March 2020

Exporta to Focus on Supporting Key Industries

Posted on 24 March, 202029 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Warehouse handling specialist Exporta has released a statement in which it says it will focus on key industries in the weeks ahead.

The full statement reads:

At Exporta we support many industries, but our key focus has switched to supporting those industries that are supplying essential items to those that need them across the country.

These industries are food and food manufacture, agriculture, pharmaceutical and healthcare along with the NHS. We have always supplied these vital businesses with equipment for moving, protecting and storing their goods in their supply chains such as plastic pallets, storage boxes and containers, crates and pallet boxes as well as shelving and racking.

At this point in time it is as important as ever that these critical services continue to supply essential items where they are needed, and we will support them as much as possible and do so within the Governments guidance and following all recommendations.

As it stands our operations and delivery service is still operating as normal, we still have excellent stock levels of all product handling items and workwear. All open orders will be fulfilled without delay. Our supply chain and deliver services are still intact and functioning well.

This means we are still able to support all businesses with our normal range and our normal delivery service which is the next working day for all stocked lines if the order is placed before 4pm.

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

As a supplier of PPE, we have had to take the decision to ringfence what stock we have left only for our existing PPE customers, critical services and other vital businesses and therefore restrict the supply of these items. Stock is running very low on many key items and this is the only area of our business where a UK wide shortage of products has affected our ability to supply. We are doing everything we can to secure replenishment of these products as soon as is possible.

Consignor Shipping Rules Software Enables Policy Automation

Posted on 24 March, 202031 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Shipping software specialist Consignor has launched an interface which enables customers to automate shipping policy in a way that best suits their business. The company says that its solution allows customers to create simple rules in minutes, with no special training or IT skills required. Warehouse staff are saved hours of manual effort in trying to work out the best delivery method and carrier for each shipment.

It works by creating shipping rules. In Case 1, Company X creates rules based on parcel weight and country of destination. In Case 2, products are selected based on postcode range. Case 3 allows a service level per country to be set and followed.

More information here.

Plastic Pallet Firm Promises Business as Usual

Posted on 24 March, 202029 July, 2025 by David Priestman

As UK measures for controlling the spread of COVID-19 step up a gear, Jim Hardisty MD of Goplasticpallets.com – The Responsible Plastic Pallet Company – has told customers that the company will continue ‘business as usual’ for as long as possible to keep essential supply chains moving.

Jim said: “In these challenging times we know our customers need our support more than ever, particularly those that are supplying the essential food and medicines to replenish the shelves of our supermarkets and convenience stores.

“The European Commission stated last week that, while protecting the health of our citizens, we must also ensure that they still have access to essential goods, demand for which is incredibly high.

“To do this, we need workers to be free to carry out the physical work to support our supply chains. This includes our warehouse operatives, the drivers of our forklifts and lorries, and our sales force too – who continue to offer expert advice and reassurance at these uncertain times.

“As we observe Government advice, our team remains strong and fully operational and the same applies for our European factories, who are still hard at work.

“Currently we have over 72,000 plastic pallets, pallet boxes and small boxes in stock – and all ready for immediate, next day delivery.

“As the situation in the UK changes daily, we are keeping our customers informed of any changes we are making. But for now, we will continue to work to keep our essential supply chains moving.”

Hyster Adds Cost-Effective Pallet and Stacker Trucks to Warehouse Range

Posted on 24 March, 202025 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Hyster Europe is extending its range of warehouse equipment with the launch of a new uncomplicated and cost-effective range of pallet and stacker trucks, ideal for general-purpose operations.

“We are adding to our existing range of warehouse products to provide even more choice when specifying equipment to meet your particular application’s needs,” says Rob O’Donoghue, Director Solutions – Europe, Middle East and Africa for Hyster. “These additional options are straight-forward, affordable trucks that will suit many general-purpose operations, but are particularly suitable for lower intensity applications.”

With a capacity of 2.0T and variable speed control, the P2.0UT S platform pallet truck is ideal for pallet transportation over short and long distances. The small turning radius also makes it suitable for lorry loading and unloading, with electric steering available as an option.

For stacking pallets in the warehouse, and some picking operations, operations can now choose the new “no-nonsense” S1.5UT pedestrian stacker truck. Different mast options include a 2-stage NFL up to 3.5m and 3-stage FFL up to 5.6m and the low centre of gravity enhances stability at full height.

“These new, practical Hyster warehouse products deliver a low cost of operation and an affordable alternative for fulfilling general-purpose requirements in warehouse operations,” says Rob “Straight-forward electronic components make troubleshooting and servicing quicker.”

Durable and fit for purpose, UT lift trucks are built to Hyster quality standards, for a long working life using robust components. With maintenance free AC motors across the range, the trucks are waterproof and dust-proof and use CANbus technology to reduce wiring complexity. Various options include an on-board charger and lateral battery extraction.

The P2.0UT S pallet trucks and S1.5UT stacker trucks are an extension to the wide and established range of Hyster warehouse equipment and benefit from the same support through the global network of local Hyster distribution partners.

Timocom Expands Access to Freight and Warehousing Exchange

Posted on 24 March, 202031 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Freight exchange Timocom has reacted to the current circumstances by lifting IP restrictions and facilitating home office use.

The host of Europe’s leading freight exchange, Timocom is expanding access options for their logistics system in light of the current crisis. “We want to do our part and help ensure that there are no shortages and that delivery chains continue to function as normal, even given the current exceptional circumstances,” says Timocom Managing Partner Tim Thiermann.

As a result, customers can immediately switch their IP-bound licence to one independent of location, and, after verification, carry out their transport and logistics business from their home office. In addition, Timocom is opening their network of more than 43,000 companies to all those who do not currently have access to a resilient network of transport and logistics partners, so that they can continue to supply their customers with sorely needed goods.

“Here, too, we plan to help quickly and without any bureaucracy,” Thiermann emphasises. Anyone who registers as a new customer can use the Timocom system for the entirety of the next quarter, without fees or contractual obligations. Particularly in the event of short-term delivery bottlenecks or disruptions, or a need for storage space, companies can find replacements in the existing customer network.

Up to 750,000 freight and vehicle space offers from across Europe are entered into and processed via the Timocom system on a daily basis. In addition, over 7,000 logistics and storage spaces are available on the warehousing exchange. “As an IT service provider for the logistics industry, we have been part of the action for more than 20 years. Thus, we understand the challenges our customers are currently facing,” says Thiermann. “In the current situation, we need uncomplicated and immediate solutions that can help to ensure that the logistics supply chain remains intact.”

Van Tilburg Streamlines Picking and Packing with Datalogic

Posted on 24 March, 202029 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Dutch fashion store Van Tilburg has chosen the Datalogic Memor 10 to streamline the picking and packing process for their growing online sales.

Van Tilburg Mode & Sport is a household name throughout the region. “In Nistelrode alone, we have more than 15,000 m2 of retail space. With more than 1,000 brands, we offer our customers everything they need in terms of fashion and sports,” says director Paul van Tilburg, now the third generation leading the family business.

In 2010 Van Tilburg started selling online, and steady growth means these sales now account for 12 percent of the turnover. However, until recently the way in the orders were processed needed updating to boost efficiency.

“Employees walked through the store on the basis of paper picking lists, where the products ordered online were then searched for and picked,” Van Tilburg explains. “Because everything was manual, we barely had any insight into the progress and status of orders.”

Because the ERP system also needed to be replaced, Van Tilburg started looking for a total solution that included both a new ERP as well as CRM system. “Picking and packing the online orders was part of that complete solution,” explains project manager Erwin Zwijgers.

ACA Fashion Software were chosen as they have knowledge and experience in the fashion world, and they have a standard in-house solution which provided an excellent base for us to extend. Moreover, they continue to innovate, which was important for us as well,” says Zwijgers.

Together with the ERP supplier, a solution was devised that fitted the fashion shop’s approach like a tailor-made suit. The biggest challenge was that the process is different from most other web stores – the complete stock is in the physical stores. Online orders are picked while there are shoppers in the stores and there is a risk that an item ordered online will suddenly no longer be available, because an in-store visitor has just bought the last item. An almost real-time link between the POS system and the online store was therefore crucial.

To overcome this, ACA Fashion Software used the services of ICS Vertex to fine-tune the communication between ScanSuite and the XPRT system supplied by ICS Vertex. To make the order picking process as efficient as possible for Van Tilburg, ICS Vertex added several new features to the scanning solution. “For example, as standard the scanner display now shows an image of the item to be picked, together with the most important article information. For additional details, the operator simply clicks on the photo.

The Datalogic Memor 10 handheld computers fit perfectly with the new method. On the clear, 5-inch display, the image of the displayed item can always be recognized under all circumstances. Moreover, thanks to the 4G functionality, the scanners can also be used without problems in areas where there is no WiFi coverage, meaning orders can be picked even when offline.” For an ergonomic operation, the scanners are supplied with an attachable pistol grip.

“We have now been working with the new system for more than a month. Although too short a time to quantify all the benefits, it is already clear that efficiency has increased significantly,” concludes Zwijgers. “The new approach saves a lot of time. Moreover, we expect the error rate to decrease and therefore the number of return shipments to decrease as a result of an incorrect pick. That way the service to the customer gets even better.”

LogiMAT Bangkok Postponed to August 2020

Posted on 23 March, 2020 by Keith McKinley

LogiMAT | Intelligent Warehouse 2020, planned to be held in Bangkok,Thailand from 13-15 May 2020 has been postponed to August 5-7, 2020. The venue will remain at the IMPACT Exhibition Centre.

Organisers EuroExpo said: “95 percent of the exhibitors and supporters agreed that the postponement of the event is the best solution and have therefore confirmed the decision to move their participation to August 2020, trusting that the situation will improve during the next few months.”

Hörmann UK “Doing Utmost to Remain Operational while Minimising Risks”

Posted on 23 March, 2020 by Keith McKinley

Wolfgang Gorner, MD of industrial door supplier Hörmann UK has released a statement through the press to all customers. The statement in full reads as follows:

It is clear that COVID-19 presents an ever increasing threat to the health and wellbeing of the nation and all businesses are having to react to an ever changing situation. As such, we have implemented and are currently reviewing responsible measures to sufficiently protect our workforce, ensure the health and wellbeing of our customers and maintain our supply of product.

As matters stand today, we have full supply from our German factories of all Domestic and Industrial Products. Whilst restrictions have been placed on certain borders out of Germany, this has not resulted in any of our product being stopped, or held up. For our Domestic customers, we still have additional stock in reserve. For Industrial customers, we are ensuring that all finished product is being immediately shipped from our factories.

Following the guidance of the government, WHO and NHS, we have implemented strict quarantine rules for all drivers delivering to our headquarters in Coalville. This will reduce the interaction with staff on site, minimising the potential risk of infection spread. Working closely with our partner, Sanderson Transport, drivers operating out of Coalville are also following strict hygiene procedures to further reduce potential risk.

We are also implementing measures to support social distancing, and as of immediate effect, all sales staff have been instructed to prioritise other methods of communication over face to face meetings, where possible. All Domestic Field Engineers have also been recalled to ensure we adequately minimise the risk of infection.

These processes will ensure that as a business we can continue to provide our customers with the same level of support, whilst simultaneously safeguarding their health and wellbeing, along with our suppliers and employees.

These are unprecedented times, but please rest assured we are doing our upmost to remain operational and maintain the same level of supply to our customers, while minimising any potential risks.

Your Hörmann UK contacts are available via phone call and email and we continue to operate a ‘business as usual’ approach. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will provide further information as appropriate.

We would like to thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time and look forward to moving forwards together.
Kind Regards,
Wolfgang Gorner

Exporta Launches New Entry-Level Collapsible Plastic Pallet Box

Posted on 20 March, 202029 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Exporta have expanded their collapsible pallet box range with the addition of a brand-new entry model version of their successful Hercules box. The Hercules pallet box is unrivalled due to its unique design; designed to be compatible with other popular pallet boxes on the market, stackable when open or closed. This makes Hercules versatile and robust, ideal for continual use in a pool scenario.

The new version comes in both standard pallet size (1200mmx1000mm) and Euro pallet sizes (1200mmx800mm) with low sides of 805mm and 800mm respectively. The lower sides do mean that volume capacity is reduced, but this also makes them easier to load, unload, and access the contents inside without the need for additional doors.

They also come with a new base option, offering four feet rather than the three runners. The four feet option reduces the overall weight of the boxes which makes them easier to handle and move.

The added value that comes from these pallet boxes is that they can be combined with an RFID tracking solution; this can be integrated with either a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or Transport Management System (TMS). This asset tracking will prevent losses and theft. Combine this with personalisation in the form of a company logo, and the likelihood of these pallet boxes ‘disappearing’ is significantly reduced.

With the addition of the basic model, Exporta has so many combinations and can easily configure a box to meet your needs. Different bases, heights and number of door configurations are all available. Exporta’s new-build a box option will also be available online in the coming months.

You can purchase one of these pallet boxes for £160* directly from Exporta’s website with next day delivery. If you are looking to secure a large quantity, contact Exporta for a quote, and one of their experts will help you find the right product.

Don Marshall, Head of Marketing & eCommerce says:

“These boxes are fantastic. They are simple to use and robust. I recall first using this type of collapsible pallet box when I worked at B&Q many years ago, and I am amazed at how much the design and usability have improved to make them a must-have in any closed-loop operation.”

Find out more at www.exportaglobal.co.uk or call them on 0808 301 8121

Prologis Research Report on Covid-19 Effects Now Available

Posted on 20 March, 2020 by Keith McKinley

Logistics property player Prologis has released an assessment report on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on the real estate sector.

Unsurprisingly, the research suggests the likelihood of an imminent recession but points to the underlying strength of the sector, driven by e-commerce. Intriguingly, it points to supply chain managers targeting resilience over efficiency, driven by the need for wider inventories.

Find the report here.

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