Subscribe

Month: February 2021

Smart Logistics Robots to Streamline Logistics Operation

Posted on by David Priestman

Geek+ has been selected by myEnso, a German-based pioneer in online grocery, to upgrade the company’s DC for FMCG with a state-of-the-art goods-to-person robotics solution. Having received governmental support and financing, the robotics-driven e-commerce platform will enable regional producers, startups, as well as well-known brands to connect and serve online shoppers all over Germany.

Jackson Zhang, Vice President of Geek+ Europe, says: “We are excited to see myEnso join our growing European customer base and view the project as the beginning of an extensive cooperation that will enable them to streamline logistics operations and better serve their online customers. Additionally, we can’t wait to see them use our Goods-to-Person solution to boost producers regardless of size with the logistics capabilities needed to compete and shape the future of online grocery shopping in Germany.”

In the first half of 2021, Geek+ will implement a Goods-to-Person solution including 30 autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to myEnso’s DC of 15,000 SKUs. By letting autonomous mobile robots carry racks of ordered goods independently between the storage area and workstation, it enables more efficient and accurate picking and
putaway processes. Similarly, AI and intelligent software will enable myEnso to streamline operations by organizing its inventory according to real-time demand. With automatic self-charging capabilities, and 24/7 automated operations, Geek+ willsupport myEnso to better manage peak periods fluctuating demand.

Norbert Hegmann, CEO of Enso e-Commerce GmbH, says: “When analyzing different solutions, we were impressed with Geek+ long track record of bringing significant improvements to e-commerce players. We look forward to leveraging Geek+ smart robotics systems to improve the efficiency of our online supermarket and better serve our customers with a wider selection of products as well as faster deliveries. By allowing us to flexibly meet fluctuating demand, better handle a wider product mix, and mitigate against widespread labor shortages, it will enable us to, not
only adapt and grow, but through better services, drive actual change.”

General trends indicate that online grocery shopping will continue to grow due to the pandemic having led to stay-at-home living, an increased interest in healthy foods, and cooking-from-scratch; combined with a general interest in brand authenticity and local producers, there is a growing need for online platforms that can connect a wider range of customers and a better selection of products. By implementing Geek+’s smart robotics solutions, myEnso will have an intelligent and scalable solution to meet customer expectations for faster order fulfillment and a more diverse product
offering, shaping the future of Germany’s grocery market.

Robert Mianowski Appointed as Regional Sales & Marketing Director by GEODIS

Posted on by David Priestman

Robert Mianowski has been appointed by GEODIS to strengthen its global sales & marketing team in the NECE (North, East & Central Europe). In his role, Robert will be responsible for the regional development and implementation of GEODIS’ sales and marketing strategy across the region.

Robert Mianowski has 25 years of industry experience acquired while working in various sales and marketing roles and later as managing director of leading transport and logistics companies in Europe.

After studying journalism, political science and business administration, he started his professional career in 1994 at TNT Express. There he held a number of management positions in Central and Eastern Europe, most recently Managing Director at TNT Express Eastern Europe. Before joining GEODIS, Mianowski was Vice President Operations DACH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) at FedEx Express.

In his role at GEODIS and based in Frankfurt, he will report to Thomas Kraus, GEODIS President & CEO North, East and Central Europe, who welcomes his appointment: “I am delighted that in Robert Mianowski we have been able to gain another very experienced industry expert to augment our team. The NECE region requires country-specific and holistic customer solutions due to the varying demands of individual companies and markets within it. With Robert’s considerable experience his support will enhance our abilities to design these solutions”.

A few months ago Geodis announced the appointment of Mike Honius as new President & CEO Americas.

New Conveying System Project for BEUMER

Posted on by David Priestman

Lafarge Zementwerke GmbH in Mannersdorf, Austria, has commissioned BEUMER Group to install a conveying system for alternative fuels and raw materials.

For an economical and sustainable operation, the Austrian plant Mannersdorfof Lafarge Zementwerke GmbH relies on plastic waste as an alternative fuel and raw material. When the old conveying system was irreparably damaged after a fire in June 2020, the owner commissioned BEUMER Group to supply a new and more powerful system. The order includes two Pipe Conveyors, which convey the material. The first conveyor has a diameter of 200 millimetres and a length of 87 metres. Its conveying capacity amounts to ten tons per hour. The second Pipe Conveyor is 192 metres long, has a diameter of 250 millimetres and a conveying capacity of 22 tons per hour. The lifting heights amount to approx. 39 metres and the maximum angle of inclination is 15 degrees. There are also three buffer bins and a weigh feeder. In addition to the delivery and installation, the BEUMER team also handles engineering and commissioning.
 
“As a team, we were able to convince the persons responsible of our solution,” says Andrea Prevedello, CEO of BEUMER Group Austria, satisfied. The proposed design of both Pipe Conveyors is developed and planned with foresight, so that the systems can be expanded as required and their conveying capacities increased without great effort. Lafarge Zementwerke GmbH has been working successfully with the system provider for years. The commissioning is scheduled for mid-April 2021.

e-Customs Solution helps Post-Brexit Challenges

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The E-Customs Solution by Descartes Systems Group has helped Personal Freight Services to grow its business post-Brexit.

Operating out of Dublin, freight industry leader, Personal Freight Services Ltd serves the UK, Europe, Australasia, The USA and Canada. With a customer-driven approach to business based on years of collective experience in transport, warehousing, and customs, combined with the deployment of Descartes’ e-Customs solution, it was equipped with the necessary expertise and tools ahead of time to successfully nurture its customers through the Brexit transition period without disruption and has attracted new clients.

Cian Hore, Director of Personal Freight Services Ltd comments: “Brexit has undoubtedly presented many challenges across the freight industry, but we were committed to delivering unrivalled support to our customers. That meant planning, undergoing training and implementing the Descartes software eighteen months ago to ensure we were prepared to cope with the phenomenal increase in complex customs declarations.

“With the support of the Descartes team, we’re now confidently able to navigate the complex customs procedures. We’re taking calls every day from customers and prospects to provide assistance and expert guidance to those who are not yet prepared. As a result of being correctly prepared for Brexit, and our commitment to prioritising our clients, we’ve seen our business grow.”

Pol Sweeney, VP Sales and Business Manager UK for Descartes adds: “Personal Freight Services Ltd is an exemplary business for not just surviving but thriving during such turbulent times. It has been a pleasure to support this customer-centric firm with our e-Customs solution along with expert training from our team. This highlights the importance of being Brexit-ready – for those organisations not yet prepared, there is still an opportunity to take action now, and avoid further business disruption.”

Excessive Packaging? E-Commerce Needs to Think Outside the Box

Posted on by David Priestman

The pandemic has propelled ecommerce to new heights, making online retailers’ use of oversized, wasteful and excessive packaging unsustainable. By Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager for packaging solutions at Quadient.

It is said that on average every man, woman and child in the UK receives 140 parcels a year. That figure is likely to have risen dramatically over the pandemic, as the UK Office for National Statistics reports internet purchases rising to 31.3% of total retail sales in December 2020.

However, surveys consistently find that up to 40% of consumers believe online deliveries often arrive in boxes way too big for the items they contain, while a ‘Which?’ survey reports 48% of customers agree that “excessive packaging is one of the most annoying things about online shopping”.

Sustainability is a growing consumer concern. The same surveys show that many customers feel more positively about brands that are trying to reduce unnecessary packaging. At least the cardboard is seen to be recyclable – not so the bubble wrap and the polystyrene beads. Particularly baffling to consumers is when voids in the box are filled by even more cardboard boxes!

Excessive packaging is not just an annoyance to consumers. Without adequate dunnage in the voids, goods can be damaged in transit, and boxes become more susceptible to crush damage. Oversized boxes create unbalanced loads, causing back problems for warehouse and delivery staff, even when the overall weight of the package is quite low. Oversize boxes also waste transport space and delivery vehicles invariably ‘max out’ on volume long before they reach weight limits. Shipping empty space simply doesn’t make sense – it’s wasteful both environmentally and financially.

Society also pays. Companies that generate significant amounts of packaging are subject to Packaging Recycling Obligations (PRO), which means they either take their packaging back for recycling, or pay a fee in lieu. This raises £73 million a year in support of recycling efforts, but English local authorities estimate the cost to them of handling cardboard packaging is more like £700 million and rising: the Smithers PIRA consultancy predicts ecommerce packaging use to increase by 14.3% per annum over 2017-2022.

So how do you reduce the waste associated with oversized packages. The technology now exists to create fit-to-size boxes for every consignment while improving throughput at packing stations and dramatically reducing a range of costs.

The CVP Impack autopacker from Quadient sizes (using 3D scanning), constructs, tapes, weighs and labels each individual order – whether of individual or multiple items. With a cycle time as short as seven seconds a single operator can do the work of up to ten packing stations – constructing up to 500 packages per hour. For enterprise-level volumes the CVP Everest can create up to 1,100 boxes per hour.

Typically, these machines offer a 20% saving in the use of cardboard and a complete elimination of void filling materials. Reductions in shipped volumes of up to 50% have been achieved. Packing errors are also reduced through check-weighing, invoices/returns labels automatically generated and included, and labelling can be integrated with automated carrier rate-shopping software.

So a packing line can achieve higher and more accurate throughput with fewer staff, major savings on packaging material costs, lower transport volume requirements, a minimised exposure to recycling obligation payments, lower consumer anxiety and a positive message on sustainability.

Fit-to-size packaging technology is transforming ecommerce packing performance. For more information go to www.packagingbyquadient.com

New Pallet Truck Makes for Easy Goods Delivery

Posted on by David Priestman

Robust, maneuverable, durable and flexible are some of the features of the new electric pedestrian pallet truck from Linde Material Handling. Offering even more convenient operation and enhanced safety functions, it is the ideal helper in loading and unloading trucks, last mile delivery, rapid transport in industrial applications and goods handling in supermarkets and stores.

The areas of application for pallet trucks in this weight class are as varied as the demands placed on them. In particular, they are designed to help operators transport loads quickly and safely – even in limited space. “With the new Linde MT15, we are launching a truck that is simple yet comes with all the important features of the Linde DNA, such as quality, safety, comfort and high performance,” says Toufik Oussou, Senior Product Manager Warehouse Trucks at Linde Material Handling. In order for the pallet truck to be able to maneuver in confined spaces, it has been designed with especially compact dimensions. The chassis length (dimension L2) is 400 millimeters, the overall width (dimension B1) measures 620 millimeters, and the total weight of only 180 kilograms allows the truck to be used in mezzanine floors or on lifting platforms. With a maximum speed of 5 km/h when loaded and 5.5 km/h without load, the truck is significantly faster than most other pallet trucks in its class. Its gradeability is also above the market average: the Linde MT15 achieves 8 percent when loaded and 20 percent when unloaded. A 48-volt lithium-ion battery with a choice of 20 Ah or 30 Ah provides sufficient power for up to three hours of operation. The powerpack can be recharged at any suitable socket by means of the built-in on-board charger. If there is no time for this, users can order an external charger and another battery and swap over via plug-and-play.

Numerous other features of the vehicle serve to improve the personal protection of employees and enable even more ergonomic, comfortable work. To prevent injuries, the pallet truck is equipped with a long, low-mounted tiller that creates a large safety distance between the operator and the vehicle when in motion. Even with the tiller in a vertical position, the truck can be actuated at a low speed thanks to the creep speed function. This is particularly helpful when maneuvering in confined spaces, for example in loading platforms or in narrow production and storage areas.

The tiller head, which has been further developed as well, is also designed to provide a high level of protection and much comfort. A circumferential metal ring protects the driver’s hands, and the switches for the direction of travel, initial lift, creep speed and horn, as well as the safety belly switch, are located centrally for easy access. The deep-drawn chassis prevents foot injuries and damage to the load arms. A multifunctional display provides information on operating hours, maintenance due, battery status and error codes.

Robust drive and load wheels in various designs as well as sturdy bumpers prevent premature wear. The battery management system protects against improper use and thus extends the service life of the accumulator.

Combination of Racking Systems Installed at new Plant

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Emergent Cold, a company that provides distribution solutions to the global cold chain, has relied on the experience of AR Racking, a company specialized in industrial storage solutions at an international level, to equip the warehouses of its new plant built within the Piura Futura Industrial Park, in the city of Piura (Peru).

The facility has three types of warehouses (raw material, dry and finished product) in an area of 6,100 m2 and it aims to respond to the needs of agro-exporters in northern Peru, to store their products before being exported to different markets in America, Europe and Asia.

“Emergent Cold‘s equipment is located on the Peruvian coast, just above the Pacific Ring of Fire, where there is permanent seismic activity. The combination of the optimal systems for this project, AR PAL and AR DRIVE IN, has been made considering seismic factors indicated in the international regulations and in the E 030 RNE Standard for the type of soil where the project is located”, details Juan Carlos Rojas, AR Racking’s General Manager in Peru.

Several warehouses equipped

In the finished product warehouse -which is managed at a controlled temperature of -30ºC-, AR Racking has installed an AR PAL adjustable pallet racking solution, a system designed to store pallets mechanically using forklifts. This system, which has a modular structure, can be easily adapted to optimise space and to improve the cost of storage in cold rooms. In this case, seismic-resistant double-depth racking has been installed in five cold chambers resulting in 7,285 storage positions.

The AR PAL system has also been installed in the dry goods warehouse, which is managed at room temperature, with a total of 798 conventional double-depth storage positions.

Furthermore, in the raw material warehouse, the AR DRIVE-IN solution has been installed, an optimum compact racking system for the storage of homogeneous products with a large number of unit loads per reference and which makes maximum use of the available space and height by minimising the forklift’s operating aisles. In addition to providing orderly logistics management, high-density racking allows full control over inventory and circulation and service flow. The raw material warehouse, which is managed at room temperature, has a total of 1,932 storage positions.

“From this new facility, located near the reefer container and general cargo port of northern Peru, we want Emergent Cold to continue growing in Latin America by providing an efficient import and export service. To achieve this, it is essential to have optimally managed warehouses. In AR Racking we have found a supplier who has perfectly understood our specific needs and who meets our standards of quality, performance, and safety” explains Edgar Mitchael Chahua, Manager of Operations at Emergent Cold Peru.

IMHX 2021 pivots to week-long digital event

Posted on by Keith McKinley

This year’s International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX 2021) will be delivered as a virtual event with the physical show returning in September 2022.

The show’s organisers, Informa Markets and the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA), described the decision to reposition IMHX 2021 as “necessary given current restrictions” but one “that opens a world of new opportunities for participants.”

Rob Fisher, Group Director IMHX, said: “Virtual events and their platforms have grown in effectiveness over the last year and now play a vital role when it comes to generating qualified, in-market, sales leads. IMHX Connect (13-17 September 2021) will harness best-in-class platforms to deliver an engaging series of industry updates and technology briefings along with the opportunity for visitors to build relationships with industry-leading intralogistics solution providers.”

Tim Waples, Director of BITA and Chief Executive of the UK Materials Handling Association (UKMHA), added: “Given the uncertainty and disruption that Covid-19 continues to create we felt that a prompt decision, regarding the hosting of IMHX 2021, was required. By acting decisively, we have been able to provide exhibitors and visitors with plenty of notice so that they can adapt their plans accordingly.”

Fisher concluded: “IMHX is organised by the industry for buyers of intralogistics equipment and solutions. The relationship we have with BITA provides us with strategic insights and the ability to judge the mood and appetite of participants. Exhibitors share our vision for IMHX and are supportive of our decision to delay the physical event until 2022. The launch of IMHX Connect is exciting, it adds to our reach and audience engagement opportunities and complements our plans for when we return to the NEC with the full IMHX Experience in September 2022.”

For further information regarding  IMHX Connect please  visit https://www.imhx.net/en/connect.html

Investment Milestone to Benefit Hemel Hempstead Logistics Park

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Prologis, a UK’s leading developer of logistics property, has reached a landmark £250 million investment milestone in Hemel Hempstead. Over the past 20 years, Prologis has been supporting the local economy and jobs market with a sustained programme of investment and growth into industrial and logistics parks in this popular location, providing much-needed modern warehousing for both large national companies and local businesses looking to grow.

This package includes £135 million at Maylands Business Park, championing 1,000 jobs, and a continued development programme at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead, which has supported the creation of 750 new jobs. Recently, the property company has also acquired a further 11.6 acres of land to expand Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead to cope with growing demand. Work has now commenced on a 234,000 sq ft logistics facility with completion in Q3 2021.

In March last year, despite the global pandemic, Prologis also acquired a 138,000 sq. ft. industrial estate on Eastman Way from Cubic Holdings for £26 million. This site is now Prologis Park Eastman and there is currently one remaining unit of 13,065 sq ft available to lease.

As a location, Hemel Hempstead is a popular location for a diverse range of businesses. Some of the biggest names in online retail and logistics, including Hermes, Amazon, Next and Vitabiotics, all occupy Prologis buildings in Hemel Hempstead. However, the location is favoured by growing businesses too, for example, Edincare Pumps, which took out a 10-year lease for a building on Prologis Park Eastman at the end of 2020.

As a town, Hemel Hempstead’s location is well-suited for businesses looking to service the London market and further afield. The town is strategically located within two miles of the M1 junction 8 and has easy access to the M25 and North London.

Paul Weston, Prologis UK regional head, said: “Hemel Hempstead is one of our most important locations, striking a perfect balance between proximity to London and the last-mile market, and access to the motorway network and the rest of the UK.

“Over the last 20 years, we’ve underwritten our commitment to Hemel Hempstead with a sustained investment programme which has job creation and community benefits at its heart. As demand for logistics space accelerates, this important location will continue to be a key market for us and enable us to provide our customers with the space they need to deliver on their promises and realise their ambitions for growth.

“I’m delighted that we have just started work on a 234,000 square foot industrial logistics building at Prologis Park Hemel Hempstead, which will be available for occupation in the towards the end of the summer. This is one of our most successful parks in the UK and was 75% occupied before the initial buildings had even been completed.”

Andrew Davies, company director at Edincare Pumps, said: “We made the decision to move onto Prologis Park Eastman in 2020, with a view to further expanding our warehousing operations. It was certainly the right choice and has allowed us to keep growing, whilst maintaining a base in Hemel and remaining part of the area’s thriving business community.”

Alongside job creation and investment, Prologis’ developments in Hemel Hempstead have helped to protect over 12,000 acres of rainforest, through the company’s partnership with climate change charity, Cool Earth. Local land has also been redeveloped into a Pocket Park for the community on Buncefield Lane and footpaths have been created linking Prologis Park Maylands to local amenities. By working alongside the Box Moor Trust, Prologis has acquired a plot of land and is maintaining and enhancing habitats, as well as promoting biodiversity.

Prologis is also a member of Hemel Hempstead Business Ambassadors (HHBA) and works with other local businesses and individuals to help the area attract further investment and create a more successful economy for everyone.

Jean McLeish, chair of the board of the Hemel Hempstead Business Ambassadors, said: “As a long-term investor, Prologis continues to provide outstanding facilities, across all its developments in Hemel Hempstead. This increasing investment in Hemel Hempstead is providing space for both large businesses, growing or relocating, and equally importantly small businesses looking to expand and plan for future growth. Their commitment to the environment and to local community projects supports the vision of Hemel Hempstead as the perfect place to live, work and do business.”

 

WITRON wins “Bavaria Best 50” Award

Posted on by David Priestman

The year 2021 is a special year for WITRON. Founded in 1971 by Walter Winkler (pictured above) and his wife Hildegard, the company has been an innovation driver and mastermind in the design, realization, and operation of efficient automated logistics centers as well as a reliable employer in the region for 50 years. And to kick off the anniversary year, there was a special award from the Bavarian State Government.

Selected from almost 8,000 medium-sized companies in Bavaria, WITRON belongs to one of “Bavaria’s Best 50. The award, usually presented in the course of an award ceremony in Munich, was received by the family company from Parkstein shortly before Christmas together with a video message in the mail.

The sponsor of the award is the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development, and Energy. Together with an independent jury, this institution selects and evaluates especially fast-growing mid-sized companies in Bavaria for the nomination. Decisive for this nomination was the sustainable success of the company as well as the striking growth figures of WITRON. Last year alone, almost 500 additional staff members were hired worldwide, bringing the total number of employees to 4,500. More than 100 trainees started their professional career at WITRON in 2020. And WITRON continues to grow – especially in the IT area. The company founder sees the technological and competitive advantage of WITRON’s solutions geared towards retail and distribution logistics, as well as the high level of customer trust, and the reliable implementation of customer projects as the basis of success for the continuous growth.

“This award is a very positive signal not only for us as a company and employer, but also for our region. We are very proud to be among Bavaria’s best mid-sized companies – this is a clear sign that diligence and years of commitment are rewarded,” says company founder Walter Winkler.

Last year WITRON celebrated its 25th anniversary of being present on the North American market.

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.