down and communicated back and forth over the radio. Working in all weathers, day and night, the paperwork could be damaged, illegible, confusing, weather worn, returned late or lost.”

After reviewing a range of rugged devices, DP World’s IT experts, in consultation with end users, chose the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G1 rugged tablet for the job and built their own software programme to provide the Leading Hands with live data and autonomy to make onsite decisions which, in turn, improved productivity and drove down costs. After a successful trial on one berth, the package was introduced across the whole terminal (15 quay cranes).

“The Leading Hand can now pick which bay on the vessel to work and interact to confirm container positions. No other terminal uses a mobile device with software as advanced that enables an operator to interact with the loading and discharging of a vessel in real time, improving crane rates, shortening vessel stays, as well as providing more up to date information for shippers,” explained Mr Hooper.

Since introduction the quay crane move rate has increased, meaning ships have shorter stays and can travel to their next port sooner. Live updates coming back from the Leading Hand also provides improved information, which is passed through to the customer via the DP World Southampton “Where’s my container?” website.

The application continually receives updates from the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK tablet, which juggles between 4G and Wi-Fi connections to ensure connectivity is maintained. With tall metal super-structures like quay cranes and walls of stacked containers hindering service strength and signal, the terminal worked with Panasonic partner NetMotion to ensure workers could stay connected through their devices.

Extreme conditions can also impact on the worker’s ability to view and operate the screen on the mobile device. With the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK tablets, the user can toggle from a normal touch-screen operation to a stylus only mode; enabling work to continue in the most difficult conditions.

In addition to the Leading Hand solution, DP World has also equipped its straddle carriers, vehicles which move and stack the shipping containers, with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 rugged notebooks. The Panasonic ProServices team also designed and delivered a bespoke docking unit for the devices to ensure the solution could be used easily and safely in the specialist vehicles.

Lastly, the DP World maintenance teams use Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 20 and 33 rugged notebooks as essential tools for running diagnostics and managing maintenance tasks on vehicles at the terminal.

Following the success of the deployment, other DP World terminals have either rolled out or are considering Panasonic TOUGHBOOK solutions, along with other sites around Europe and the rest of the world. And customers are recognising the benefits of the new solution.

Darren Munday, Transport & Manufacturing Business Manager for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, said: “Container shipping operations, such as the one at DP World Southampton, are some of the most complex and extreme conditions for operating mobile computing devices. By working closely with our professional services team and application partners, Panasonic has been able to deliver a range of mobile computing solutions for DP World that has helped improved productivity, as well as the customer service and user experience.”

Case Study: Real Time Mobile Interaction with Vessel Loading and Discharge

Posted on by David Priestman

“No terminal in the UK or Europe uses a mobile device with software as advanced that enables an operator to interact with the loading and discharging of a vessel in real time.” Ports operator DP World is using Panasonic TOUGHBOOK rugged notebooks and tablets, purchased through Colva Ltd, to transform productivity and customer service at its busy Southampton terminal operation. 

Initially DP World Southampton was looking for a mobile computing solution for its Leading Hands, who take responsibility to ensure the safe and correct loading and discharging of containers on each vessel visiting the terminal.

“Up until this point Leading Hands had used paper-based crane work lists and bay plans, which were out of date as soon as they were printed,” explained Mark Hooper, Head of Operations, DP World Southampton. “Changes the Leading Hand made would be written down and communicated back and forth over the radio. Working in all weathers, day and night, the paperwork could be damaged, illegible, confusing, weather worn, returned late or lost.”

After reviewing a range of rugged devices, DP World’s IT experts, in consultation with end users, chose the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK G1 rugged tablet for the job and built their own software programme to provide the Leading Hands with live data and autonomy to make onsite decisions which, in turn, improved productivity and drove down costs. After a successful trial on one berth, the package was introduced across the whole terminal (15 quay cranes).

“The Leading Hand can now pick which bay on the vessel to work and interact to confirm container positions. No other terminal uses a mobile device with software as advanced that enables an operator to interact with the loading and discharging of a vessel in real time, improving crane rates, shortening vessel stays, as well as providing more up to date information for shippers,” explained Mr Hooper.

Since introduction the quay crane move rate has increased, meaning ships have shorter stays and can travel to their next port sooner. Live updates coming back from the Leading Hand also provides improved information, which is passed through to the customer via the DP World Southampton “Where’s my container?” website.

The application continually receives updates from the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK tablet, which juggles between 4G and Wi-Fi connections to ensure connectivity is maintained. With tall metal super-structures like quay cranes and walls of stacked containers hindering service strength and signal, the terminal worked with Panasonic partner NetMotion to ensure workers could stay connected through their devices.

Extreme conditions can also impact on the worker’s ability to view and operate the screen on the mobile device. With the Panasonic TOUGHBOOK tablets, the user can toggle from a normal touch-screen operation to a stylus only mode; enabling work to continue in the most difficult conditions.

In addition to the Leading Hand solution, DP World has also equipped its straddle carriers, vehicles which move and stack the shipping containers, with Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 33 rugged notebooks. The Panasonic ProServices team also designed and delivered a bespoke docking unit for the devices to ensure the solution could be used easily and safely in the specialist vehicles.

Lastly, the DP World maintenance teams use Panasonic TOUGHBOOK 20 and 33 rugged notebooks as essential tools for running diagnostics and managing maintenance tasks on vehicles at the terminal.

Following the success of the deployment, other DP World terminals have either rolled out or are considering Panasonic TOUGHBOOK solutions, along with other sites around Europe and the rest of the world. And customers are recognising the benefits of the new solution.

Darren Munday, Transport & Manufacturing Business Manager for Panasonic TOUGHBOOK, said: “Container shipping operations, such as the one at DP World Southampton, are some of the most complex and extreme conditions for operating mobile computing devices. By working closely with our professional services team and application partners, Panasonic has been able to deliver a range of mobile computing solutions for DP World that has helped improved productivity, as well as the customer service and user experience.”

Printronix Auto ID to Bring T6000 Successor to LogiMAT

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Printronix Auto ID has chosen the LogiMAT fair in Stuttgart (March 10-12) to unveil to Europe the successor to its popular T6000 series. The new T6000e device is “affordable yet impeccably engineered for multiple industrial applications where high volume, precision print quality and advanced features like RFID are essential,” says the company.

“This superior, enterprise-class upgrade to our mid-range platform is available in both 4” and 6” versions. The 4” device boasts an exceptional 600dpi print quality, while both versions offer RFID capability to print/encode on both standard labels and on-metal tags,” explains Neil Baker, Printronix Auto ID’s Sales Manager UK, Ireland, Benelux & South Africa.

The T6000e’s exceptional 14” per second print speed enables a staggering 10,000 labels to be printed a day, perfect for high volume environments like manufacturing, retail and logistics.

An interchangeable printhead on the 4” model allows not only 600 dpi print resolution but also 203dpi and 300dpi. This greatly expands applications for users, from straightforward shipping tags to intricate labels with detailed Asian characters required on items like PCB assemblies.

“On-metal tags typically include a foam insulator and metal foil backing that makes them incompatible with most standard RFID printer/encoders, says Neil. “But not so with the T6000e, it was engineered specifically to handle such media with ease.” He says that being able to encode and print on-metal and standard RFID labels and tags makes the T6000e ideal for cost-effective asset tagging of tools and equipment in manufacturing, supply chain, IT, healthcare, and service yard industries.

Neither does the new T6000e skimp on accuracy in every application. “It has built-in capability to back-up and completely overstrike any RFID labels that fail to encode properly,” explains Dave Huckle, Sales Manager UK, Ireland and the Nordics.

Like other Printronix Auto ID industrial printers, the T6000e was built on the Printronix System Architecture (PSA) platform. This simplifies and accelerates printer installation, minimising any impact on productivity.

The printer comes with nine printer emulations for easy plug-and-play in any competitor environment and has a large LCD colour screen for easy operation. The T6000e is backwards compatible with existing T6000 applications and can be specified with PrintNet Enterprise, a remote printer management tool.

“The focus of the LogiMAT fair is very much on optimising internal processes and the new T6000e ticks all the boxes in terms of boosting productivity and versatility,” says Dave.

Visitors to LogiMAT can see the new T6000e in action on stand D11 in Hall 6. It can be ordered now as Printronix Auto ID is discontinuing its predecessor, the T6000.

Printronix Auto ID to Bring T6000 Successor to LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

Printronix Auto ID has chosen the LogiMAT fair in Stuttgart (March 10-12) to unveil to Europe the successor to its popular T6000 series. The new T6000e device is “affordable yet impeccably engineered for multiple industrial applications where high volume, precision print quality and advanced features like RFID are essential,” says the company.

“This superior, enterprise-class upgrade to our mid-range platform is available in both 4” and 6” versions. The 4” device boasts an exceptional 600dpi print quality, while both versions offer RFID capability to print/encode on both standard labels and on-metal tags,” explains Neil Baker, Printronix Auto ID’s Sales Manager UK, Ireland, Benelux & South Africa.

The T6000e’s exceptional 14” per second print speed enables a staggering 10,000 labels to be printed a day, perfect for high volume environments like manufacturing, retail and logistics.

An interchangeable printhead on the 4” model allows not only 600 dpi print resolution but also 203dpi and 300dpi. This greatly expands applications for users, from straightforward shipping tags to intricate labels with detailed Asian characters required on items like PCB assemblies.

“On-metal tags typically include a foam insulator and metal foil backing that makes them incompatible with most standard RFID printer/encoders, says Neil. “But not so with the T6000e, it was engineered specifically to handle such media with ease.” He says that being able to encode and print on-metal and standard RFID labels and tags makes the T6000e ideal for cost-effective asset tagging of tools and equipment in manufacturing, supply chain, IT, healthcare, and service yard industries.

Neither does the new T6000e skimp on accuracy in every application. “It has built-in capability to back-up and completely overstrike any RFID labels that fail to encode properly,” explains Dave Huckle, Sales Manager UK, Ireland and the Nordics.

Like other Printronix Auto ID industrial printers, the T6000e was built on the Printronix System Architecture (PSA) platform. This simplifies and accelerates printer installation, minimising any impact on productivity.

The printer comes with nine printer emulations for easy plug-and-play in any competitor environment and has a large LCD colour screen for easy operation. The T6000e is backwards compatible with existing T6000 applications and can be specified with PrintNet Enterprise, a remote printer management tool.

“The focus of the LogiMAT fair is very much on optimising internal processes and the new T6000e ticks all the boxes in terms of boosting productivity and versatility,” says Dave.

Visitors to LogiMAT can see the new T6000e in action on stand D11 in Hall 6. It can be ordered now as Printronix Auto ID is discontinuing its predecessor, the T6000.

New Gripper Launched by OnRobot for Smaller Payloads

Posted on by David Priestman

Robotic end-of-arm tooling specialist OnRobot has launched a compact, single-pad version of its Gecko no-mark adhesive gripper. The new Gecko Single Pad (SP) gripper brings the previous model’s adaptability to more varied applications with smaller payloads. It is available in three sizes, SP1, SP3 and SP5, indicating the different grippers’ lifting capacities in kilos.

The new Gecko SP can handle high-shine surfaces without leaving any marks, eliminating the cleaning step in the manufacturing process, thereby saving precious time and significantly improving output. The new model retains its larger sibling’s ability to grip a diverse range of workpieces, including perforated ones such as printed circuit boards, aluminum mesh or head gaskets.

The award-winning Gecko gripper technology uses millions of micro-scaled fibrillar stalks that adhere to a surface using powerful van der Waals forces — the same way that geckos climb. The technology helps critically reduce costs and maintenance as it requires no compressed air or external power, and its implementation is quick and easy, thanks to OnRobot’s One-System Solution platform, providing greater production flexibility with little to no programming.

“Our unique Gecko technology automates processes that no other gripper can accomplish, and now it’s available in a compact, flexible format that offers our customers even more options,” said Enrico Krog Iversen, CEO of OnRobot. “This plug-and-play gripper helps us fulfil our promise of offering a full range of easy, cost-effective, flexible robotic tooling that empowers customers to focus on the application rather than the robot.”

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