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Month: February 2021

London Gateway new Port of call for 2 Shipping Services

Posted on by David Priestman

DP WORLD today announces that London Gateway, Britain’s fastest growing container terminal, is now the UK port of call for two new major international shipping services, connecting the economies of Western Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa and Russia.

DP World – the leading provider of smart logistics solutions – has created an integrated business in the UK comprising two deep water ports with freight rail terminals at London Gateway and Southampton, meaning greater flexibility and choice for shipping lines and cargo owners.

London Gateway is now the UK port of call for Sealand-Maersk’s North Sea service, which connects the key economies of Northern Europe with the Eastern Mediterranean. Previously calling at the Suffolk coast, this major international shipping service has a 42-day rotation stretching from Western Europe to Cyprus, Egypt and Israel. After London Gateway, the service calls at Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, Wilhelmshaven, Hamburg, Antwerp, Limassol, Ashdod, Alexandria, Haifa, Mersin, and finally at Port Said East before returning to London Gateway.

Also, London Gateway last month became the UK port of call for Unifeeder’s new St Petersburg service. Increasing its UK service in response to a growing demand for multimodal transportation, Unifeeder has introduced an additional loop connecting the Benelux and Russian markets with Britain. London Gateway is the preferred import hub because of its proximity to the capital’s consumer market and is becoming a vital gateway for Shortsea and Feeder shipments to and from the UK. The new service has fixed day weekly connections on a rotation from London to Antwerp, St Petersburg, Bremerhaven and then back to London, offering connectivity with the entire Unifeeder network with multiple transhipment options.

Ernst Schulze, CEO of DP World in the UK, said: “We are delighted to welcome two new services to the most technologically advanced and fastest growing container port in the UK. We have the capacity to continue to prioritise delivering first class services for all existing customers at the same time as handling new sailings which expand customer choice.”

“DP World in the UK is committed to being at the heart of Britain’s trading future, providing the right trading infrastructure and smart logistical solutions for our customers. We believe in the UK market and have the ambition and the resources to boost growth, support businesses, create jobs and improve living standards.”

Growth in Supply Chain Salaries Despite Global Pandemic

Posted on by David Priestman

There has been growth in supply chain salaries despite the huge economic impact of Covid-19 across the procurement and supply chain sector. The industry grew significantly in 2020, according to new data released today by REED.

 From analysis of over 6.5 million jobs posted to reed.co.uk over the last 3 years, the Reed Procurement & Supply Chain Salary Guide 2021 found that Covid-19 had not had a negative impact on overall salary levels within the sector. In fact, the majority of positions advertised in 2020 showed an increase in salary, with an average 4.5% growth, resulting in a typical salary of £48,700, compared to £46,600 in 2019. This is well above the UK national increase of 2.32% and in the face of slow inflation, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 12-month rate falling to just 0.3% in November 2020, from 0.7% in October 2020, and the Office of Budget Responsibility predicting it to stay below 2% until 2025.

Despite the unprecedented challenges it faced in 2020, with the combined impact of Covid-19 and Brexit, procurement and supply chain was one of the best performing sectors in the country, when it came to salary growth.  Roles in logistics and supply chain that had the largest salary increases, are logistics managers (9.1%), demand / supply / materials managers (7.3%) and supply chain managers (7.2%).

In procurement roles, salary increases were not as high but still outperformed the UK average.  The largest rises were for category managers (6%), buyers (4.9%) and assistant buyers (3.2%).

Sarah Hewitson, Reed Procurement & Supply Chain expert, said: “While the procurement and supply chain sector has been heavily impacted by both Covid-19 and Brexit, its critical role in keeping vital supplies moving has come into the spotlight. Although the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of complex supply chains, it has demonstrated the value of talented supply chain and procurement experts.  As such, we can see that roles in the sector are being highly rewarded, with significant pay increases for some positions.

“Managing supply chain disruptions will continue to be a challenge in 2021, as the sector has to adapt to being outside of the EU. Businesses will also have learned lessons from Covid-19 and as they look to reduce risk and build resilience into supply chains, expertise in this area will continue to be very valuable. Salaries in this sector have been increasing over the past few years and we expect this to continue in both procurement and supply chain roles next year.”

Procurement and supply chain salaries outperform other sectors

Across the UK, the sectors that saw the highest growth in average salary levels – bar procurement and supply chain – were sales (6.4%), and hospitality and leisure (4%).  Surprisingly, the hospitality and leisure sector, which was one of the hardest hit in terms of job losses, still saw average salaries increase by 4%. The accountancy and finance sector was the only one to show a decrease in average salary (-0.1%).

Hewitson continued: “Although overall average salaries in the sector have increased, there are variations by region, position and job level.  Our annual salary guide gives employers specific insight into the impact Covid-19 and Brexit has had on salaries in procurement and supply chain, at a national and regional level.  The guide will enable businesses to compete effectively in what is a candidate-driven market – helping them not only to recruit new talent but also to retain the valuable employees they already have.”

Posted in Uncategorised

Growth in Supply Chain Salaries Despite Global Pandemic

Posted on by David Priestman

There has been growth in supply chain salaries despite the huge economic impact of Covid-19 across the procurement and supply chain sector. The industry grew significantly in 2020, according to new data released today by REED.

 From analysis of over 6.5 million jobs posted to reed.co.uk over the last 3 years, the Reed Procurement & Supply Chain Salary Guide 2021 found that Covid-19 had not had a negative impact on overall salary levels within the sector. In fact, the majority of positions advertised in 2020 showed an increase in salary, with an average 4.5% growth, resulting in a typical salary of £48,700, compared to £46,600 in 2019. This is well above the UK national increase of 2.32% and in the face of slow inflation, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) 12-month rate falling to just 0.3% in November 2020, from 0.7% in October 2020, and the Office of Budget Responsibility predicting it to stay below 2% until 2025.

Despite the unprecedented challenges it faced in 2020, with the combined impact of Covid-19 and Brexit, procurement and supply chain was one of the best performing sectors in the country, when it came to salary growth.  Roles in logistics and supply chain that had the largest salary increases, are logistics managers (9.1%), demand / supply / materials managers (7.3%) and supply chain managers (7.2%).

In procurement roles, salary increases were not as high but still outperformed the UK average.  The largest rises were for category managers (6%), buyers (4.9%) and assistant buyers (3.2%).

Sarah Hewitson, Reed Procurement & Supply Chain expert, said: “While the procurement and supply chain sector has been heavily impacted by both Covid-19 and Brexit, its critical role in keeping vital supplies moving has come into the spotlight. Although the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of complex supply chains, it has demonstrated the value of talented supply chain and procurement experts.  As such, we can see that roles in the sector are being highly rewarded, with significant pay increases for some positions.

“Managing supply chain disruptions will continue to be a challenge in 2021, as the sector has to adapt to being outside of the EU. Businesses will also have learned lessons from Covid-19 and as they look to reduce risk and build resilience into supply chains, expertise in this area will continue to be very valuable. Salaries in this sector have been increasing over the past few years and we expect this to continue in both procurement and supply chain roles next year.”

Procurement and supply chain salaries outperform other sectors

Across the UK, the sectors that saw the highest growth in average salary levels – bar procurement and supply chain – were sales (6.4%), and hospitality and leisure (4%).  Surprisingly, the hospitality and leisure sector, which was one of the hardest hit in terms of job losses, still saw average salaries increase by 4%. The accountancy and finance sector was the only one to show a decrease in average salary (-0.1%).

Hewitson continued: “Although overall average salaries in the sector have increased, there are variations by region, position and job level.  Our annual salary guide gives employers specific insight into the impact Covid-19 and Brexit has had on salaries in procurement and supply chain, at a national and regional level.  The guide will enable businesses to compete effectively in what is a candidate-driven market – helping them not only to recruit new talent but also to retain the valuable employees they already have.”

New Sales Manager Danny Kenworthy Appointed at ULMA Packaging

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ULMA Packaging UK has announced the appointment of Danny Kenworthy (pictured) as Regional Sales Manager for the North East. Danny joins the sales team to support the demand for packaging machinery solutions in the region.

With over 25 years’ experience in engineering and sales roles, Danny Kenworthy brings a varied skillset to the role and considerable knowledge of the sector. At ULMA, he will help customers in the North East access the leading packaging machinery manufacturer’s solutions in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. He will also be recommending machinery for customers in the food industry, with specific focus on protein, ready meals and baked goods providers and processors.

Commenting on his new role, Danny said: “Joining ULMA at an exciting time of growth in the company is great, and I’m really looking forward to supporting this continued success. With a market leading range of packaging solutions at ULMA, I’m in a strong position to provide non-produce and pharmaceutical customers in the North East with the means to help transform their operations and grow. I am confident my efforts can help the company continue to expand into different markets and solidify its presence in areas where it is already a leader.”

Ed Williams, Sales Director at ULMA Packaging UK, comments: “We’re always on the lookout for new talent at ULMA, and with Danny’s extensive experience and proven track record, he fits the bill to spearhead our efforts in the North East. He joins us at a time where we are looking to make great strides in multiple markets, and demonstrate the performance capabilities of our traysealer and thermoformer ranges in particular.

“With industry beginning to ramp back up following the pandemic, businesses with the most efficient and effective, whether in packaging or other areas, will be best-placed to recover and even thrive.  Choosing the best possible personnel to meet the demands of this new business landscape is vital to ULMA’s continued success, and we know Danny will be a key part of this.”

New Sales Manager Danny Kenworthy Appointed at ULMA Packaging

Posted on by David Priestman

ULMA Packaging UK has announced the appointment of Danny Kenworthy (pictured) as Regional Sales Manager for the North East. Danny joins the sales team to support the demand for packaging machinery solutions in the region.

With over 25 years’ experience in engineering and sales roles, Danny Kenworthy brings a varied skillset to the role and considerable knowledge of the sector. At ULMA, he will help customers in the North East access the leading packaging machinery manufacturer’s solutions in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. He will also be recommending machinery for customers in the food industry, with specific focus on protein, ready meals and baked goods providers and processors.

Commenting on his new role, Danny said: “Joining ULMA at an exciting time of growth in the company is great, and I’m really looking forward to supporting this continued success. With a market leading range of packaging solutions at ULMA, I’m in a strong position to provide non-produce and pharmaceutical customers in the North East with the means to help transform their operations and grow. I am confident my efforts can help the company continue to expand into different markets and solidify its presence in areas where it is already a leader.”

Ed Williams, Sales Director at ULMA Packaging UK, comments: “We’re always on the lookout for new talent at ULMA, and with Danny’s extensive experience and proven track record, he fits the bill to spearhead our efforts in the North East. He joins us at a time where we are looking to make great strides in multiple markets, and demonstrate the performance capabilities of our traysealer and thermoformer ranges in particular.

“With industry beginning to ramp back up following the pandemic, businesses with the most efficient and effective, whether in packaging or other areas, will be best-placed to recover and even thrive.  Choosing the best possible personnel to meet the demands of this new business landscape is vital to ULMA’s continued success, and we know Danny will be a key part of this.”

Knapp Announces US Management Changes

Posted on by David Priestman

Effective April 1st KNAPP is announcing an initial round of promotions and restructuring at its Atlanta-based, North American subsidiary.

“Over the last five years the KNAPP North American subsidiary has experienced significant growth. Our growth has driven the need for change, which in many cases has been informed by, and a direct result of, your suggestions and feedback. Our initial investments have focused on infrastructure, including the investment in a new facility, expansion of our campus at the North American headquarters, and a new training center that is planned to be operational later this year. Investments have also included upgrades to our networks and subsystems – to address the need for added capacity, response and reliability. And lastly, the need for a more comprehensive training infrastructure was of critical importance, both internally, for added staff, and to better serve our customers.

What operations changes have we made?

Through these last several years, Gernot Rupp our SVP of Service and Procurement has done outstanding work; growing both the KNAPP North America service and support organization – and scaling procurement to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding business unit, while keeping pace with the physical changes we have made here in Kennesaw. The extent of our growth however necessitates additional changes and an expansion of our management structure. Effective April 1st, we are separating the service and procurement roles into separate full-time positions within the company. Gernot Rupp will lead the procurement organization here at KNAPP, as SVP Procurement.

Wes Goode joined the KNAPP team just as we entered 2020 – and working closely with Mr. Rupp over the last year, rapidly shifted much of our focus to Covid related challenges that have faced our industry. Coincidentally, many of the impacts also drove new business growth at KNAPP, specifically in grocery, retail, healthcare – and eCommerce.

Having built a substantial and successful customer service group in his previous position, focused on implementation, service and support dedicated to meeting the daily needs of customers, Wes was the obvious choice to assume responsibility for our customer service organization. Effective April 1st, Wes Goode will lead this group as VP Customer Service. The investment in customer service and lifetime support has become of increased importance to the KNAPP organization as we also expand our Resident Maintenance Program – and expand a partnering program designed to focus on shared outcomes and best-in-class performance. As such, this position will now report directly to the Board.

Lastly, our increase in projects and installed systems requires an expansion in US based software product development and implementation teams. Effective April 1st, Chris Brennan will assume the role of VP Project Implementation where his responsibilities will include project software development, commissioning and installation. Our goal is to continue a process of building and training our implementation, service and support teams to better serve our customers. This will take the form of continuous improvement and ongoing investment in infrastructure, personnel, training and programs – with the goal of creating a world-class customer service organization.”

Knapp Announces US Management Changes

Posted on by David Priestman

Effective April 1st KNAPP is announcing an initial round of promotions and restructuring at its Atlanta-based, North American subsidiary.

“Over the last five years the KNAPP North American subsidiary has experienced significant growth. Our growth has driven the need for change, which in many cases has been informed by, and a direct result of, your suggestions and feedback. Our initial investments have focused on infrastructure, including the investment in a new facility, expansion of our campus at the North American headquarters, and a new training center that is planned to be operational later this year. Investments have also included upgrades to our networks and subsystems – to address the need for added capacity, response and reliability. And lastly, the need for a more comprehensive training infrastructure was of critical importance, both internally, for added staff, and to better serve our customers.

What operations changes have we made?

Through these last several years, Gernot Rupp our SVP of Service and Procurement has done outstanding work; growing both the KNAPP North America service and support organization – and scaling procurement to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding business unit, while keeping pace with the physical changes we have made here in Kennesaw. The extent of our growth however necessitates additional changes and an expansion of our management structure. Effective April 1st, we are separating the service and procurement roles into separate full-time positions within the company. Gernot Rupp will lead the procurement organization here at KNAPP, as SVP Procurement.

Wes Goode joined the KNAPP team just as we entered 2020 – and working closely with Mr. Rupp over the last year, rapidly shifted much of our focus to Covid related challenges that have faced our industry. Coincidentally, many of the impacts also drove new business growth at KNAPP, specifically in grocery, retail, healthcare – and eCommerce.

Having built a substantial and successful customer service group in his previous position, focused on implementation, service and support dedicated to meeting the daily needs of customers, Wes was the obvious choice to assume responsibility for our customer service organization. Effective April 1st, Wes Goode will lead this group as VP Customer Service. The investment in customer service and lifetime support has become of increased importance to the KNAPP organization as we also expand our Resident Maintenance Program – and expand a partnering program designed to focus on shared outcomes and best-in-class performance. As such, this position will now report directly to the Board.

Lastly, our increase in projects and installed systems requires an expansion in US based software product development and implementation teams. Effective April 1st, Chris Brennan will assume the role of VP Project Implementation where his responsibilities will include project software development, commissioning and installation. Our goal is to continue a process of building and training our implementation, service and support teams to better serve our customers. This will take the form of continuous improvement and ongoing investment in infrastructure, personnel, training and programs – with the goal of creating a world-class customer service organization.”

New KAUP Forklift Truck Attachments at William Hackett Lifting Products

Posted on by David Priestman

The William Hackett Group is the UK’s leading provider of chain products and lifting systems solutions. William Hackett Chains was founded in England in 1892, supplying innovative chain products for agriculture, in particular chain harrows for the lifting, lashing, marine, mining and agricultural markets.

In 1989, William Hackett Lifting Products Limited was established in Alnwick, Northumberland. This division saw the company successfully dive into alternative products such as Ratchet Lever Hoists, Chain Blocks, and Lifting Points. Today, over 128 years later, the business is firmly established as a market leader in the manufacture and supply of chain products and lifting systems for the oil and gas, renewable’s, sub-sea, utilities, and lifting and rail markets around the world.

Its year-on-year growth has enabled the company to invest in its warehousing facility, including a warehouse extension and the addition of a forklift truck to its fleet. To further support the company’s growth, ensure on-site safety and efficient end of line logistics, William Hackett contacted B&B Attachments to find a solution to handle its varied range of products.

B&B Attachments is the leading specialist in material handling solutions in the UK and Ireland. The attachment company designs, manufactures, and supplies forklift truck attachment solutions. It also provides bespoke attachments for customers with specific material handling requirements.

Following a site survey, B&B Attachments supplied the chain products and lifting systems manufacturer with three KAUP 2T160B Fork Positioners. KAUP Fork Positioners provide increased flexibility and a greater handling capacity of every forklift truck.

The three Fork Positioners were specifically designed for the Linde reach trucks at the site, each having a 750mm frame to allow the positioner to work between the reach legs of the truck. The frame design greatly improves visibility over previous models used and allows the original truck forks to be used.

The hydraulic function allows the forks to move closer together or further apart, without the need to manually adjust the forks: This is particularly useful when handling a variety of pallet sizes, saving time, and reducing damage to pallets and products.

Ryan Phillips, Works Technical Manager at William Hackett Lifting Products Ltd, comments “These particular attachments give us greater efficiency and flexibility as they are quickly adapted to suit our varying day to day needs. They are an integral part of our operation and have made a big difference to our on-site productivity.”

New KAUP Forklift Truck Attachments at William Hackett Lifting Products

Posted on by David Priestman

The William Hackett Group is the UK’s leading provider of chain products and lifting systems solutions. William Hackett Chains was founded in England in 1892, supplying innovative chain products for agriculture, in particular chain harrows for the lifting, lashing, marine, mining and agricultural markets.

In 1989, William Hackett Lifting Products Limited was established in Alnwick, Northumberland. This division saw the company successfully dive into alternative products such as Ratchet Lever Hoists, Chain Blocks, and Lifting Points. Today, over 128 years later, the business is firmly established as a market leader in the manufacture and supply of chain products and lifting systems for the oil and gas, renewable’s, sub-sea, utilities, and lifting and rail markets around the world.

Its year-on-year growth has enabled the company to invest in its warehousing facility, including a warehouse extension and the addition of a forklift truck to its fleet. To further support the company’s growth, ensure on-site safety and efficient end of line logistics, William Hackett contacted B&B Attachments to find a solution to handle its varied range of products.

B&B Attachments is the leading specialist in material handling solutions in the UK and Ireland. The attachment company designs, manufactures, and supplies forklift truck attachment solutions. It also provides bespoke attachments for customers with specific material handling requirements.

Following a site survey, B&B Attachments supplied the chain products and lifting systems manufacturer with three KAUP 2T160B Fork Positioners. KAUP Fork Positioners provide increased flexibility and a greater handling capacity of every forklift truck.

The three Fork Positioners were specifically designed for the Linde reach trucks at the site, each having a 750mm frame to allow the positioner to work between the reach legs of the truck. The frame design greatly improves visibility over previous models used and allows the original truck forks to be used.

The hydraulic function allows the forks to move closer together or further apart, without the need to manually adjust the forks: This is particularly useful when handling a variety of pallet sizes, saving time, and reducing damage to pallets and products.

Ryan Phillips, Works Technical Manager at William Hackett Lifting Products Ltd, comments “These particular attachments give us greater efficiency and flexibility as they are quickly adapted to suit our varying day to day needs. They are an integral part of our operation and have made a big difference to our on-site productivity.”

Customer-specific Sideloader AGV

Posted on by David Priestman

Hubtex claims to have launched the world’s first fully automated electric multidirectional sideloader for handling long, heavy and bulky goods: In introducing the PhoeniX AGV, Hubtex further secures its reputation as an automation consultant with a broad range of technologies and partners. In 2021, the customer specific AGV designs will be included in the full product range of electric vehicles for the wood, sheet metal, glass and automotive industries, among others.

The basic model of the new PhoeniX electric multidirectional sideloader was designed by Hubtex for step-by-step automation utilising full electric steering, enabling longer operating times due to its lower energy consumption. Now the manufacturer has developed the fully automated PhoeniX AGV based on this core product. “We are not simply launching yet another AGV solution, we are entering a niche market where there are currently very few automated solutions – the handling of long, heavy and bulky loads,” explains Hans-Joachim Finger, Managing Director of Sales and Purchasing at Hubtex. “The PhoeniX is a perfect example of how the concept can be transferred to our entire range of Hubtex trucks with electric drive.”

The Phoenix AGV has a unique ability to recognise various long goods that protrude beyond the truck, which is crucial for multidirectional sideloaders. The truck also includes dynamic mapping, precise positioning, and block storage as standard. The unique selling points at a glance are:

• Object-based navigation
Using object-based navigation, Hubtex combines the data from navigation sensors, personal protection sensors and machine protection sensors. The personal protection sensors maintain a horizontal protective zone in the direction of travel. The driving speed is automatically reduced until the truck comes to a stop if a person or an object appears in the warning field. In addition, the personal protection scanners are used to accurately steer the AGV into the storage aisle. As well as the personal protection scanners, the truck is fitted with machine protection scanners that protect against collisions. Since the personal protection scanner only monitors a one-dimensional scanning plane at a low height, objects protruding into the path of the truck, for example, cannot be detected. A further navigation scanner acts as an additional safeguard by identifying objects in the vicinity such as cantilever racks, walls or columns. The combined data from the scanners creates an interactive, virtual map of the warehouse. This map is then used to determine the precise position of the Phoenix AGV within the hall and pinpoint the position of the storage location.

• Reliable detection of long loads
Another unique selling point is the patented long goods detection function. This enables long goods to be reliably detected and picked up, with the travel range adjusted accordingly. Unevenly distributed loads or profiles of different lengths can be seen in the detection area of the certified sensors. The load contour facing the truck is scanned for this purpose. The truck detects barcodes to carry out a plausibility check of the transport order and detects vacant spaces which can be accessed by the forks to pick up the load. Accurately determining the load length is of great importance. If the load is significantly longer than the truck, protection zones and routes will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Overcoming future intralogistics challenges

As the requirements of intralogistics continue to grow, so does the focus on the partial or full automation of warehouse processes and their flexibility. Hubtex therefore relies on an integrative concept whereby the solution is individually tailored to the customer. “With our broad range of automation technologies and extensive truck concepts for various handling tasks, we adapt our designs to the requirements of our core industries such as woodworking, steel or automotive,” says Hans-Joachim Finger. “Our consultants determine the suitable level of automation for each individual user and calculate the resulting costs. By asking intuitive questions right from the outset, we are able to provide a coherent and extremely cost-effective AGV solution.”

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