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Day: 4 September 2020

Exporta Launches New Range of Recycled Eurocrates

Posted on by David Priestman

Storage and packaging expert Exporta has expanded its range offering on Eurocrates with three new sizes. As well as the addition of a new range of five Eurocrates made entirely from recycled material, making them the most eco-friendly euro crates available in the UK.

Exporta says it identified a gap in the market and worked with their suppliers to create a range that ticks every box. Recycled material is significantly cheaper than virgin plastic, it adds, making this range more affordable than standard Eurocrates made from virgin material. They are also available in black, making them easily recognisable in different situations and when in transition within the supply chain.

The three new sizes in the virgin range present a greater choice for Exporta’s customers. Virgin plastic has the advantage of being food safe; food can be placed directly onto the crate surface without issues of plastic contamination.

Whereas, the recycled crates are ideal for non-food usage – or when food comes already stored in its retail packaging. Another feature of the recycled crates is that they come with open handles, making them easier to lift and carry.

All crates, plastic pallets, boxes and containers supplied by Exporta are 100% recyclable, ensuring that Exporta lives up to its ISO14001 Environmental accreditation.

Don Marshall, Head of Marketing & eCommerce said: “We like to listen to our customers and support their needs and also look for innovative products to fill in any gaps in the market and fix our clients issues and pain points. Expanding the sizes in our Eurocrate range, as well as adding in a range of recycled crates achieves both these goals. It affirms our place as the No1 supplier in the UK if you need to Move It, Store It or Secure It.”

AR Racking Fits Out New Valencia Warehouse for Power Electronics Specialist

Posted on by David Priestman

Power Electronics, which specialises in the development of equipment based on advanced power electronics, is a leader in the manufacture and installation of solar inverters for photovoltaic plants and converters for energy storage systems worldwide. It has trusted AR Racking, a reference company in the European market for storage systems, to equip the new warehouse at its facilities in Llíria (Valencia, Spain).

AR Racking -a company specialised in designing, manufacturing, and installing industrial storage systems for all types of loads- has installed an adjustable pallet racking system (AR PAL), a system that allows each pallet to be located quickly and provides direct and immediate access to the load. The system is designed to store pallets mechanically using forklifts. The surface area of the installation carried out by AR Racking in the warehouse exceeds 1,300 m2 and reaches a height of 10 metres. The AR PAL system installed can store a total of 2,625 pallets.

In addition, a Carton flow rack for manual picking has been installed, a system that allows high-density storage of boxes and light products, saving space and providing a better control of stock rotation. Three levels of wheel carrier tracks have been included in the lower part of the system to facilitate order preparation. The zone reaches 1,100 linear meters of volume storage for picking and has a capacity for 8,200 Euroboxes.

“One of the main advantages of AR Racking’s systems is that they can be combined to achieve a solution that is perfectly suited to the customer’s requirements. At the Power Electronics warehouse we have provided a system that fits the need for both pallet storage and the storage of smaller boxes thanks to the Carton flow rack, perfectly adapted for order preparation”. In addition, “the order preparation aisles are duly protected with approved electro-welded mesh, to contain possible falling loads”, explain Vicente Marín and Javier Miquel, project managers at AR Racking.

“With 28 branches and points of sales in almost 40 countries, Power Electronics’ service is based on immediacy, guaranteeing maximum efficiency and operability. We also find these features in the new warehouse: the systems installed enable us to control stock and locate products quickly and efficiently”, says Enrique García (Director of the Industrial Efficiency Department), and Salvador Climent (Head of Supply Chain Efficiency) at Power Electronics.

Hubtex Fully Acquires Successful Australia Branch

Posted on by David Priestman

25 years of success in the Australian market with the highest market share globally: These accolades, which help distinguish HUBTEX Australia, can now be joined by another. With effect from September, HUBTEX Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG from Fulda, Germany will acquire 100 percent of the shares held by the previous owner. Not only does this make it a subsidiary, but it will also be one of the largest branches outside of Germany. This acquisition is enabling the forklift trucks manufacturer to significantly expand its business dealings in Australia and pursue an international growth strategy, even in the current economic crisis.

 The HUBTEX brand does not just represent innovative, state of the art solutions for handling long and heavy loads in Germany, but also strong partners and branches all over the world. This includes the previous owner of HUBTEX Australia, Bill Parry, who founded “Parry Forklifts” in 1995. It has operated under the current name since 2000. The sale at the end of August will result in HUBTEX acquiring 100 percent of the shares held by Mr Parry, who will stay active in sales, marketing and business development. As of September, his long-term partner of 25 years, Bruce Peatman will take over the management of the company. As the previous General Manager, he has many years of experience in customer service and after sales, as well as in the sales of HUBTEX solutions. He is supported by Lars Beuel, who has a dual role as Sales Manager for Material Handling for HUBTEX head office while simultaneously managing HUBTEX Australia from the factory in Germany for the past 15 years.

Largest branch worldwide

The Australian market is beside Europe and the United States one of the most important markets worldwide: With around 1400 machines, the forklift truck manufacturer currently has the highest vehicle density in comparison to the population – a figure which becomes even more impressive when Australia’s relatively low population and purchasing power are considered. With the large market share and generated sales of 15 million euros, Australia is the most important global export market for HUBTEX after continental Europe and the USA. The transition from a former distributor partner into a subsidiary, also means that HUBTEX is gaining the largest branch outside Germany with its Australian headquarters in Sydney. It will be able to accommodate Australian customers in terms of investment security and individual consultations.

High quality of service and short distances to the customer

In addition to its Sydney headquarters, HUBTEX Australia has modern, well equipped branches in the major metropolitan areas of Melbourne and Brisbane; other service branches are located in Adelaide and Perth. A total of 50 employees work at the sites. In addition to new Hubtex products, pre-owned and rental equipment are equally important areas of the business and have been successfully expanded over the years to create a market share of around 50%. Despite the vast size of the country, the strategic service branches in all of the major metropolitan areas ensures that HUBTEX Australia are able to offer fast service response times and short distances to the customer – something which is not typical for European manufacturers in Australia. The distribution network with a focus on timber, building materials and glass also benefits from its own spare parts warehouses in all branches. Regular training of Australian service engineers, which takes place annually at the HUBTEX headquarters in Fulda, guarantees Australian customers a quality of service at European level.

Keg Clamp Attachments for UK Brewer Forklift Fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

UK brewer Camerons has equipped its forklift fleet with specialist Keg Clamp attachments from B&B Attachments.

The ongoing growth of the brewery business together with the fast pace of the industry, demands a fast and efficient end of line logistics process. To ensure the supply operations are as safe and productive as possible, it requires a fleet of reliable forklift trucks equipped with specialist Keg Clamp attachments, each capable of handling up to 18 kegs at a time.

The Keg Clamp attachments provided by B&B Attachments were fitted to a fleet of four Jungheinrich trucks. This attachment provides secure clamping of kegs and casks and ensures ease of movement of both full and empty barrels around the yard and production facility. It provides the driver with excellent visibility when approaching the load, whilst also increasing driver confidence and ensuring safe and secure handling on site.

The kegs are securely clamped between the three tines of the attachment. The tines include a special rubber insert to prevent keg slippage, and to secure any slightly smaller rogue kegs which may be included in the overall stack. A vertically adjustable, articulating load stabilising frame, moves downwards and holds the keg stack securely in place. The Keg Clamp standard features include; low profile, fast moving keg pack stabilisers, with long lasting rubber pad, wear indicators on tines, and end of stroke cushioning on side shift movement.

Richard Forster, Logistics Manager at Camerons Brewery comments, “Camerons long standing relationship with B&B Attachments spans 11 years. They are a trusted supplier, and the keg clamps provided are the most effective solution for improving productivity when it comes to our product handling.”

This specialist keg handling attachment is available through B&B Attachments. B&B prides itself on providing efficient handling solutions for all industry sectors, including brewing, construction, paper handling and logistics. Contact B&B Attachments by e-mailing in**@**************ts.com

Better Equipment Safety Promised by New Pallet Truck Tag

Posted on by David Priestman

With the new Pallet Truck Tag and Powered Pallet Truck Tag, Brady Corporation claims that companies can increase legal compliance, support better pallet truck checks and share inspection results on the equipment itself to improve pallet truck safety.

Increased legal compliance

Article 5 from EU Directive 2009/104 / EC states that equipment, which includes pallet trucks, should be reviewed regularly by an authorised person and that these reviews should be recorded in writing and archived. Brady’s Pallet Truck Tag and Powered Pallet Truck Tag make compliance with the directive a lot easier, claims the company, because they can be attached to pallet trucks for easy inspection and because they can store respectively up to 21 or 31 inspection results and inspector signatures on a removable insert.

Best practice equipment checks

On the reverse of each tag, an easy-to-follow operator checklist is included based on best practices to support quality equipment checks in order to achieve best-in-class equipment safety. Separate best practice checklists are available for pallet trucks and powered pallet trucks.

Visible on the equipment itself

Both the Pallet Truck Tag and Powered Pallet Truck Tag holders can easily be fixed to pallet trucks with a cable tie or adhesive. This enables all relevant workers to see the latest equipment inspection status on the equipment itself. A signature from an authorised inspector will confirm the equipment was deemed safe to use after inspection. If the pallet truck did not pass inspection, authorised inspectors can remove the insert, leaving a clear ‘do not use’ message on the holder, informing coworkers they should use one of the other pallet trucks deemed safe to use. Both the Pallet Truck Tag and Powered Pallet Truck Tag can be supplied in a variety of languages.

 

Case Study: Mitsubishi EDiA Electric Forklift On a Roll

Posted on by David Priestman

A fleet of Mitsubishi EDiA electric forklift trucks has been selected by Essential Supply Products Ltd (ESP) as part of the company’s commitment to greener initiatives.

Based in Worcestershire, ESP is the UK’s leading independent manufacturer and supplier of disposable tissue products. The company has taken delivery of a fleet comprising a combination of eight new and used machines specified and delivered by local Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks dealer HFT Forklifts.

Tough and reliable

Rob Smith, Head of Purchasing at ESP, explains: “We produce in excess of 200,000 cases of finished product a month. To do this we have trucks running throughout 8-hour shifts 24 hours a day so it’s a demanding application.

“The trucks operating in our production area are required to move large reels of paper which can be up to 2.7m long with diameters of up to 1.5m. These are then stacked on top of one another, so the overall lift height is in excess of 3m. Trucks need to be tough to do that continuously throughout a shift.”

Forklifts are also employed in the warehouse on ESP’s site.

Killian Bartlett, Warehouse Manager at ESP says: “In the past we used LPG models but were aware of issues with emissions and the smell of gas when working indoors, so required an alternative that would do the job whilst benefitting the environment as well as our workforce.”

HFT Forklifts worked with ESP to find the trucks best suited at the site and the different applications, taking into account the large complex loads and operational needs.

“The warehouse has totally different demands to the production side,” continues Killian Bartlett. “We were able to discuss our requirements with HFT and felt confident to take on board their recommendations.”

HFT Forklifts Sales Manager Rob Perry says: “The Mitsubishi EDiA is ideally suited to ESP’s requirements. Because they are battery-powered electric trucks that immediately overcomes any concerns about emissions. ESP will also benefit from significant savings on fuel costs throughout the contract because it is cheaper for them to run this electric fleet compared to their old LP gas trucks.”

However, aware that the change of motive power would mean a different way of working, HFT arranged a visit to the premises of a nearby customer where the EDiA’s capabilities could be showcased in a working environment.

“We were able to see the electric trucks in action, review how they operated and look at the charging area. It made a great impression,” said Rob Smith.

Flexibility and variety

Based on that experience ESP ordered three new Mitsubishi EDiA EX 3-tonne 4-wheel FB30N counterbalance trucks. Two were fitted with ESP’s own paper roll clamps, while the third was supplied with a Bolzoni turn-a-fork clamp for bailing and use in production.

In addition, HFT supplied two new Mitsubishi EDiA EM 1.6 tonne 3-wheel FB16ANT forklifts, and three used Mitsubishi FB16PNT 3-wheel forklifts.

All trucks were fitted with new lead acid batteries, a battery filling system, and 8-hour, 3-phase chargers.

“Flexibility is key for us,” said Rob Smith. “Having an EDiA forklift with the turn-a-fork clamp means we now have one truck that does multiple jobs, whereas before we had two trucks doing the same task. Overall, we have gone from a fleet of 11 trucks down to 8.”

Across the site, ESP is using the trucks for a variety of tasks, including removing paper reels from the back of trailers, unloading containers of materials arriving from around the world, and stacking pallets of finished products.

Rob Perry said: “EDiA is a tough forklift capable of performing the high lifts required by ESP, whilst being compact enough to remain agile when moving around racking and stock. It has 360° steering which means it stays in constant motion through turns and really comes into its own in tight spaces.”

To support operators, EDiA electric forklifts are equipped with a Sensitive Drive System (SDS), Passive Sway Control and highly responsive steering to ensure smooth movement and maximum control. Operators also have a clear view of forks and loads due to an optimised mast and dashboard design.

Positive change

To date the trucks have made a really positive impact at ESP, and the team has been in regular contact with HFT.

According to Rob Smith: “We have had excellent feedback from the operators. The EDiA trucks are proving very responsive and intuitive to operate and have great manoeuvrability around the site. Importantly, if we have any questions we know we can contact HFT and they’ll always get back to us with the answers we need. They have provided great service support.”

Rob Perry added: “ESP use bulky and heavy loads across quite a large site over long shifts. But EDiA is designed to maximise battery power and provide consistent, energy-efficient performance. It’s good for operations and the environment. What’s more, we’ve succeeded in reducing the size of their fleet as well as their carbon footprint.”

Rob Smith concluded: “It has definitely been beneficial to switch to electric. We have noticed how much quieter the EDiA trucks are and there is no smell of gas anymore. The key thing for us was to make sure that the trucks were going to do what we needed them to do. So far the Mitsubishi forklifts are meeting all expectations.”

DP World Boosts Investments in Ports and Terminals

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Global ports operator DP World and institutional investor Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), are boosting their ports and terminals investment through a new commitment of US$4.5 billion (CA$6 billion), that will increase the total size of the platform to US$8.2 billion (CA$ 10.6 billion). DP World holds 55% share of the platform, and CDPQ the remaining 45%.

Since its launch in December 2016, the platform has invested in 10 port terminals globally and across various stages of the asset life cycle. The enhanced platform will continue to target assets globally, but with an increased scope to broaden its footprint in existing geographies, as well as new regions such as Europe and Asia Pacific. The investment platform will pursue its deployment and diversification objectives by expanding across a wider part of the integrated marine supply chain, such as logistics services linked to terminals.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: “The partnership between DP World and CDPQ has been very successful, and we have benefited from each other’s expertise. The opportunity for the port and logistics industry is significant and the outlook remains positive as consumer demand triggers major shifts across the global supply chain. Best-in-class, well connected ports and efficient supply chains will continue to play an active role in advancing global trade and cultivating the business environments closest to their operations. Alongside CDPQ, a steadfast partner whose long-term vision we share, we look forward to working together on new investments that will connect key international trade locations worldwide.”

Exide Launches Marathon FTX Battery for Telecom and Electric Utility Applications

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Exide Technologies (www.exide.com) is expanding its product offer with the new GNB Marathon FTX range.
The advanced AGM batteries are ideal for telecom and electric utility applications in good-grid environments, and offer exceptional reliability and performance at high temperatures. With its unique features, Marathon FTX is ideally suited to support 5G and progressive network densification.

Performs at high temperature
Marathon FTX has an extended service life at extreme operating temperatures (-40°C to 55°C), allowing businesses to reduce air conditioning costs. Its special diamond sidewall design maintains battery integrity in extreme temperatures, ensuring that all internal components remain tightly packed with no degradation in performance.
Otherwise, plastic components soften when exposed to heat, which weakens the contact between the plates and separator.

Marathon FTX has a long design life of 15 years under standard conditions, made possible by its optimised, high-corrosion resistance alloy. Even standard AGM batteries with their internal electrochemical recombination process lose a significant amount of water over time under high operating temperatures. MICROCAT® Catalyst reduces float current and minimises water loss by recombining the hydrogen and oxygen chemically back into water, further increasing the
battery lifespan. This enables an exceptional service life of 5 years at 40°C.

Reduced total cost of ownership
Thanks to Marathon FTX’s excellent energy density less batteries are needed, which ensures efficient use of space. Its tolerance for high temperatures saves on air conditioning costs, while front-terminal access enables faster installation and maintenance. The result is a battery with exceptionally low total cost of ownership. It offers excellent float operation, and is ideally suited to the telecom and electric utility markets.

“Network densification is a major topic in the telecom industry, as network operators find ways to meet the ever-increasing demands of 5G. Managing both capital and operating expenditure is a major focus for network operators in this environment, and the Marathon FTX is specially designed to reduce cooling costs and minimise total cost of ownership,” said Serge Arbes, Senior Business Director NP EMEA at Exide.

Customers can choose between two options depending on their capacity requirements: M12V155FTX and M12V180FTX. The battery provides excellent performance across a range of environments, including hot locations with good grid access and installations with restricted cooling capabilities.

Industry View: Automated Tugger Trains Boost Ergonomics, Efficiency and Value

Posted on by David Priestman

STILL experts explain the benefits of the tugger train system:

Across all industries, companies are faced with the growing challenge of using resources in an optimised, profitable and sustainable way in order to survive in dynamic market environments. A question that often arises, especially in logistics contexts, is “Man or machine?” Forklift-free production logistics using automated tugger train systems is a clear example of how the one does not exclude the other. On the contrary, synergies between the two components ensure high efficiency while creating value and promoting the employees’ health. With more than 100 years of experience in designing and implementing intelligent intralogistics solutions, STILL is a competent, innovative partner when it comes to optimising production logistics and using automated processes to successfully shape the future.

Among experts in Europe and Germany, the concept of the tugger train system has stood for lean processes and synchronised intralogistics since the turn of the millennium. The way it works goes back to the milk run principle already used to supply foodstuffs in the USA in the 1960s. Just like the milkman doing his round every morning, exchanging empty containers for full ones, production plants are supplied with materials in a timely, needs-based way by tugger trucks. The supply of materials or onward transport of sub-products takes place in the same train.

The tugger train system is a systematic further development of this idea. The use of trolleys which are pushed into frames towed by a tugger truck allows for a fast and flexible supply of entire production lines, just-in-time or just-in-sequence. Perfect interaction between trolley and frame is an essential key to success in this respect. In addition to the efficient, reliable supply and removal of process materials, companies also profit in terms of increased productivity, cost optimisation and production individuality. Also, a cyclically synchronised supply via an unchanging route also ensures safety, smooth in-house traffic and ergonomic working conditions.

Train by train: From storage sheds in the port of Hamburg to the automotive innovation sector
More than a decade of experience in developing and implementing innovative tugger train systems, and more than seventy years of competence in the development of powerful electric trucks make STILL a competent system supplier of tugger trains. In 2008, STILL once again lived up to its reputation as a pioneer of the intralogistics sector: together with the automotive manufacturer BMW, the Hamburg company developed the STILL LiftRunner tugger train, thereby paving the way in Germany for forklift-free production line supply based on innovative lean principles. The STILL LiftRunner has been the benchmark for tugger train systems right up to the present day, and the basis of all further developments in the past 10 years.

Just how early STILL recognised and implemented the concept of tugger trucks and forklift-free logistics processes is shown by the development of the EK 2000 electric cart as early as 1946 and the introduction of the Muli-Mobil three-wheel tractor only a few years later. The Muli-Mobil was already pulling up to ten trailers through the port of Hamburg during the years of the German economic boom after the Second World War. This makes the STILL LiftRunner with its innovative frames and trolleys and the patented transport and removal system the conceptual and technological advancement of one of the first successful products in what is today’s 100-year company history of STILL.

Towing automatically: Tugger train systems as driving forces of automation
The digital revolution – especially in online retailing – is leading to a dynamisation of production and supply chains across all sectors. Driverless transport systems are an efficient option to meet the needs of flexibility, individualisation and process safety: in particular, partly or fully-automated tugger trains, supported by state-of-the-art navigation and control technologies, are taking over the task of supplying production plants and load handling. The benefits are obvious. Flexible, perfectly synchronised production supply, optimised materials stocks, minimised errors and accidents, and the needs-based deployment of personnel are only a few of the advantages.

Many STILL customers have been using these opportunities for a long time – and together with STILL’s intralogistics consultants they have changed their production supply methods to tugger train systems. 100 years of intralogistics experience coupled with soundly based technological know-how and in-house intralogistics consultancy make STILL the perfect partner for logistics automation processes. This is also confirmed by external experts: in 2019, the company received the coveted IFOY award in the “AGV & Intralogistics Robot” category for the STILL LiftRunner with automated loading and unloading and for the LTX 50 electric truck.

Man and machine in ergonomic interaction
Qualified, healthy and motivated skilled personnel are one of the most important resources of successful companies even in the age of automation. The example of the automated tugger train system clearly shows that automation is not the same as economising on jobs. Of course automation is an entrepreneurial instrument to counteract challenges such as the shortage of specialist staff, rising wage costs and a high pressure to achieve flexibility, but it is much more than that. It also means making the best possible use of technological and human resources and exploiting synergies. When intelligent machines in production ensure safety and reliable processes and also take on physically heavy, repetitive work, productivity and efficiency increase. At the same time, employees benefit from improved working conditions and health protection as well as more freedom for creative and responsible tasks thanks to automation. For example, a single employee is able to undertake the logistical responsibility for an entire production line instead of merely for a single production step.

New Midlands Logistics Operations Centre “To Deliver Local and Global Benefits”

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As calls grow for the UK to ‘build back better’ post-pandemic, Prologis, the leading owner and developer of logistics parks in the UK, has claimed that the new logistics operations centre (LOC), currently being developed for Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull, will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits, both locally and globally. These benefits are being provided as part of the property company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and social value, it says.

The 50-acre site, upon which the new LOC is being built, lies adjacent to Jaguar Land Rover’s manufacturing plant in Lode Lane, close to Solihull town centre. Work got underway to construct the new centre in January this year, with a view to its completion in March 2021.

Prologis, whose UK Head Office has been based in Solihull for over 20 years, has a longstanding and enduring commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles and annually reports its progress against a number of UN Sustainable Development Goals, including ‘climate action’, ‘industry innovation and infrastructure’, and ‘decent work and economic growth’. The property company was also the first in the UK to require its entire supply chain to sign-up to a Social Value Charter, which requires them to source goods and labour locally where possible, provide job opportunities for those furthest from the job market, and commit to being a force for good in the local community.

The LOC will protect 1,425 acres of rainforest in Peru, thanks to a 12-year partnership between Prologis and climate change charity, Cool Earth. To enable this, the LOC will have its whole-life carbon emissions measured by The Planet Mark. Prologis has been working with The Planet Mark to measure, reduce and mitigate carbon emissions associated with its logistics buildings for the past 12 years. The carbon footprint of the LOC building, including embodied carbon (produced during construction) and operational carbon (produced during the operation of the building over a 30 year period ) will be compared to a baseline to identify reductions achieved through good design and construction practices. Prologis will then mitigate 500% of associated carbon emissions by protecting an area of rainforest over 30 times greater than the built area of the LOC building. Not only does this help to displace the activity of logging companies and reduce carbon emissions, it also protects countless flora and fauna, and improves the lives of the people who call the rainforest their home, helping them to build more resilient, sustainable communities.

The new 91,800 m2 centre will be used to manage inventory for the Solihull plant, as part of the manufacturer’s commitment to securing sustainable growth by maximising operational efficiency aligned with its Destination Zero mission.

Jaguar Land Rover and Prologis are also aiming to ensure the local community feels the benefit of this investment for many years to come. Delivered as part of Prologis’ Social Value Charter, a new support initiative for low-income households in the borough is providing employment-related support to individuals who are looking for work.  Meanwhile, construction contractor, Winvic, is also looking to source labour and material locally, and, where possible, provide apprenticeships and work experience for local people, as well as undertaking charitable work within the Borough.

 

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