3PL firm promotes first manager from fast-track programme

Specialist 3PL logistics provider Europa Warehouse is celebrating the success of its Management Trainee programme, designed to give graduates an opportunity to fast-track a career in logistics.

A division of leading logistics provider Europa Worldwide Group, Europa Warehouse launched the programme in 2019, demonstrating its efforts to open doors for the next generation of talent.

Welcoming graduates looking to build a career in warehouse operations, the programme offers on the job training, giving individuals the skill set to quickly progress within the division.

Now, despite what has been a challenging year, Europa Warehouse is celebrating the growth and development of its team as its first trainee is promoted to Project Manager at Europa Warehouse.

With predictions that the ongoing growth in e-commerce could drive demand for 92 million sq ft of warehouse space across the UK by 2024, Europa Warehouse 3PL and logistics services are in high demand and going forward, the Management Trainee’s roles will be vital in sustaining growth and driving the business forward.

Europa Warehouse Logistics Director, Maria Torrent March comments: “Encouraging graduates to kick start a career in logistics and nurturing talent is a key focus for Europa Warehouse. The pandemic has shone a light on 3PL and logistics and sparked an interest for many young adults, and we are keen to offer opportunities and support.”

One of the programme’s recent success stories is Ram Odedra, who has been promoted to Project Manager at Europa Warehouse, Corby, before completing the two-year scheme. Ram found the opportunity on the Aston University graduate job portal and is now responsible for dealing with the new processes and contracts across Europa’s warehouses in Corby, Birmingham and Dartford.

Discussing why the Europa Warehouse Management Trainee programme appealed to him, Ram said: “The main factors that made me want to apply were the practical nature of the scheme and the chance to be able to work on projects across different areas and sites of the business. For example, I did my initial training at Minworth warehouse, then Northampton and finally Dartford. This meant that I could gain exposure to all aspects of Europa’s operations and in return, find the area that appealed most to my skill set.”

As part of the programme, a mentor is assigned to each Trainee to help guide development and ensure adequate support is provided.

Ram continues: “I am excited to be taking the next step in my career in logistics and progress within my new role. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone wanting to get involved in an operation where you are given live projects with real responsibility. Over the years, I have received an incredible amount of support and guidance working alongside Europa’s experienced professionals, as well as the flexibility to choose which direction I would like to take.”

Maria added: “Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and the increase in demand for warehouse space and 3PL services, we have ensured that employees continue to receive sufficient training and I am thrilled to see the success of Ram within our team. I look forward to watching others within the Europa team shine.”

Just last year, the division announced a recruitment drive for 120 new recruits following the launch of its 60m, state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Corby. The new site doubled Europa Warehouse’s logistics portfolio and has been constructed to a high-quality specification, including above-market standard 18 metre heights to facilitate three floors of mezzanines.

Europa Warehouse provides a range of value-added capabilities including e-commerce fulfilment, production services, inventory management, packing, labelling, special deliveries, final assembly, quality control and critical parts management.

3PL firm promotes first manager from fast-track programme

Specialist 3PL logistics provider Europa Warehouse is celebrating the success of its Management Trainee programme, designed to give graduates an opportunity to fast-track a career in logistics.

A division of leading logistics provider Europa Worldwide Group, Europa Warehouse launched the programme in 2019, demonstrating its efforts to open doors for the next generation of talent.

Welcoming graduates looking to build a career in warehouse operations, the programme offers on the job training, giving individuals the skill set to quickly progress within the division.

Now, despite what has been a challenging year, Europa Warehouse is celebrating the growth and development of its team as its first trainee is promoted to Project Manager at Europa Warehouse.

With predictions that the ongoing growth in e-commerce could drive demand for 92 million sq ft of warehouse space across the UK by 2024, Europa Warehouse 3PL and logistics services are in high demand and going forward, the Management Trainee’s roles will be vital in sustaining growth and driving the business forward.

Europa Warehouse Logistics Director, Maria Torrent March comments: “Encouraging graduates to kick start a career in logistics and nurturing talent is a key focus for Europa Warehouse. The pandemic has shone a light on 3PL and logistics and sparked an interest for many young adults, and we are keen to offer opportunities and support.”

One of the programme’s recent success stories is Ram Odedra, who has been promoted to Project Manager at Europa Warehouse, Corby, before completing the two-year scheme. Ram found the opportunity on the Aston University graduate job portal and is now responsible for dealing with the new processes and contracts across Europa’s warehouses in Corby, Birmingham and Dartford.

Discussing why the Europa Warehouse Management Trainee programme appealed to him, Ram said: “The main factors that made me want to apply were the practical nature of the scheme and the chance to be able to work on projects across different areas and sites of the business. For example, I did my initial training at Minworth warehouse, then Northampton and finally Dartford. This meant that I could gain exposure to all aspects of Europa’s operations and in return, find the area that appealed most to my skill set.”

As part of the programme, a mentor is assigned to each Trainee to help guide development and ensure adequate support is provided.

Ram continues: “I am excited to be taking the next step in my career in logistics and progress within my new role. I would highly recommend the programme to anyone wanting to get involved in an operation where you are given live projects with real responsibility. Over the years, I have received an incredible amount of support and guidance working alongside Europa’s experienced professionals, as well as the flexibility to choose which direction I would like to take.”

Maria added: “Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and the increase in demand for warehouse space and 3PL services, we have ensured that employees continue to receive sufficient training and I am thrilled to see the success of Ram within our team. I look forward to watching others within the Europa team shine.”

Just last year, the division announced a recruitment drive for 120 new recruits following the launch of its 60m, state-of-the-art warehouse facility in Corby. The new site doubled Europa Warehouse’s logistics portfolio and has been constructed to a high-quality specification, including above-market standard 18 metre heights to facilitate three floors of mezzanines.

Europa Warehouse provides a range of value-added capabilities including e-commerce fulfilment, production services, inventory management, packing, labelling, special deliveries, final assembly, quality control and critical parts management.

IFOY 2021 finalists complete successful test camp

At the IFOY Test Days in Dortmund, 17 nominees for the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY Award) underwent five days of multi-stage testing. Never before have so many products and solutions been in the final for the “Oscars of intralogistics”, and that despite the corona pandemic. Almost 600 participants followed the IFOY Test Days over five days.

New developments from arculus, Cargotec Engineering, HAI ROBOTICS, Hänel, H+E Produktentwicklung, HHLA Sky, BMW subsidiary idealworks, Interroll Group, NIMMSTA, OPPIDUM TIC, Still, SYNAOS, Volume Lagersysteme and WAKU Robotics were all present in the test arena in Hall 4 of the IFOY partner Messe Dortmund.

From March 22 to 26, the nominees in the ninth round of the competition were critically tested by an official tester, a team of researchers and the international jury, some of whom were digitally connected. Representatives of the 14 manufacturers received the “Best in Intralogistics” certificates for their nominees from Gordon Riske, Chairman of the Board of the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association.

In the Test Camp Intralogistics, almost 100 logistics experts from industry, trade and logistics services tested this year’s finalists as well as nominees from previous years in the 8,400 square metre hall. From forklifts and warehouse technology equipment to AGVs and software, specials and solutions from five start-ups, a total of more than 30 products and solutions were available in the test arena.

At the beginning of the three-stage IFOY audit for the nominees was once again the practice-oriented IFOY test by Dutch intralogistics expert Theo Egberts. He compared the finalists with the relevant solutions and equipment in the competition. The industrial trucks went through standardised driving and functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising more than 80 criteria, which takes into account factors such as sustainability, economy, safety and ergonomics of the nominees.

In the second part of the audit, researchers conducted the IFOY Innovation Check. Scientists from Fraunhofer IML and the Technical Universities of Munich and Dresden assessed the nominees in terms of market relevance, customer benefits, type of execution and degree of innovation. The audit was concluded by the assessment of the 26 jurors and their approved advisors. The jury members, trade journalists from all continents, were presented with all the results of the IFOY Test as well as the IFOY Innovation Check for the voting.

A novelty this year was the live test of the VDA 5050 interface. The world premiere of the so-called AGV Mesh-Up of the VDMA Association for Materials Handling and Intralogistics took place as part of the Test Camps Intralogistics. On an action area, the participating experts were able to watch various AGVs from different manufacturers that drove under a uniform control system and communicated in a common data language. The project was set up by a group of AGV users and manufacturers under the coordination of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the VDMA Association for Materials Handling and Intralogistics. The manufacturers arculus, DS Automation, the KION Group with the Still brand, Safelog, Siemens and SSI Schäfer were represented in this test.

In order to protect all participants from infection with the coronavirus, a comprehensive safety and hygiene concept was developed for the IFOY Test Days 2021 and published on www.ifoy.org. All participants made rapid antigen tests. To give foreign intralogistics experts who could not travel due to the corona pandemic the chance to give an insight into the IFOY Test Days, the IFOY Award organisation developed a digital concept consisting of live streamings and short videos about the nominees. They were put on the IFOY Award social media channels.

Neither the participants of Test Camp Intralogistics nor the nominees will find out who has won an IFOY Award during the IFOY Test Days. They will have to wait until the IFOY Award Night, the date of which will be announced in due course.

IFOY 2021 finalists complete successful test camp

At the IFOY Test Days in Dortmund, 17 nominees for the International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year (IFOY Award) underwent five days of multi-stage testing. Never before have so many products and solutions been in the final for the “Oscars of intralogistics”, and that despite the corona pandemic. Almost 600 participants followed the IFOY Test Days over five days.

New developments from arculus, Cargotec Engineering, HAI ROBOTICS, Hänel, H+E Produktentwicklung, HHLA Sky, BMW subsidiary idealworks, Interroll Group, NIMMSTA, OPPIDUM TIC, Still, SYNAOS, Volume Lagersysteme and WAKU Robotics were all present in the test arena in Hall 4 of the IFOY partner Messe Dortmund.

From March 22 to 26, the nominees in the ninth round of the competition were critically tested by an official tester, a team of researchers and the international jury, some of whom were digitally connected. Representatives of the 14 manufacturers received the “Best in Intralogistics” certificates for their nominees from Gordon Riske, Chairman of the Board of the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Association.

In the Test Camp Intralogistics, almost 100 logistics experts from industry, trade and logistics services tested this year’s finalists as well as nominees from previous years in the 8,400 square metre hall. From forklifts and warehouse technology equipment to AGVs and software, specials and solutions from five start-ups, a total of more than 30 products and solutions were available in the test arena.

At the beginning of the three-stage IFOY audit for the nominees was once again the practice-oriented IFOY test by Dutch intralogistics expert Theo Egberts. He compared the finalists with the relevant solutions and equipment in the competition. The industrial trucks went through standardised driving and functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising more than 80 criteria, which takes into account factors such as sustainability, economy, safety and ergonomics of the nominees.

In the second part of the audit, researchers conducted the IFOY Innovation Check. Scientists from Fraunhofer IML and the Technical Universities of Munich and Dresden assessed the nominees in terms of market relevance, customer benefits, type of execution and degree of innovation. The audit was concluded by the assessment of the 26 jurors and their approved advisors. The jury members, trade journalists from all continents, were presented with all the results of the IFOY Test as well as the IFOY Innovation Check for the voting.

A novelty this year was the live test of the VDA 5050 interface. The world premiere of the so-called AGV Mesh-Up of the VDMA Association for Materials Handling and Intralogistics took place as part of the Test Camps Intralogistics. On an action area, the participating experts were able to watch various AGVs from different manufacturers that drove under a uniform control system and communicated in a common data language. The project was set up by a group of AGV users and manufacturers under the coordination of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) and the VDMA Association for Materials Handling and Intralogistics. The manufacturers arculus, DS Automation, the KION Group with the Still brand, Safelog, Siemens and SSI Schäfer were represented in this test.

In order to protect all participants from infection with the coronavirus, a comprehensive safety and hygiene concept was developed for the IFOY Test Days 2021 and published on www.ifoy.org. All participants made rapid antigen tests. To give foreign intralogistics experts who could not travel due to the corona pandemic the chance to give an insight into the IFOY Test Days, the IFOY Award organisation developed a digital concept consisting of live streamings and short videos about the nominees. They were put on the IFOY Award social media channels.

Neither the participants of Test Camp Intralogistics nor the nominees will find out who has won an IFOY Award during the IFOY Test Days. They will have to wait until the IFOY Award Night, the date of which will be announced in due course.

Logistics company boosts efficiency with cloud-based IT solution

Outsourced fulfilment and global delivery firm ILG has improved efficiency and scalability by modernising its whole IT infrastructure with digital transformation specialists Extech Cloud.

To support further business growth and better position ILG for new challenges, Extech Cloud successfully implemented a high performing and secure cloud-based IT solution for ILG in 2020. Not only were all the core business services such as emails, databases, file storage, and more smoothly migrated to the public cloud, ILG’s applications and infrastructure were also fully transitioned to Microsoft Azure, the leading cloud computing service.

“2020 was an unusual year and presented challenges for many, but it also created an opportunity to find new, better ways to do things,” says Andrew Hookway, Director of the Sussex-based Extech Cloud.  “Logistics and transport businesses know how critical it is to meet demand and manage seasonal peaks effectively, and that their IT infrastructure plays a critical role in this. However, few are exploiting the benefits that the public cloud can bring to the business and its valuable people, which is where we can help.”

With this transition completed, ILG now has a cloud infrastructure which supports growth on demand and allows for the adoption of new products and services as they become available. This all comes at a lower cost compared to traditional private cloud and on-premise solutions, such as servers.

A full transition to the cloud also means that logistics businesses, such as ILG, can be more in control of their IT services than ever before.

“When we say we can help businesses to ensure their IT meets their demands, a full cloud transition is the only way to have fast flexibility” says Andrew. “Busier than ever? You can ramp up your service level. On the other hand, having a quiet period? Turn things down for a bit. The cloud helps you to meet your level of demands and importantly, you pay for only what you need, when you need it.”

“The implementation of Microsoft Azure has allowed us to scale resources in line with business demand, a key requirement for ILG as we see huge seasonal spikes in volumes,” says Tom Ashley, Client Services and IT Director at ILG. “Extech Cloud’s support has allowed us to focus all of our attention on providing great service to our clients.”

ILG is one of the UK’s leading global delivery and outsourced fulfilment partners, with international delivery and cargo options as well as state-of-the-art warehouse facilities and customer service that is second to none.

ILG first began working with Extech Cloud more than a decade ago to help the IT department focus on high-value-adding tasks and ensure ILG’s technology became a driver for growth and efficiency. Today, Extech Cloud provides ILG with operational management of the cloud infrastructure, support for users across multiple locations and endpoints, along with advice and guidance on emerging products to make ILG even more efficient.

“Extech Cloud are a passionate and professional partner. The support they have provided to us over the past decade has been invaluable,” says Tom Ashley.

Logistics company boosts efficiency with cloud-based IT solution

Outsourced fulfilment and global delivery firm ILG has improved efficiency and scalability by modernising its whole IT infrastructure with digital transformation specialists Extech Cloud.

To support further business growth and better position ILG for new challenges, Extech Cloud successfully implemented a high performing and secure cloud-based IT solution for ILG in 2020. Not only were all the core business services such as emails, databases, file storage, and more smoothly migrated to the public cloud, ILG’s applications and infrastructure were also fully transitioned to Microsoft Azure, the leading cloud computing service.

“2020 was an unusual year and presented challenges for many, but it also created an opportunity to find new, better ways to do things,” says Andrew Hookway, Director of the Sussex-based Extech Cloud.  “Logistics and transport businesses know how critical it is to meet demand and manage seasonal peaks effectively, and that their IT infrastructure plays a critical role in this. However, few are exploiting the benefits that the public cloud can bring to the business and its valuable people, which is where we can help.”

With this transition completed, ILG now has a cloud infrastructure which supports growth on demand and allows for the adoption of new products and services as they become available. This all comes at a lower cost compared to traditional private cloud and on-premise solutions, such as servers.

A full transition to the cloud also means that logistics businesses, such as ILG, can be more in control of their IT services than ever before.

“When we say we can help businesses to ensure their IT meets their demands, a full cloud transition is the only way to have fast flexibility” says Andrew. “Busier than ever? You can ramp up your service level. On the other hand, having a quiet period? Turn things down for a bit. The cloud helps you to meet your level of demands and importantly, you pay for only what you need, when you need it.”

“The implementation of Microsoft Azure has allowed us to scale resources in line with business demand, a key requirement for ILG as we see huge seasonal spikes in volumes,” says Tom Ashley, Client Services and IT Director at ILG. “Extech Cloud’s support has allowed us to focus all of our attention on providing great service to our clients.”

ILG is one of the UK’s leading global delivery and outsourced fulfilment partners, with international delivery and cargo options as well as state-of-the-art warehouse facilities and customer service that is second to none.

ILG first began working with Extech Cloud more than a decade ago to help the IT department focus on high-value-adding tasks and ensure ILG’s technology became a driver for growth and efficiency. Today, Extech Cloud provides ILG with operational management of the cloud infrastructure, support for users across multiple locations and endpoints, along with advice and guidance on emerging products to make ILG even more efficient.

“Extech Cloud are a passionate and professional partner. The support they have provided to us over the past decade has been invaluable,” says Tom Ashley.

Box-moving robot aims to enhance warehouse operations

Boston Dynamics, a leader in mobile robotics, has revealed Stretch, its new box-moving robot designed to support the growing demand for flexible automation solutions in the logistics industry. This debut marks the company’s official entrance into warehouse automation, a fast-growing market fuelled by increased demand in e-commerce.

Stretch is Boston Dynamics’ first commercial robot specifically designed for warehouse facilities and distribution centres, of which there are more than 150,000 globally, according to analysts. The multi-purpose mobile robot is designed to tackle a number of tasks where rapid box moving is required, first starting with vehicle unloading and later expanding into order building. Stretch’s technology builds upon Boston Dynamics’ decades of advancements in robotics to create a flexible, easily-integrated solution that can work in any warehouse to increase their flow of goods, improve employee safety in physically difficult tasks and lower expensive fixed automation costs.

The robot’s small, omni-directional mobile base allows Stretch to navigate loading docks, manoeuvre in tight spaces and adapt to changing facility layouts, eliminating the need for costly fixed automation infrastructure. It is equipped with a custom-designed lightweight arm and a smart-gripper with advanced sensing and controls that can handle a large variety of boxed and shrink-wrapped cases. Stretch also includes Boston Dynamics’ computer vision technology that enables it to identify boxes easily and without extensive training for each customer. Its vision system works in tandem with pick & place activity, enabling high pick rates.

Traditional warehouse automation approaches require either installation of fixed infrastructure or mobile robots that convey goods but struggle to meet productivity requirements to be an attractive investment for warehouse operators. Stretch offers logistics providers an easier path to automation by working within existing warehouse spaces and operations, without requiring costly reconfiguration or investments in new fixed infrastructure.

“Warehouses are struggling to meet rapidly increasing demand as the world relies more on just-in-time delivery of goods,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “Mobile robots enable the flexible movement of materials and improve working conditions for employees. Stretch combines Boston Dynamics’ advancements in mobility, perception and manipulation to tackle the most challenging, injury-prone case-handling tasks, and we’re excited to see it put to work.”

Boston Dynamics is currently seeking customers to pilot test deployment of Stretch with truck unloading tasks ahead of its commercial deployment in 2022. Interested parties can apply to join the Stretch Early Adopter Program by visiting: https://www.bostondynamics.com/stretch.

Box-moving robot aims to enhance warehouse operations

Boston Dynamics, a leader in mobile robotics, has revealed Stretch, its new box-moving robot designed to support the growing demand for flexible automation solutions in the logistics industry. This debut marks the company’s official entrance into warehouse automation, a fast-growing market fuelled by increased demand in e-commerce.

Stretch is Boston Dynamics’ first commercial robot specifically designed for warehouse facilities and distribution centres, of which there are more than 150,000 globally, according to analysts. The multi-purpose mobile robot is designed to tackle a number of tasks where rapid box moving is required, first starting with vehicle unloading and later expanding into order building. Stretch’s technology builds upon Boston Dynamics’ decades of advancements in robotics to create a flexible, easily-integrated solution that can work in any warehouse to increase their flow of goods, improve employee safety in physically difficult tasks and lower expensive fixed automation costs.

The robot’s small, omni-directional mobile base allows Stretch to navigate loading docks, manoeuvre in tight spaces and adapt to changing facility layouts, eliminating the need for costly fixed automation infrastructure. It is equipped with a custom-designed lightweight arm and a smart-gripper with advanced sensing and controls that can handle a large variety of boxed and shrink-wrapped cases. Stretch also includes Boston Dynamics’ computer vision technology that enables it to identify boxes easily and without extensive training for each customer. Its vision system works in tandem with pick & place activity, enabling high pick rates.

Traditional warehouse automation approaches require either installation of fixed infrastructure or mobile robots that convey goods but struggle to meet productivity requirements to be an attractive investment for warehouse operators. Stretch offers logistics providers an easier path to automation by working within existing warehouse spaces and operations, without requiring costly reconfiguration or investments in new fixed infrastructure.

“Warehouses are struggling to meet rapidly increasing demand as the world relies more on just-in-time delivery of goods,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “Mobile robots enable the flexible movement of materials and improve working conditions for employees. Stretch combines Boston Dynamics’ advancements in mobility, perception and manipulation to tackle the most challenging, injury-prone case-handling tasks, and we’re excited to see it put to work.”

Boston Dynamics is currently seeking customers to pilot test deployment of Stretch with truck unloading tasks ahead of its commercial deployment in 2022. Interested parties can apply to join the Stretch Early Adopter Program by visiting: https://www.bostondynamics.com/stretch.

BIFA hopes for “made-to-measure” Covid testing for incoming hauliers

Freight forwarders are hoping that the introduction of a ‘bespoke Covid testing regime’ for hauliers arriving in England from outside the UK from April 6th, doesn’t throw another spoke into the wheels of cross channel trade, says Robert Keen, director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

“Our members, which manage a significant proportion of the visible trade between the UK and the EU, have seen major disruptions to their operations for many months as a result of Covid; the changes to how import and export trade is conducted following the UK’s departure from the EU; as well macroeconomic issues affecting all modes of international freight transport.”

Earlier in March, when the UK government extended the deadlines of the Border Operating Model, BIFA said it was not surprised and welcomed the news that government will engage extensively with businesses.

Keen adds: “Controlling the spread of new Covid variants is critical and we want the new bespoke Covid testing regime for hauliers to work, but not impede trade flows. We invite government and its relevant agencies to work closely with us and our members and learn from the mistakes of the past when some political decisions were made that appeared to pay little regard to how visible international trade and the frontier actually works in practice.

“BIFA members are pinning their hopes that the bespoke Covid testing regime lives up to its billing and is made-to-measure, not off-the-peg. Creating more uncertainty will be of no use to anyone involved in managing the UK’s visible international trade.”

BIFA hopes for “made-to-measure” Covid testing for incoming hauliers

Freight forwarders are hoping that the introduction of a ‘bespoke Covid testing regime’ for hauliers arriving in England from outside the UK from April 6th, doesn’t throw another spoke into the wheels of cross channel trade, says Robert Keen, director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

“Our members, which manage a significant proportion of the visible trade between the UK and the EU, have seen major disruptions to their operations for many months as a result of Covid; the changes to how import and export trade is conducted following the UK’s departure from the EU; as well macroeconomic issues affecting all modes of international freight transport.”

Earlier in March, when the UK government extended the deadlines of the Border Operating Model, BIFA said it was not surprised and welcomed the news that government will engage extensively with businesses.

Keen adds: “Controlling the spread of new Covid variants is critical and we want the new bespoke Covid testing regime for hauliers to work, but not impede trade flows. We invite government and its relevant agencies to work closely with us and our members and learn from the mistakes of the past when some political decisions were made that appeared to pay little regard to how visible international trade and the frontier actually works in practice.

“BIFA members are pinning their hopes that the bespoke Covid testing regime lives up to its billing and is made-to-measure, not off-the-peg. Creating more uncertainty will be of no use to anyone involved in managing the UK’s visible international trade.”

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