November 2020

Diomaster Floorblock Labelling Solution Released

Posted on 16 November, 202029 July, 2025 by David Priestman

inotec UK, has expanded its warehouse identification range with its new Diomaster 250 PC Floorblock TRANS HUW (Diomaster Floorblock) labelling solution. Developed by inotec in France and now available in the UK, the protective Diomaster Floorblock labelling system is ideal for warehouses which print their own labels on-site.

inotec specialises in warehouse solutions, barcode security and RFID labelling.

The Diomaster labelling solution is a high-quality blank polycarbonate label cover protecting self-made labels which are fixed to the floor within a solid cast aluminium frame (Floorblock).

Logistics facilities which handle frequently changing stock items and stock layouts, often face the issue of own-printed labels not being sufficiently durable. The Diomaster label solution allows users to place their printed labels inside a 2-3 millimetre recess within the aluminium Floorblock which is screwed to the floor.

The polycarbonate Diomaster cover sits on the top of the label and adds extra protection from foot and truck traffic in the warehouse, as well as potential daily wear and tear. This ensures complete protection for the efficient readability of labels. Not only can the label under the Diomaster cover be easily replaced as and when required but also, the Floorblock unit can be easily unscrewed and repositioned.

David Stocker, sales director at inotec UK comments: “The Diomaster Floorblock solution is a great addition to our warehouse labelling product range. The combination of the label cover with the aluminium label holder creates a robust system for warehouse identification marking – even when printing your own labels on-site.

“Damaged or unreadable labels cause operational delays which can have significant financial implications. If labels can’t be scanned or locations found, it can cause serious disruption in the supply chain. The Diomaster labelling solution prevents this to ensure warehousing identification performs at an optimum level. We are now able to offer this cost-effective and long-lasting labelling solution to all our UK customers.”

For more innovations in the logistics sector you can browse the latest issue of Logistics Business here

Logistics Management Mentoring

Posted on 13 November, 2020 by David Priestman

UK third-party logistics provider Johnston Logistics have launched an in-house management mentoring programme to help recently upskilled supervisors get the best from formal training. As members of their team recently completed ILM qualifications in Leadership and Management, the Norfolk-based logistics experts have sought to embed their new skills in day-to-day operations with support of their experienced colleagues.

“The mentoring programme is designed to support our team leaders. Our aim is to build strong foundations and impart key management skills so we continue to lead our team to deliver the very best for our colleagues and clients” says Jane Bull, Head of Business Support at Johnston Logistics UK. We know the importance of a great working relationship between every colleague and their line manager. It’s a powerful influence on morale and our overall company culture”.

Available to all those in a supervisory role, the mentoring programme includes coaching from senior managers on a variety of management techniques, including identifying the best solutions for many situations. Amongst the first-line managers to benefit from the programme is Rob Sweet who has subsequently been promoted from Supervisor to Manager of the Operational Support Team.

Sweet Jane

Sweet said, “Jane’s mentoring has really helped me understand the importance in treating everyone equally but respecting the different ways they are motivated. It helps me get the best from others and myself. I really feel supported to become the best manager I can and build a strong team around me.”

As well as one-on-one time working through real life scenarios together, Bull also observed Sweet leading team meetings including the induction and coordination of agency workers. With some supervisors recently completing Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications supported by the firm, the programme also been designed to help apply what they have learnt. The qualification aims to deliver effective and confident first-line managers, able to build better relationships and communication in teams.

The mentoring is intended to compliment other company policies by ensuring a consistent approach throughout the business. It also includes practical guidance on areas such as managing individual development plans on the recently upgraded HR system. As part of the initiative, the logistics firm have also revised their Employee Handbook and updated Employee Contracts to support their new Good Work Plan. This was introduced following their 2019 staff survey and includes enhanced employee benefits to reward the team for their hard work.

The 2020 staff survey reported that 83% of the team felt that the business supported them well in training, support and leadership; as well as their overall well-being.

Bull concludes, “We are really encouraged by the positive response to the programme. There has been a noticeable change in the team, generating even more positivity. A company is only as good as its employees, so we will continue to identify valuable ways to invest in our great team.”

From their 700,000 square-feet operation, Johnston Logistics UK deliver warehousing, logistics and fulfilment services for businesses throughout the UK, including major retailers, leading brands and manufacturers. The management mentoring plan is one of various investments being made by the company in their team as they continue to report positive growth.

Logistics Management Mentoring

Posted on 13 November, 202031 July, 2025 by Keith McKinley

Sweet Jane

The 2020 staff survey reported that 83% of the team felt that the business supported them well in training, support and leadership; as well as their overall well-being.

Logistics Property a Major Contribution to UK economy, Report Reveals

Posted on 13 November, 202031 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Activities taking place inside logistics buildings owned and managed by Prologis in the UK are making a major contribution to the UK economy, according to a report compiled by independent advisory firm, Oxford Economics.

The study’s economic impact model found that activities carried out by customers operating across the entire Prologis UK portfolio, which includes 22 Prologis Parks in the Midlands, South East and London, make a significant contribution to the national economy, with goods flowing through the buildings equivalent to approximately 2.6% of UK GDP¹.

The study is the second to be conducted by Oxford Economics – the first being published in 2017. This year, as well as providing UK-specific data, the report provides an interesting snapshot of the growth of Prologis’ global estate, which today spans 19 countries and covers almost 1 billion sq. ft. In 2017, the company’s global estate covered 684 million sq. ft. The ‘Future Flow of Goods’ study also reveals that customers operating within Prologis warehouses in the UK employ 32,500 direct employees².

Robin Woodbridge, head of capital deployment at Prologis UK, said: “This global study confirms the importance of the logistics sector to economies around the world, not least here in the UK, where the value of goods flowing through the buildings on our industrial parks have an estimated economic value equivalent to 2.6% of UK GDP.

“The study also comes at a critical time, with the volume of goods ordered online in the UK increasing significantly during the pandemic, pushing demand for logistics services to unprecedented levels. Based on the demand we are currently seeing for warehouse and other distribution facilities; we expect the economic contribution of our estate and its activities to continue to increase.”

A separate study published by the Centre for Retail Research has revealed that online retail sales in the UK are higher than in any country in Continental Europe. The study estimates that total online retail sales in the UK will rise to £99.3 billion in 2020, up from £76 billion last year. It also estimates that while some contraction is expected in 2022, online retail sales in the UK will remain high.

Robin Woodbridge said: “There has been a seismic shift in the nation’s shopping habits during the pandemic and many experts believe that things are unlikely to return to pre-COVID levels. This has led to a spike in demand for logistics space. To avoid a shortfall in the future, we’re already working hard to identify land and property suitable for conversion or development in the areas where it is most needed, for example, areas earmarked for industrial logistics development in London.”

Prologis’ estate in the UK covers more than 26 million sq. ft. Many of its buildings are purpose-built to meet customers’ needs and are leased to SME’S or large household names such as Tesco, Sainsburys and Amazon. Among its key industrial property assets is the UK’s premier rail-connected logistics park at Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT).

Prologis appointed Gavin Quinn earlier this month to strengthen its London market.

¹ Based on 2019 data, as per the Oxford Economics report.

² The study defines ‘direct employees’ as jobs and activities that are directly attributable to Prologis warehouses.

New 155,000sq.ft Warehouse Lease at G-Park

Posted on 13 November, 2020 by Keith McKinley

GLP, a leading investor and developer of logistics warehouses and distribution parks, today announces that it has leased a 155,000 SQ FT unit, Unit 3, at its G-Park Northampton (UK) site, to Whistl on long-term lease.

Whistl is a delivery management company and the development at G-Park Northampton will serve to support Whistl’s continued growth in the ecommerce fulfilment markets. This letting is the second major lease between GLP and Whistl following the construction and lease of a 233,000 SQ FT development at G-Park Bedford in September 2019. G-Park Northampton is situated in a prime location benefiting from its proximity to both the M1 and M6 and is within easy reach of the A45 & A14. This puts 90% of the population of England and Wales within a four-hour HGV drive time.

G-Park Northampton is a much sought after location for logistics located within Moulton Park and comprises three units and one build-to-suit logistics warehouse, with sizing ranging from 50,000 to 155,000 SQ FT. Grade ‘A’ rated, the highly specified buildings have achieved BREEAM Very Good rating and are suitable for a range of occupiers including last mile logistics, 3PLs, retail/FMCG and manufacturers.

In August this year, GLP announced that it had leased Unit 2 at G-Park Northampton, a 90,000 sq ft unit, to SF Express. SF Express is a global customer of GLP and the lease marked its first UK Distribution Centre outside of China. Moulton Park is one of the most successful industrial estates in Northamptonshire and is already home to a range of regional and national businesses. Occupiers continue to be attracted by the areas’ transport links, access to national markets and skilled workforce.

Joe Garwood, Development Director at GLP UK, said: “Having worked closely in partnership with Whistl to deliver their new state-of-the-art, built-to-suit super depot at G-Park Bedford last year, we are delighted to be working together once again as part of Whistl’s ongoing growth. G-Park Northampton is a standout development sitting in one of the best locations for logistics in the UK, providing access to 90% of the population in a four-hour drive. In addition, the development has a range of leading sustainability features which is a critical factor for our customers. We look forward to continuing to work with Whistl as it expands its operations across the UK.”

Gareth Hughes, Procurement and Property Director, Whistl, said: “This is the second time we have worked with GLP who have been able to support us with our expansion plans. The team has been agile and efficient during the development process and we look forward to our Northampton depot coming online to meet the demands of our fulfilment services.”

Port of Amsterdam Set for New Rail System

Posted on 13 November, 2020 by David Priestman

The Port of Amsterdam has announced the construction of a new railway line. The port will be working with GPS Grou p, a storage and logistics provider, and VARO Energy a downstream energy company active in North West Europe.

This investment is the next step in GPS’s strategic partnership with VARO. VARO, on the other hand, will support GPS in maximising opportunities across its markets and will continue to play a vital role in the logistics provider’s ambitious expansion plans.

The new railway line and ethanol storage tanks are set to connect to 17 Class 1 tanks in the Port of Amsterdam, the world’s largest trading and blending hub for gasoline and its components. The Port of Amsterdam, which GPS has worked closely with in the developments of its plan, is a partner and important supporter of the project, which is a great fit with its own strategic objectives relating to sustainability improvements.

The new development will expand and secure GPS’ future at the Port of Amsterdam site and will provide a more environmentally friendly alternative mode of transport. In addition, this new logistics option will provide greater flexibility to the supply chain of VARO and an important transport alternative to respond to variations of the Rhine’s water levels. The project constitutes an important upgrade to the port infrastructure that will see the storage and blending facilities of GPS connect with the main railway system of The Netherlands and Europe.

The new infrastructure is the latest development in GPS’ ambitious plans at the Port to continue to grow its facilities at the site and boost value added services. Last year the business expanded its Class 1 certified storage capacity from 148,500 m3 to 282,500 m3, allowing it to scale up its capabilities and fulfil growing demand for its services. The latest phase sees the new state-of-the-art facility upgraded once again to just under 300,000 m3 storage with the addition of the railway line aiming to support growing production needs especially for biofuels and gasses. The expansion is partly being financed through increased debt following a successful refinancing by GPS Amsterdam. The increased debt has been provided by existing lender NIBC and new lender Hamburg Commercial Bank AG.

Eric Arnold, CEO at GPS, says: “This is an important investment that will open up a whole range of new possibilities to support both our client’s and our own further expansion plans, especially in the important focus area of ESG, where we aim to continue to identify more environmentally friendly logistics alternatives for our clients and sustainable business cases in growth segments such as biofuels and gases.”

“It is the second expansion investment in our Amsterdam terminal in under a year and represents our commitment to unlocking the full potential of the site with truly world-class assets that help our clients thrive in a changing environment. VARO and the Port of Amsterdam are important partners in this project and in our future growth plans.”

Roger Brown, CEO of VARO Energy, comments: “This is yet another important step forward in our strategic partnership with GPS, which I believe shows the commitment from both sides to the success of the Amsterdam Terminal both today and for many years into the future. VARO already plays an important role in delivering renewable biofuels to its customers across Europe. This expansion of the Amsterdam terminal facilities significantly increases our ability to blend and distribute such renewable fuels in line with VARO’s overall growth strategy in this sector.”

Port of Amsterdam Set for New Rail System

Posted on 13 November, 2020 by Keith McKinley

The benefits of pallet wrap and pallet wrap systems

Posted on 12 November, 2020 by Keith McKinley

Often the hub of many businesses, warehouses commonly see an increase in activity at this time of year. To support operations, Kite Packaging takes a brief look at some of the benefits of pallet wrap and pallet wrap systems and remind businesses of the importance of applying and using pallet wrap correctly. Not only do Kite have a vast range of solutions, they also have specialist pallet wrap engineers that are on hand to offer support and advice and have access to manual pull plate tests, electronic force/puncture tests and technology lab testing.

Some key benefits of using pallet wrap and pallet wrap systems

Secure palletised products during transit
Protection from dust, dirt, and moisture
Prevent damage to goods
Improving pallet stability
Reduce the risk of injury
Increase efficiency and speed
Reduce waste
Save money
Support towards best practice and quality
Prevent accidents during transportation and storage

Kite Packaging has released a number of new innovations this year, including a new protective face visor for the NHS which took a week to devise, design and supply 10,000 units to the NHS, and insulated box liners to its thermal range.

3PLs: Don’t get Behind in e-fulfillment Race

Posted on 12 November, 202029 July, 2025 by David Priestman

If 3PLs want to win online fulfillment business they must be able to demonstrate that they have the IT infrastructure in place to respond to the demands of e-commerce retailers – and their customers, says Utordo director, Richard Davies.

The spectacular growth of internet shopping coupled with a sharp dip in demand for deliveries of replenishment stock to high street stores during the Covid crisis, has prompted many traditional logistics and transport companies to adapt their business models to allow them to compete in the increasingly crowded online fulfillment space.

However, if third party logistics (3PL) service operators whose focus has always been on the storage and delivery of palletised loads from the warehouse to the high street store, want to be in the running to win fulfillment business they must be able to demonstrate that they are set up to respond to the demands of e-commerce retailers – and their customers.

This might, for instance, require some remodeling of existing storage systems to accommodate more SKUs and pick faces or investment in staff training to ensure workers have the skills they will need to undertake the kind of specialist picking, packing, kitting and re-working tasks that e-fulfillment entails.

But, perhaps most importantly, for an e-fulfillment operation to perform efficiently a logistics company’s warehouse management system (WMS) will have to be adapted to make it capable of integrating with an online retailer client’s webstore as well as any other internet marketplaces through which the retailer trades, such as ebay and Amazon.

Synchronising the 3PL’s WMS with a client’s e-commerce platform makes things easier for the seller and the logistics services supplier by allowing a host of data, such as order status and inventory levels, to be automatically exchanged in real time.

But by no means every e-commerce fulfillment service can offer this level of software sophistication.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the costs involved in upgrading WMS software and concerns over the disruption to operations that ‘re-setting the system’ may bring are the most quoted reasons why 3PLs fail to make their software ‘fulfilment-ready’.

In other words, logistics companies are reluctant to make a high Capital Expenditure commitment to change a working WMS – particularly one that they have already made a significant financial contribution to and have confidence in.

This is probably understandable: after all, a 3PL that has invested a sizable chunk of time and money on the development of a warehouse management system that it believes is the perfect tool for controlling client stock, replenishment orders, staff tasks and materials handling equipment will want to avoid the cost and potential disturbance to the smooth running of day-to-day operations that reconfiguring a WMS can involve.

But now a cloud-based middleware solution has been developed and launched that allows logistics companies to link their WMS to a client’s web-store and any other online marketplaces where they are visible, simply and cost effectively.

The new system is called Utordo. Sitting between the retailer’s website and any other marketplaces and a 3PL’s WMS, Utordo converts and standardises order information and exports data relating to each order to the WMS using secure flat file, XMS or API formats.

This process allows a 3PL’s retailer client’s orders to appear on the host warehouse management system the instant an order is received and, in doing so, effectively upgrades an existing WMS to deliver the functionality needed to provide reliable and efficient order fulfillment capability.

Compatible with all well-known WMS brands, Utordo also handles order communications with the online seller’s customers and updates the retailer’s web-store and other marketplaces with tracking and order details in real time.

Utordo technology is offered as a SaaS (Software as a Service) package with a minimum 12-month contract agreement. This means that the full Utordo package is, in effect, ‘hired’ for a pre-agreed monthly fee.

With Utordo 3PLs can dramatically improve the levels of service that they offer to their existing internet retail clients, while logistics operators that are new to online order fulfillment can tender for internet retail accounts knowing that they have a system in place that delivers all the data they need to be able to offer a reliable, first-class e-fulfillment service.

In June of this year the British Retail Consortium announced that internet sales accounted for 50 per cent of the UK retail market and the online retail market will only continue to grow. Those logistics companies that are not equipped with the skills and technology required to provide the services needed by today’s retailers risk being left behind.

3PLs: Don’t get Behind in e-fulfillment Race

Posted on 12 November, 2020 by David Priestman

But by no means every e-commerce fulfillment service can offer this level of software sophistication.

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