April 2020

Clark Strengthens in Scandinavia with New Norway Sales Partner

Posted on 27 April, 202025 July, 2025 by David Priestman

With Truck Tek AS, Clark Europe has found a new sales partner for Norway and thus strengthened its market presence in Scandinavia.

“We are delighted to have found in Truck Tek a strong partner for Norway, who will competently support our customers in this region”, explains Rolf Eiten, President & CEO Clark Europe GmbH. “With this strategic partnership we are well equipped for the future in Norway and can further expand our presence on the Scandinavian market.”

Truck Tek AS was founded in 1988 and has made a name for itself as a supplier of hydraulic cranes, hydraulic components and services – such as authorized inspections, certification and mechanical and hydraulic repairs. Truck Tek is also a qualified workshop of the Norwegian Maritime Directorate and has experts in loading and unloading ship equipment. The company is based in Gårdsøya, Brønnøysund in the Norwegian municipality of Brønnøy. Brønnøysund is located on the Norwegian coast and is the landing place for Hurtigruten vessels. In addition to the administrative area, the location in Gårdsøya includes spacious workshop facilities and a spare parts warehouse. Just a stone’s throw away is a deep-water jetty and a floating dock. The strategically favorable location – in the heart of Norway and close to the motorway and airport – plays into the cards with the claim to be as close to the customer as possible.

Competent full-service provider

With the addition of Clark materials handling vehicles to its product portfolio, Truck Tek aims to be a leading provider of products and services for the offshore and onshore sector by offering customers the complete range of services all from one supplier.

As a Clark partner, Truck Tek will distribute the entire Clark product range in Norway. In addition to all forklift classes and warehouse equipment, this includes all accessories and spare parts as well as a comprehensive range of services including rental, financing and service for Clark new and used materials handling vehicles. With a total of 14 employees, mobile service locations and several partners in Norway, the company ensures professional sales with advice and customer care as well as fast service.

INFORM Delivers Time Slot and Yard Management to Swiss Retail Giant

Posted on 27 April, 202029 July, 2025 by David Priestman

INFORM has successfully deployed its Syncrosupply Time Slot and Yard Management system to logistics operator Migros as part of the Swiss supermarket retailer’s broader state-of-the-art, fully automated logistics system transition.

INFORM delivered its Syncrosupply Time Slot and Yard Management system, which is comprised of a management user interface, time slot booking portal, self check-in software for gate automation real-time optimization for yard and ramp management, and the optimization of time slot bookings for various stakeholders accessing Migros’s facility.

Dr. Eva Savelsberg, SVP of INFORM’s Logistic Division said, “The gate to any logistics facility is a natural choke point between the broader transport network and the yard or distribution facility. As such, efficient and optimized operations is crucial to streamlining the movement of goods.”

The project set out to achieve various goals including efficient and reliable planning of incoming goods, improving sustainability, reducing bottlenecks and traffic jams on the MVS site, alleviating high waiting times for carriers, and avoidance of late arrivals of goods.

To meet their logistics needs, Migros has been operating a fully automatic, high-performance picking system since 2012 and recently began building a state-of-the-art, fully automated logistics system of which INFORM’s Time Slot Management system is now a crucial part.

Right for Size: SICK Upgrades Volume Measurement System

Posted on 27 April, 202031 July, 2025 by David Priestman

SICK has announced a major technology upgrade to its VMS (Volume Measurement System) track and trace system, mastering previously unachievable throughput speeds and accuracy for non-contact dimensioning of goods, cartons and parcels regardless of shape.

By building the outstanding laser scanning capabilities of its LMS4000 2D LiDAR sensor and processing capability SIM2000 Sensor Integration Machine into its new SICK VMS systems as standard, the SICK VMS4200/VMS5200 track and trace system achieves inline measurement with even higher accuracy to determine precise dimensions and positions of both cuboid and irregular shapes.

“SICK’s high-performance VMS track and trace systems already have a well-earned reputation as an essential in-line volumetric measurement tool for UK warehousing, transport and logistic centres, as well as Courier Express Parcel (CEP) operations,” says SICK UK track and trace product manager Mark Harris.

“In a highly competitive market, operators are under constant pressure to find faster, more effective ways to plan their automated material flows, make better use of warehouse or vehicle storage space and maximise their revenue generation.

“Now the SICK VMS4200/5200 can deliver the most precise length, width and height information ever, alongside greater in-built flexibility to process objects of any size or shape at high speeds. The system therefore promises rapid returns on investment and operators can expect improved plant availability, fewer manual interventions, and the opportunity to increase sales revenue through slicker invoicing operations.”

The SICK VMS4200/5200 track and trace Volume Measurement System combines state-of-the-art measurement and evaluation technology in a flexible, modular system. Significantly improved laser performance from the two LMS4000 visible red-light laser scanners is achieved with a 6-fold increase in measurement resolution and improved ability to detect and measure dark objects.

The SICK VMS4200/5200 enables early estimation of the storage space necessary when loading vehicles, containers, swap bodies or shelves. So, downstream processes can be more efficiently controlled, warehouse and freight costs are reduced, and potential claims for compensation prevented.

The system can be set up to output 3D images as a PCD file so that damaged or deformed objects can be recognised and removed before storage, and the object can be traced back to the point of damage in the material handling process.

The SICK VMS5200 variant is certified to European Measuring Instruments Directive 2014/32/EU (MID), so the dimension data can be used for billing purposes. CEP operators can now achieve a higher legal-for-trade rate thanks to the built-in ability of the VMS5200 to detect objects that are touching or side-by-side. Improved precision now also enables the billable dimensioning of flat objects, such as books or letters with minimum heights of up to 20 mm.

The SICK VMS4200/5200 can be used as a stand-alone solution or in combination with reading station and weighing technology. Software customisation and set-up is straightforward to suit each application.

Linde Expands Czech Republic Remanufacturing Centre

Posted on 27 April, 202025 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Linde Material Handling’s Remanufacturing Centre in Velké Bílovice near Brno (Czech Republic), which was only opened in autumn 2017, is being expanded. Up to 2,000 trucks per year are to be remanufactured on an area of 6,700 square metres – an expansion of 48 percent. The used trucks have a uniform quality standard and contribute to greater sustainability.

Almost all trucks that are remanufactured in Velké Bílovice are recruited from returns from Linde’s own long- and short-term rental fleet. This means that the trucks have been continuously serviced by qualified technicians during their “first forklift life” and have a fully documented service history. Only original Linde spare parts are used for repairs.

In Velké Bílovice, used trucks are remanufactured according to a standardized procedure. Not only is damage repaired, but each vehicle is put through its paces by specially trained specialists and passes through several stations. Once the trucks leave the remanufacturing center, they meet all the relevant safety requirements of European legislation in the field of handling technology and are awarded the “Approved by Linde” seal of approval.

The fact that the trucks are given a “second life” by the remanufacturing process also means a significant plus in terms of sustainability. On the one hand, the total amount of raw materials and energy required is considerably reduced. On the other hand, disposal and recycling in the reprocessing plant meet the highest environmental and health standards.

Christophe Lautray, Chief Sales and Service Officer at Linde Material Handling: “Linde used trucks are a high-quality and cost-effective alternative for our customers. The trucks can also be equipped with additional features – such as our safety assistance systems”.

The number of employees in the Velké Bílovice processing plant has almost doubled to 70 in the last three years. The plant is one of several Linde Material Handling locations in the Czech Republic. Linde Pohony (LiPo) produces steering axles and electric and hydrostatic drive axles for the KION Group at Český Krumlov. The JULI joint venture, also located near Brno, is active in the production of electric motors, and since 2016, Linde reach trucks have been manufactured in Stříbro at Pilsen.

DX Confirms Surge in Medical and Healthcare Volumes Amid Downturn

Posted on 27 April, 202031 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Amid a downturn in overall volumes, parcel and courier specialist DX has reported record volumes in deliveries for the UK’s medical and healthcare sectors as a result of the coronavirus emergency.

DX Express, a division within the DX Group that provides secure, tracked and express delivery services, including highly secure deliveries for medical laboratories, independent pharmacies and Central Government departments amongst other customers, has stepped up provision to accommodate the material rise in volumes over the last six weeks. Demand has come in particular from customers with supply links to hospitals.

Tony Kells, Sales Director at DX Express, said,

“Our secure, tracked delivery services have seen volumes of items per day quadruple in some areas, largely driven by the needs of hospitals. Areas showing the strongest rises include deliveries of key worker uniforms and specimen samples between laboratories and hospitals. These rises are directly related to the coronavirus pandemic, and we are allocating additional resource to ensure we can meet this demand. Deliveries to high street pharmacies also remain busy nationwide.”

DSV Steps in to Assist wtih PPE Visor Manufacture

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

With the help of DSV, a suite of 3D printers originally destined for Cardiff University’s PARC Institute have been repurposed and relocated to manufacture visors for NHS Wales in the fight against COVID-19.

The logistics firm offered to set up the machines at DSV’s ISO9001 healthcare facility in Milton Keynes. Drawing from the expertise of DSV’s Logistics Manufacturing Services (LMS) section, the team was able to set up manufacturing in a matter of weeks to produce the much-needed visors. The LMS team had acquired 3D printing expertise through a previous knowledge transfer project (KTP) with Cardiff Business School.

Martin Lancaster (above), General Manager for Health and Beauty in the UK, who also runs the DSV facility explains “I’m proud of the team here, we were able to react quickly, get the machines transferred from the University to our DSV site, set up the machines, train the team to operate the equipment, source material and start printing in a matter of days. Our team are already providing logistics services to the NHS during this difficult time, and this project allowed us to go a step further and support the NHS in a new and innovative way.”

The consortium expects to dispatch its first batch of visors to the NHS this week. Coordinated by Dr Daniel Eyers (Cardiff Business School), the team are currently working through the necessary steps for certification.

Professor Mike Wilson, Executive Vice President for Global Logistics Manufacturing Services at DSV and co-founder of PARC explains, “For us, this is just the first step. Now we have the RemakerSpace centre set up, we are looking at other products that we can manufacture to help the NHS in the fight against COVID-19. Not only that, in line with the objectives set out with the creation of the RemakerSpace centre, we want to continue to support the Welsh Government and NHS, with a focus on developing sustainable, multi-use products that help Wales lead the way in the transition to the new circular economies of the future.”

Hiab to Resume Ops at UK Installation Sites Next Week

Posted on 23 April, 202025 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Hiab is resuming operations at its four installation sites in the UK next week after services were temporarily suspended as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

From Monday 27 April centres in Ellesmere, Dudley, North Allerton and Cumbernauld, Scotland will been carrying out installation jobs under revised health and safety protocols.

Ian Mitchell, managing director for Hiab UK and Ireland said that the decision to re-open the four sites after a month had been carefully considered. “We are really pleased to be starting up installation operations again at our four key sites from Monday 27 April,” he said. “This means that we can commence installation activities as normal, under revised health and safety protocols. At Hiab we continue to take the situation very seriously and keeping our customers and our staff safe at work still remains our top priority.

“As a result, we have implemented additional health and safety protocols across all our centres which include a pre-booking system for all external visitors, additional cleaning and sanitising of workspaces and equipment, our staff all have PPE and a strict 2m distancing policy is in place at all times.
“Task teams at all Hiab sites ensure we follow government guidelines and uphold the enhanced health and safety protocols to manage infection control.”

There is no change to the Service Centres which have always remained open as normal and the Service Vans and field service engineers who continue to work.

Please contact your nearest intsallation centre before visiting so Hiab can arrange a dedicated arrival time as part of our health and safety measures https://www.hiab.com/en-GB/HIAB/dealers-and-contact/find-service-point/

Business Resilience App Helps Damco Keep Supply Chains Moving

Posted on 23 April, 202031 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Freight forwarder Damco says its ongoing investment in its Business Resilience Program is helping it to keep cargo moving through Covid-19 supply chain disruption.

The Program, developed over the last 18 months, prepares all staff for over 47 different scenarios, which could disrupt the supply chain, including a pandemic.

Damco local and global teams communicate in real time using a Business Resilience App developed for the program, which also stores information on procedure, as well as providing incident reporting, management functions, and links to relevant contacts.

A new Instant Messaging feature for the App now allows the freight forwarder’s Business Resilience Team to contact specific users or groups of users to speed up information flow between local and global offices.

“The Program means we can be agile and find flexible solutions to keep freight moving, it also means we can put established procedures in place to keep our staff safe,” said Zera Zheng (above), Head of Damco Business Resilience and Security.

“In early January 2020, our Business Resilience Team responded to reports about the impact of Covid-19 from Damco offices in China and were able to give global updates and advice using the App so that we were well prepared.

“Business Resilience is about procedure, but it is also about culture, and that means having clear communication channels with customers, and making sure the people on the front line are able to both share information and have easy access to the information that they need.”

Last year, Damco’s Business Resilience Team, working with front line staff, successfully managed 94 disruptive events globally, ranging from supply chain disruption in the wake of Typhoon Tisoy in the Philippines, to hold ups due to new Air Cargo Screening Regulations in Hong Kong.

Office operations were resumed within 24 hours, where needed, with warehouse operations up and running again within two to five days.

“A key aspect of the Program is to take care of our team members and ensure that they have the resources to look after our customers, regardless of the situation,” said Saskia Groen In’t Woud, Damco Chief Executive Officer.

Damco offices worldwide take part in surprise scenario exercises, including civil unrest, strikes, protests, adverse weather, unplanned IT systems outage and new regulatory changes, as well as a pandemic scenario.

New EGIM Rail Service Between Bremerhaven and Frankfurt/Main

Posted on 23 April, 2020 by Keith McKinley

Eurogate Intermodal (EGIM) is to extend its service network with a direct connection between container terminals Bremerhaven-Nordhafen and inland terminal DUSS (Deutsche Umschlag-gesellschaft Schiene–Straße) in Frankfurt/Main.

The Hamburg-based provider of combined transport by rail and road will start its new service on 3 May 2020, directly connecting the Eurogate terminals CT 2, MSC Gate and the North Sea Terminal (NTB) with the DUSS terminal in Frankfurt-East twice a week. Import departures leave Bremerhaven-Nordhafen on Sundays and Wednesdays. Northbound export trains leave Frankfurt-East on Mondays and Thursdays.

The service has a capacity of 96 TEU per departure and direction. The company boxXpress.de GmbH operates as traction provider for this service as well as other EGIM connections.

The new product complements EGIM’s existing range of services between Bremerhaven and Kornwestheim, Mannheim, Munich, Nuremberg and Ulm. EGIM also connects the seaports of Hamburg, Wilhelmshaven and Rotterdam with other inland terminals in southern Germany and Hungary.

BITO Launches New Interactive Online Catalogue

Posted on 23 April, 2020 by Keith McKinley

Storage and racking specialist BITO has launched a new online BITO Direct catalogue to coincide with the two special anniversaries: 175-years for the BITO Group and 20 years for the Nuneaton-based UK subsidiary.

The interactive online page-turn catalogue features a broad range of handling, storage and order picking solutions across 164 pages. These include the most popular products manufactured by BITO – the majority of which are held in stock in Nuneaton. Customers can easily flick through the pages to browse products and, when hovering over a product image, a highlighted link will take them to the product located in BITO’s online web store (shop.bito.com) for further details and the opportunity to place an order for delivery.

Recent introductions in the BITO Direct catalogue include storage and picking bays formed from galvanised shelving, with various combinations of XL and RK containers for bulk and small parts to suit the different purposes a company may have; translucent MB containers with coloured attached lids to help organise stock; quick-to-assemble galvanised perforated shelving bays for sprinklers and cold stores; lockable cupboards designed to take SK or RK containers; and the company’s low-cost, light-duty carton live flow racking, which is designed for euro containers, but can accommodate other sizes, and is delivered for self assembly.

In addition, the catalogue includes new ranges of non-BITO products that are complementary to the company’s in-house storage and handling solutions. These include: pull out storage units for pallet racking, standalone pull-out storage units and a modular work platform system. The catalogue also features BITO’s extensive design capabilities.

The BITO Direct Catalogue, which also features BITO’s design capabilities, is online now HERE. All products are also available in the BITO online shop at shop.bito.com.

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