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Month: July 2020

Combilift Celebrates IFOY Success with Combi-CS

Posted on by David Priestman

Combilift is celebrating victory in the Warehouse Truck Lowlifter Category of the IFOY Awards with its innovative Combi-CS pedestrian counterbalance stacker.

The Combi-CS is the only pedestrian counterbalance stacker that will operate in a conventional reach truck aisle for space saving and productive storage and handling. It features Combilift’s unique, internationally patented and award winning multi-position tiller arm which can be turned to the left or right of the unit to position the rear drive wheel, allowing the operator to remain in the safest position – at the side of the machine rather than at the rear as is the case with other pedestrian stackers. This ensures optimum visibility of the load and surroundings as well as guaranteeing maximum safety in areas where other personnel or members of the public may be present.

Due to the current circumstances, the hundreds of people that normally attend the IFOY ceremony could not get together personally, so the organisers rolled out the virtual red carpet for the winners on the Internet on July 13th 2020 at www.ifoy.org. IFOY founder and Executive Chairperson of the IFOY Jury Anita Würmser said: “Special times require special solutions and this year’s IFOY Awards were dedicated to the best innovations in intralogistics and moreover to the people who make intralogistics happen.”

Finalists’ products underwent stringent IFOY audit and innovation checks by industry experts and journalists from leading logistics media from 19 countries also tested and evaluated the equipment for qualities such as technology, design, ergonomics, safety, marketability, customer benefit and sustainability. Some of the jury’s comments on the Combi-CS were as follows: “The Combi-CS is a really compact smart pedestrian operated truck and a nice hands-on solution. It offers significant added value in terms of narrow aisle operation and safety in confined environments. It is a customer-focussed solution with a very high level of market relevance.”

Combilift CEO and Co-founder Martin McVicar said: “On behalf of the whole Combilift team I am delighted to receive the IFOY 2020 Award and proud that this innovative product has been recognised as valuable solution for the intralogistics sector. We extend our thanks to the IFOY jury for selecting us for this important award.”

IFOY Triumph for STILL in Counter Balanced Truck Category

Posted on by David Priestman

For the first time, the winners of this year’s IFOY Award (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year) were announced online via video due to the ongoing corona crisis. In the ‘Counter Balanced Truck up to 3.5 t category the coveted award once again went to STILL, in the form of its RX 60-25/35 electric forklift.

“With the high-performance version of the RX 60-25 STILL sets the benchmark for electric trucks in this segment. Never before has an electric forklift truck been so productive. Add to this the advantages of low noise, flexibility, lower costs for electricity compared to diesel or gas, easy operation, less maintenance and very predictable handling. All the criteria for a combustion engine killer are thus combined,” concluded the international jury. With this new electric truck in the 2.5 to 3.5 t weight class STILL offers a serious alternative to trucks with combustion engines. The jurors were particularly impressed by the lifting speed which is generated by the 25 kW pump motor of the RX 60. The test team measured a speed without load of more than 66 cm/s and judged: “A record in this class”.

However, the STILL RX 60-25/35 also set new standards in the tested combination of acceleration, driving and lifting. In this test it achieved a productivity of 363 pallets in eight hours. “The measured productivity has never been so high in an IFOY test,” was the jury’s conclusion.

Henry Puhl, Chairman of the STILL Management Board, sees the award as confirmation of his company’s consistently high innovative performance: “We have put a lot of development work and know-how into the RX 60-25/35. The result is a truck that stands up to any international comparison and, with its enormous performance spectrum has the potential to outperform trucks with combustion engines. I am delighted that the jury of international forklift truck experts has honoured our work by presenting us with the IFOY Award 2020.”

IFOY Triumph for STILL in Counter Balanced Truck Category

Posted on by David Priestman

For the first time, the winners of this year’s IFOY Award (International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year) were announced online via video due to the ongoing corona crisis. In the ‘Counter Balanced Truck up to 3.5 t category the coveted award once again went to STILL, in the form of its RX 60-25/35 electric forklift.

“With the high-performance version of the RX 60-25 STILL sets the benchmark for electric trucks in this segment. Never before has an electric forklift truck been so productive. Add to this the advantages of low noise, flexibility, lower costs for electricity compared to diesel or gas, easy operation, less maintenance and very predictable handling. All the criteria for a combustion engine killer are thus combined,” concluded the international jury. With this new electric truck in the 2.5 to 3.5 t weight class STILL offers a serious alternative to trucks with combustion engines. The jurors were particularly impressed by the lifting speed which is generated by the 25 kW pump motor of the RX 60. The test team measured a speed without load of more than 66 cm/s and judged: “A record in this class”.

However, the STILL RX 60-25/35 also set new standards in the tested combination of acceleration, driving and lifting. In this test it achieved a productivity of 363 pallets in eight hours. “The measured productivity has never been so high in an IFOY test,” was the jury’s conclusion.

Henry Puhl, Chairman of the STILL Management Board, sees the award as confirmation of his company’s consistently high innovative performance: “We have put a lot of development work and know-how into the RX 60-25/35. The result is a truck that stands up to any international comparison and, with its enormous performance spectrum has the potential to outperform trucks with combustion engines. I am delighted that the jury of international forklift truck experts has honoured our work by presenting us with the IFOY Award 2020.”

“Use AI to Protect Warehouse Workers From Injury” Says Stanley

Posted on by Keith McKinley

An extraordinary rise in work related injuries to warehouse and delivery staff, as a result of the UK’s biggest spike in online retailing, poses a threat to economic recovery unless there’s an evolution in materials handling practices. That’s the prediction of Luton-based Stanley, which is advocating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect workers.

Statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for 2018/19 showed that around 581,000 individuals sustained non-fatal injuries at work, of which two thirds were musculoskeletal. As a result, over 28 million working days were lost, at a cost to the UK economy of more than £5 billion.

Having rebranded during lockdown to represent the company’s innovative focus, Stanley had raised concerns for the wellbeing of frontline personnel before the pandemic took hold. According to Graham Sharp, Stanley’s Managing Director, the need to ensure social distancing, reduce labour costs and mitigate injuries associated with home delivery are major challenges now being tackled by the nation’s biggest grocers and retailers:

“With some supermarkets recording a doubling of online sales over the past four months and one of the largest delivery firms recently announcing the recruitment of 3,500 new drivers and an investment of £100m on vehicles, there can be no doubt as to the scalability of online shopping.

“Whilst it goes without saying that employers have a duty of care towards their employees, the trend in work related injuries does not reflect the advances being made in new technology to make manual handling more cost-efficient and far less hazardous,” continued Sharp.

In addition to being an innovator in lightweight commercial manual handling equipment that enables single person delivery of goods weighing up to 425kgs, Stanley is the exclusive distributor of a wearable device which employs AI to identify hazardous actions, by continuously measuring movement, frequency and forces on the body. When linked to an app on the wearer’s smartphone, data collected encourages employees to manage their own wellbeing through a series of tutorials, whilst management can remove the need for classroom training and use it to implement wider business improvements and a culture of safety.

Sharp claims that firms harnessing this technology have improved staff productivity by up to 25 percent, which doesn’t include the added value from reduced sickness absence and improved staff retention.

“For a workplace to be a rewarding and happy place to spend so much of our lives, we encourage businesses to take a proactive stance on employee wellbeing. Above all, an individual’s happiness and performance is linked to their physical and mental health, so we are pleased to be working with a number of leading players in the market which are trialing these applications.”

SnapFulfil Rises Above the Pandemic Cloud with Client Wins

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouse technology innovator SnapFulfil is beating the pandemic blues with a string of new business wins in both the UK and US.

In the past eight weeks the cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) provider has enjoyed a significant uplift in enquiries and quickly onboarded five new clients – particularly because its implementation and support teams excel in remote augmentation.

The latest include Newcastle-upon-Tyne based DC Iron, which has also seen demand soar for its wrought iron components during the pandemic – with June’s figures 50% up and a record for the company – plus Tipton company Furdeco 2 Person Home Delivery that stands out as a white glove provider of large ticket delivery and fulfilment requirements for top furniture retailers.

Other recent account wins for SnapFulfil in the US include order fulfilment specialist Resurge, plus consumer brands Watch Gang and Lashliner.

Market leading DC Iron has signed up to a five year SaaS (Software as a Service) contract and begins proceedings with 13 licensed users.The first UK company to make ordering wrought iron components really easy, DC Iron has moved to optimise its warehousing and distribution efficiencies and chose SnapFulfil WMS because of its renowned flexibility, functionality and configurability.

Established in 1997, the family run business carries substantial stocks in its 35,000 sq.ft warehouse ready for next day UK delivery  – and increasingly ships internationally – so with 20% year-on-year growth and the e-commerce business booming sought a shift from onerous manual and paper-based procedures to digital automation.

Scott Collins, Marketing Director at DC Iron, explains: “The business has recently progressed from our traditional bedrock of B2B fabricators and engineers to include retail and D2C customers looking to do it themselves. Consequently, our decision to invest in a smart and adaptable WMS solution that can grow with us makes sense all round and will really improve our efficiencies, processes, order prioritisation and picking capacity, as well as giving us a total management solution.

“It integrates seamlessly with our existing ERP system and what we really like about SnapFulfil is that you get an advanced, Tier 1 WMS that is constantly improving with regular functionality updates, but the service levels and attention to detail of a young, hungry provider still trying to make its mark.”

Furdeco is the delivery face of online retailer clients like Tesco, Furniture Village and Harveys and begins with nine users, but with the flexibility to scale up to 14. Always keen to integrate the most innovative, reliable and user friendly technology, they see SnapFulfil as the ideal WMS partner for optimising efficiencies in their centrally located 100,000 sq.ft warehouse.

Andrew Turner, Head of Change Management & New Business at Furdeco, says: “Our core business of pre-sold orders has evolved rapidly of late to include storage and reverse logistics for the complete fulfilment cycle, so the SnapFulfil WMS will enable us to reduce wastage, eliminate human error, plus give the stock and location accuracy and integrity we increasingly need.

“It will also allow us to greatly expand on our reporting and continuous improvement data processes, plus with a move to European deliveries imminent as well, even more so our drive to be best in class needs appropriately high levels of support tools and procedures.”

SnapFulfil Rises Above the Pandemic Cloud with Client Wins

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouse technology innovator SnapFulfil is beating the pandemic blues with a string of new business wins in both the UK and US.

In the past eight weeks the cloud-based warehouse management system (WMS) provider has enjoyed a significant uplift in enquiries and quickly onboarded five new clients – particularly because its implementation and support teams excel in remote augmentation.

The latest include Newcastle-upon-Tyne based DC Iron, which has also seen demand soar for its wrought iron components during the pandemic – with June’s figures 50% up and a record for the company – plus Tipton company Furdeco 2 Person Home Delivery that stands out as a white glove provider of large ticket delivery and fulfilment requirements for top furniture retailers.

Other recent account wins for SnapFulfil in the US include order fulfilment specialist Resurge, plus consumer brands Watch Gang and Lashliner.

Market leading DC Iron has signed up to a five year SaaS (Software as a Service) contract and begins proceedings with 13 licensed users.The first UK company to make ordering wrought iron components really easy, DC Iron has moved to optimise its warehousing and distribution efficiencies and chose SnapFulfil WMS because of its renowned flexibility, functionality and configurability.

Established in 1997, the family run business carries substantial stocks in its 35,000 sq.ft warehouse ready for next day UK delivery  – and increasingly ships internationally – so with 20% year-on-year growth and the e-commerce business booming sought a shift from onerous manual and paper-based procedures to digital automation.

Scott Collins, Marketing Director at DC Iron, explains: “The business has recently progressed from our traditional bedrock of B2B fabricators and engineers to include retail and D2C customers looking to do it themselves. Consequently, our decision to invest in a smart and adaptable WMS solution that can grow with us makes sense all round and will really improve our efficiencies, processes, order prioritisation and picking capacity, as well as giving us a total management solution.

“It integrates seamlessly with our existing ERP system and what we really like about SnapFulfil is that you get an advanced, Tier 1 WMS that is constantly improving with regular functionality updates, but the service levels and attention to detail of a young, hungry provider still trying to make its mark.”

Furdeco is the delivery face of online retailer clients like Tesco, Furniture Village and Harveys and begins with nine users, but with the flexibility to scale up to 14. Always keen to integrate the most innovative, reliable and user friendly technology, they see SnapFulfil as the ideal WMS partner for optimising efficiencies in their centrally located 100,000 sq.ft warehouse.

Andrew Turner, Head of Change Management & New Business at Furdeco, says: “Our core business of pre-sold orders has evolved rapidly of late to include storage and reverse logistics for the complete fulfilment cycle, so the SnapFulfil WMS will enable us to reduce wastage, eliminate human error, plus give the stock and location accuracy and integrity we increasingly need.

“It will also allow us to greatly expand on our reporting and continuous improvement data processes, plus with a move to European deliveries imminent as well, even more so our drive to be best in class needs appropriately high levels of support tools and procedures.”

New Swiss Dealer for Clark Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark Europe has found a new sales partner for Switzerland in Rohrer-Marti, a leading Swiss distributor of machines and forklifts. The experienced materials handling vehicle specialist, based in Zollikofen in the canton of Berne, will take over the sales and service of Clark materials handling vehicles throughout the country.

“We welcome Rohrer-Marti on board the Clark family. In Rohrer-Marti we have found a competent partner for Switzerland, to advise customers with sound know-how about Clark materials handling vehicles. We are looking forward to a successful cooperation,” explains Rolf Eiten, President & CEO of Clark Europe GmbH.

Rohrer-Marti has more than 70 years of know-how in machines and forklifts. Their product range includes equipment for the construction industry, gardening and landscaping, municipal, industrial, timber trade and wood processing as well as agriculture and logistics. In addition to an extensive range of machines, Rohrer-Marti offers its customers the best possible after-sales support through a comprehensive customer and spare parts service. In case of damage, the mobile service technicians are on site at the customer’s premises within 24 hours. The backbone of the after-sales service is also a spare parts warehouse in Zollikofen with over 30,000 items.

Wide range of Clark services

Rohrer-Marti distributes the entire Clark product range as a Clark partner in Switzerland. In addition to the sale of forklifts and warehouse equipment, this includes the supply of accessories and spare parts as well as a comprehensive range of services including rental, financing and after-sales service for Clark new and used trucks. “The renowned and high-quality products from Clark are an optimal addition to our existing sales range in the field of material handling. Our customers benefit from the wide range of products and receive logistics solutions that are precisely tailored to the customer’s specific application,” explains Daniel Stuber, Managing Director of Rohrer-Marti.

New Swiss Dealer for Clark Europe

Posted on by David Priestman

Clark Europe has found a new sales partner for Switzerland in Rohrer-Marti, a leading Swiss distributor of machines and forklifts. The experienced materials handling vehicle specialist, based in Zollikofen in the canton of Berne, will take over the sales and service of Clark materials handling vehicles throughout the country.

“We welcome Rohrer-Marti on board the Clark family. In Rohrer-Marti we have found a competent partner for Switzerland, to advise customers with sound know-how about Clark materials handling vehicles. We are looking forward to a successful cooperation,” explains Rolf Eiten, President & CEO of Clark Europe GmbH.

Rohrer-Marti has more than 70 years of know-how in machines and forklifts. Their product range includes equipment for the construction industry, gardening and landscaping, municipal, industrial, timber trade and wood processing as well as agriculture and logistics. In addition to an extensive range of machines, Rohrer-Marti offers its customers the best possible after-sales support through a comprehensive customer and spare parts service. In case of damage, the mobile service technicians are on site at the customer’s premises within 24 hours. The backbone of the after-sales service is also a spare parts warehouse in Zollikofen with over 30,000 items.

Wide range of Clark services

Rohrer-Marti distributes the entire Clark product range as a Clark partner in Switzerland. In addition to the sale of forklifts and warehouse equipment, this includes the supply of accessories and spare parts as well as a comprehensive range of services including rental, financing and after-sales service for Clark new and used trucks. “The renowned and high-quality products from Clark are an optimal addition to our existing sales range in the field of material handling. Our customers benefit from the wide range of products and receive logistics solutions that are precisely tailored to the customer’s specific application,” explains Daniel Stuber, Managing Director of Rohrer-Marti.

Italian Packaging Machinery Sales Top €8 Billion

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Italian packaging machinery manufacturers have recorded their fourth consecutive growth year with a 2.2% increase in turnover in 2019. It is the only capital goods sector to see an upturn, according to national trade body UCIMA. It says the results confirm world leadership position of a niche mechanical engineering sector which for the first time in its history has broken the €8 billion revenue barrier.

The number of operative companies decreased in 2019 (down 2.4% to 616) as a result of the series of M&As underway in the sector, while the number of employees rose to 33,304 (+2.1%).

These results were revealed in the Ucima-MECS Research Department’s 8th Statistical Survey, unveiled at the annual meeting held today in Modena. Over these last eight years (2012-2019), packaging machinery manufacturers have seen an almost 50% increase in turnover (from 5.5 to 8.04 billion euros), 40% growth in exports (from 4.56 to 6.35 billion euros) and the creation of 7,000 new jobs.

International markets

79% of the sector’s turnover was generated abroad, amounting to 6.35 billion euros, an increase of 2.3% compared to 2018. This export growth is half a percentage point higher than that of domestic Italian sales (+1.8% in 2019 to 1.69 billion euros). The European Union remains the main destination area for Italian packaging machinery and accounts for 37.5% of total turnover (2,383 million euros) including sales in Italy, followed in second place by Asia with a value of 1,402 million euros and a 22.1% share, then North America in third place with 814 million euros (12.8%). With respect to 2018, non-EU Europe (637 million euros; 10% of the total) has overtaken South America (559 million euros; 8.8%), followed by Africa (449 million euros; 7.1%) and Oceania (107 million euros; 1.7%).

Italian Packaging Machinery Sales Top €8 Billion

Posted on by David Priestman

Italian packaging machinery manufacturers have recorded their fourth consecutive growth year with a 2.2% increase in turnover in 2019. It is the only capital goods sector to see an upturn, according to national trade body UCIMA. It says the results confirm world leadership position of a niche mechanical engineering sector which for the first time in its history has broken the €8 billion revenue barrier.

The number of operative companies decreased in 2019 (down 2.4% to 616) as a result of the series of M&As underway in the sector, while the number of employees rose to 33,304 (+2.1%).

These results were revealed in the Ucima-MECS Research Department’s 8th Statistical Survey, unveiled at the annual meeting held today in Modena. Over these last eight years (2012-2019), packaging machinery manufacturers have seen an almost 50% increase in turnover (from 5.5 to 8.04 billion euros), 40% growth in exports (from 4.56 to 6.35 billion euros) and the creation of 7,000 new jobs.

International markets

79% of the sector’s turnover was generated abroad, amounting to 6.35 billion euros, an increase of 2.3% compared to 2018. This export growth is half a percentage point higher than that of domestic Italian sales (+1.8% in 2019 to 1.69 billion euros). The European Union remains the main destination area for Italian packaging machinery and accounts for 37.5% of total turnover (2,383 million euros) including sales in Italy, followed in second place by Asia with a value of 1,402 million euros and a 22.1% share, then North America in third place with 814 million euros (12.8%). With respect to 2018, non-EU Europe (637 million euros; 10% of the total) has overtaken South America (559 million euros; 8.8%), followed by Africa (449 million euros; 7.1%) and Oceania (107 million euros; 1.7%).

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