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Month: April 2021

Energy-efficient motors set new standards

Posted on by David Priestman

Considerably lower losses than the IE4 series: The energy-efficient IE5+ permanent magnet synchronous motors from Nord Drivesystems are particularly characterised by high efficiency and a wide torque range.

This makes them optimally suitable for economic operation in the partial load range. The new IE5+ motors are equally interesting for both intralogistics and hygiene-sensitive areas in food and pharmaceutical industries. Last year, the compact IE5+ motor of size 71 was presented, and now size 90 is also available for power ranges from 1.1 to 4.0 kW with a continuous torque of 6.8 to 18.2 Nm.

The motor ensures the usual Nord flexibility: Direct motor attachment as well as NEMA and IEC motor attachment are available. Rotary encoder and mechanical brake integration is available on request.

The IE5+ synchronous motors in two sizes with a smooth motor design are ideally suited for wash-down applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Due to the constant torque providing a targeted reduction of variants over a wide speed range, administrative expenses can be minimised, and manufacturing, logistics, storage and service processes can be streamlined.

The investment pays for itself within a short time. The IE5+ synchronous motors can be combined with all gear units and drive electronics from Nord Drivesystems in a modular system. This results in a system solution from a single source in which all components are seamlessly matched.

 

 

Edeka automates its fresh produce logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Part of Germany’s largest supermarket chain, the regional company Edeka Minden-Hannover is automating its fresh produce logistics in the fruit and vegetable sector with an intralogistics solution from Cimcorp, which has specialised in this automation for over 40 years.

Together with other Edeka regions and the Netto Marken-Discount chain, the regional company Edeka Minden-Hannover is one of the first German grocery retailers to use this solution.

Cimcorp has already provided similar automation for the fruit and vegetable sector in other European countries. Jarno Honkanen, Director of Solution Development at Cimcorp, says: “We’ve provided reliable solutions for rapid order fulfilment for many years, thereby optimising the shelf life of perishable products. The advantage for customers is that they receive their fresh products faster and that they stay fresh longer in the household. We look forward to working with Edeka on this further project.”

“The Edeka slogan is ‘We love food’,” explains Arnd Wilde, Logistics manager at Edeka Minden-Hannover, “which is why our regional company offers a comprehensive range of products in its Edeka stores, secured by professional quality management: from inexpensive basic items to branded items and selected specialties. Supported by our cooperative guiding principle, we rely on our independent Edeka merchants and store managers to have a high level of commitment in the joint business venture.

“Our daily challenge is to bring fresh fruit and vegetables from the producer to our markets promptly. This is often a race against time, because it usually takes only a few hours between delivery to our warehouse and delivery to our stores. In Cimcorp, we have found a partner who can provide us with a solution for fully automated order picking of ergonomically packed fruit and vegetable pallets that meet the requirements of our markets – quickly, reliably and cost-effectively. This automation does not mean that jobs are lost; we need our full team to continue to provide the desired logistics service for our salespeople in the future.”

Quality and freshness are critical for customers when buying groceries in-store. This means that speed and accuracy in picking are crucial for product quality. Edeka Minden-Hannover is constantly working to optimise its logistics processes and is thus continuing its sustainability strategy with a view to reducing CO2 emissions, among other things. In order to meet these challenges, Edeka Minden-Hannover, as the largest grocery retailer in its sales area, continuously invests in the modernisation of its logistics.

Around 1,200 fruit and vegetable items for the 1,488 supermarkets in the region are freshly picked and delivered daily to the four logistics centres located in Lauenau, Freienbrink, Wiefelstede and Landsberg. The aim is to modernise two of the existing logistics centres – Lauenau and Freienbrink – with minimal disruption to daily operations and without risking food safety. These two logistics centres will supply fresh fruit and vegetables to more than 1,000 stores every day.

In Lauenau, the automation will be installed in the existing logistics centre, which has been fully operational since 2014. The volume is higher in Freienbrink, so a total of three fresh food modules will be installed there. The modular structure speeds up the installation: once the first fresh food solution is in operation, the next two will be installed.

Jarno Honkanen, Director of Solution Development at Cimcorp, says: “When fully operational, the modularity guarantees the maximum functionality of the system through redundancy. The individual module can be emptied – for example, during cleaning – without interrupting the entire flow of materials in the logistics centre. Overhead gantry robots handle food crates that are stacked on the floor – there is no need for an expensive shelving system.

“This is also essential for food safety. During cleaning, crates can be moved to another module or stacked under the gantry robot to clear the floor. An empty floor is easy to clean, which ensures a high standard of hygiene.”

Johnston Logistics unveils new website

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Leading logistics provider Johnston Logistics UK has unveiled its new website. The growing company’s new online presence better represents its growing reputation as a provider of warehousing and logistics for leading brands and retailers.

“When I look back at recent years, we’ve developed a lot; both as a business and as a team. We want to continue this journey and it’s important to have a website that better reflects both where we are and where we’re going,” says Rob McIndoe, Director of Johnston Logistics UK.

With an increased focus on its 40 years of experience and use of new technology, the website reflects the growth in Johnston Logistics UK’s reputation and was built by Full Mix Marketing who deliver all the logistics expert’s marketing.

“In the almost four years we’ve worked with Johnston Logistics UK, it’s clear they’ve grown in stature, capabilities and success. We wanted to ensure their website helped communicate just that to all the visitors driven to the website by marketing,” says Sarah West, Managing Director of Full Mix Marketing.

Through search engine optimisation (SEO) and content marketing, the B2B marketing agency reports that the existing Johnston Logistics UK website has received a four-fold increase in impressions on leading search engines over the past 12 months.

Johnston Logistics UK was formally established in 2010 but can trace its history back to 1978. It now handles over 320 million individual items each year. As a Primary Consolidation Centre for ASDA, over 50% of the wine sold in their supermarkets passes through Johnston Logistics UK’s Snetterton site.

As well as investing in digital marketing, the logistics expert has recently made a significant further investment in technology with a state-of-the-art Warehouse Management System (WMS). The new software has enhanced efficiency and the ease with which Johnston Logistics UK can integrate with its customers’ own systems and provide them with real-time information.

“It’s been an unprecedented 12 months with the pandemic. Our team has worked exceptionally hard to support existing clients and a growing number of leading businesses. But it’s still been important to invest in our future and the website is one way we can show clients we’re always developing and looking to become even more supportive,” continues Rob McIndoe.

From its 700,000 sq ft of warehousing in Norfolk, Johnston Logistics UK delivers storage, logistics and fulfilment for businesses in sectors including wine, food, other fast-moving consumer goods and commercial products. It offers a complete range of services including palletised warehousing, HMRC customs and bonded warehousing, eCommerce fulfilment and complete third-party logistics.

Webinar on France: The Post-Brexit Logistics Hub

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The United Kingdom’s exit from the EU is forcing companies on both sides of the Channel to rethink value and supply chains. For British and Irish companies willing to keep taking advantage of the European market, France offers an array of solutions and resources: from smart borders to multimodal solutions, world class infrastructure, available real estate & turnkey sites and more.

Join Logistics Business and Business France as well as our panel of expert speakers for a virtual round table discussion and learn more:

  • What does France offer to support logistics solutions managers’ strategies?
  • What has been the experience so far of companies already using logistics solutions in the country?
  • How can businesses successfully set up operations in France?

Our moderator, Paul Hamblin, Editor-In-Chief of Logistics Business, will be joined by:

  • VIP Guest Speaker: Frank Riester, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade & Economic Attractiveness
  • Anne-Marie Idrac – Chairwoman of France Logistique, Former Secretary of State for Transport and Foreign Trade
  • Olivier Thouard, President of the International Commission of TLF Overseas (French Transport & Logistics Association), Chair of TLF/TLF OVS Brexit Working Group and Customs & Fiscal representation Director at GEFCO
  • Richard Catt – Director, PSL Freight
  • Rob Burrows, Managing Director, UPS France
  • Christopher Devernay, Senior Director, Procter & Gamble Amiens Plant Manager

WHEN IS THE WEBINAR ON FRANCE AS A LOGISTICS HUB?

Wednesday 21st April 2021
17:00 PM – 18:00 PM CEST (16:00 – 17:00 BST)

You will have the opportunity to ask your questions. Please feel free to send any questions you wish to ask the panel to: in**************@************ce.fr

Click here to register to attend for free now.

Lödige further develops goods lifts

Posted on by David Priestman

Lödige Industries has further developed its proven Sherpa and Escorta chain lifts. With a 50% higher load capacity of now up to 4.5 tonnes as well as a larger cabin, both are able to even better meet customer requirements for the transport of heavy and bulky loads.

Customers can now increase their productivity and speed up throughput by moving more every single time. The advantages of the compact machine room-less solution with self-supporting steel frame shaft remain unchanged. The latter is also available powder-coated in RAL Classic colours. With nominal loads from 3t, these lifts can now also be installed or retrofitted in existing concrete or masonry shafts.

In industrial and commercial environments, the compact and easy-to-install lifts with a lifting height of up to 18m have proven their worth for many years. The models Sherpa, a goods-only lift, and Escorta, a goods lift with attendant, are used by logistics companies, in production facilities and supermarkets but also in hospitals, hotels and office buildings.

Especially in the warehouses and distribution centres of large e-commerce companies, a space-saving solution with the highest possible performance is in demand. Thanks to the customised cabin, they can be flexibly installed in existing buildings or racking systems without having to make structural changes. By means of a low access ramp, installation without a pit is also possible.

Until now, the load capacity of both models was limited to a maximum of 3t and the cabin depth to 3m. The further development enables the transport of up to 4.5t and a maximum cabin depth of 4.5m in the versions both with and without an accompanying person. With regard to the cabin dimensions, special solutions for individual requirements are also possible.
Both models are type-tested according to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.

“With the further development of our Sherpa and Escorta goods lifts, we are responding to frequently expressed customer requests for higher load capacities and larger cabs with a suitable solution. The decisive factor was to retain the proven advantages of the compact and easy-to-install systems. As a result, our new solutions combine performance and flexibility in a way that is unique on the market,” says Sascha Haase, Product Manager Lift Technology at Lödige Industries.

For even larger loads, conversion to hydraulic solutions is required. For transporting up to 15t, Lödige Industries offers a suitable solution with the Olympus goods lift.

Traffic management measures in Kent stood down

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that traffic management measures in Kent will be removed this month (April 2021) as trade returns to normal levels.

The Kent Access Permit (KAP) and the M20 moveable barrier will be stood down from 20th April, as delays have been prevented thanks to hauliers arriving at the border prepared.

The DfT says this comes as freight volumes between the UK and the EU continue to operate at normal levels, with the latest data showing a 46% increase in exports in February. KAPs have been instrumental in avoiding delays at the border, by ensuring that HGV drivers have the correct paperwork before setting off and allowing them to move quickly through the UK’s ports.

Compliance with the KAP obligation from industry has been consistently high, tracking at more than 80% since the middle of January for non-GB hauliers, while the latest data shows the average compliance with the KAP obligation is at 86%.

The removal of the KAP on 20th April will mean less paperwork for hauliers, making it quicker and easier to cross the border, further supporting the already smooth flow of goods from the UK into Europe.

The Kent Resilience Forum has also announced plans to stand down the moveable barrier on 24th April. Specially designed to allow traffic on the M20 to continue in both directions, the barrier and its contraflow system have been critical in keeping roads open and traffic moving as hauliers adjusted to the new border requirements.

Hauliers will have continued access to support on border requirements at any one of 46 information and advice sites across the UK, with the busiest sites remaining in place until at least August. So far, sites have proven to be extremely popular, says the DfT, helping to prepare more than 200,000 hauliers adjust to new border requirements since first opening in November 2020.

Hyster reachstacker cabin wins FLTA award

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The hinged elevating operator cabin for the Hyster RS46 ReachStacker has won the Safety award at the FLTA (Fork Lift Truck Association) Awards for Excellence 2020.

At the online awards presentation on 10th April 2021, the pioneering Hyster solution received the award for its unique design which helps terminals handle containers on the second rail, reducing damage and improving efficiency. The solution was also shortlisted in the Innovation category.

With the ‘hinged’ elevating cabin on the Hyster RS46, operators have direct visibility of the top corner pockets on second-rail containers even with a container on the first rail. Previously, cameras or staff had to direct operators, slowing operations and increasing operational costs, while potentially increasing risk for staff walking trackside.

The moveable cab is raised and lowered smoothly on a hinged arm and the speed can be adjusted. The Hyster RS46 ReachStacker has also been designed to offer an optimal ergonomic driver environment that reduces sideways movement, shock and vibration when the ReachStacker is in motion. An optional tilt of up to 10° can also be added to help make handling high stacks even more comfortable.

Also, unlike a mast, when the cab is lowered, it does not increase the truck height, offering benefits for road transport.

“We’re delighted to be taking home an ‘Archie’,” says Chris van de Werdt, Product Strategy Manager, EMEA Big Trucks for Hyster Europe, referring to the statuette of Archimedes presented to all of the award winners.

“The elevating cab option for Hyster ReachStackers helps to overcome the real-world challenges of tough terminal operations,” Chris continues. “It’s fantastic that the intelligent design, with both operators and businesses in mind, has been recognised by the FLTA Awards.”

Menzies makes carbon-neutral commitment

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Global aviation logistics specialist Menzies Aviation has committed to make 100% of its operations carbon neutral by the company’s 200-year anniversary in 2033. Menzies believes it is the first aviation services company to make this ground-breaking commitment to carbon neutrality.

Menzies Aviation will formalise the commitment by becoming a signatory to the UN Global Compact in 2021, which supports the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In order to reach carbon neutrality Menzies will focus on investing in electric ground support equipment (GSE), reducing emissions through identifying operational efficiencies and balancing remaining emissions with carbon offsetting initiatives.

The transition to electric and lower-emission GSE is particularly critical to reducing carbon footprint and supporting customers’ sustainability ambitions, and in 2020 Menzies made significant progress in upgrading equipment as part of new contracts.

At Gothenburg and Stockholm airports a new contract with Qatar Airways enabled Menzies to invest in three new electric baggage tractors and two new electric aircraft loaders, as well as an electric towbarless tractor in Stockholm.

In South Africa, a new contract with Mango Airlines saw the Group purchase 15 new electric belt loaders and 12 new electric baggage tractors across three airports in South Africa – Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. In North America, Menzies replaced and retired older, less efficient GSE across four locations and will continue to do so across the region.

Alongside investment in new equipment, Menzies will support teams with implementing processes to make zero fuel spills a daily target throughout the business as well as local initiatives to reduce energy use and lessen environmental impacts. Efforts to enhance the sustainability of operations will complement Menzies’ broader ESG programme which promotes responsible business, from legal and ethical compliance, to employee engagement and development and supporting the local communities in which Menzies operates.

Philipp Joeinig, CEO & Chairman of Menzies Aviation said: “Menzies is a business that has constantly adapted and what better way to mark our 200-year anniversary in 2033 than to celebrate our next era of environmental sustainability by achieving carbon neutrality.

“As flight volumes recover we see an opportunity to rebuild the aviation industry to be more sustainable, and we will be taking advantage of this to promote greener operations across our entire business. With our Sustainability Strategy and Programme now in place, we have clearly defined targets and supporting action plans to help realise them, however it is critical that we build relationships across the aviation ecosystem, from trade bodies to suppliers, to ensure that we can collectively remove barriers to green innovation and adoption.”

Logistics company expands into new facility

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Following a period of expansion, just three years after the opening of its dedicated warehousing facility at Burnley Bridge, long-established logistics company Fagan & Whalley has set into motion plans to expand into additional warehousing space.

Set within the new development at Frontier Park in Blackburn, the new depot comprises over 200,000 sq ft of warehousing and distribution facilities and has been acquired by Fagan & Whalley as part of a wider business plan to expand the services on offer and welcome new clients on board.

“When reviewing our performance for the past 12 months, it soon came to light that both our warehousing and cross-dock operations have been operating at capacity for some time,” explains Fagan & Whalley Business Strategy Director, Sam Fagan. “Following our recent company restructure, which has been put into place in order to facilitate further growth, it was decided that additional space would need to be integrated into our existing infrastructure in order to achieve our plans for future expansion.”

With new and existing clients already scheduled to move stock into the site, plans are underway to install VNA and wide aisle pallet racking, ensuring the depot remains as flexible as possible for changing customer requirements.

“Our Burnley Bridge warehouse was built specifically to our specifications and brought into the operation back in September 2017. It’s a point of pride for us to be able to look back over the last three years and see how much the warehousing side of the business has grown. This move to acquire additional warehousing space seems a part of what has, up until now, been a very stable and natural progression.

“The decision to take on the site at Burnley Bridge was absolutely vital for us to make. It came at a time when we had reached a real turning point as a business. Seeing demand for warehousing space increase amongst our clients, our development at Burnley Bridge made it possible for us to further develop the comprehensive end-to-end logistics package on offer, whilst also allowing us to expand our ‘added value’ services.

“The additional facilities at Frontier Park will take this one step further, and we’re really excited to be able to welcome on board new clients and watch our warehousing services continue to grow over the next few years.”

U-Freight sees e-commerce logistics opportunities

Posted on by David Priestman

Commenting on a recent report that suggests the global e-commerce logistics market grew by 27.3% in 2020 and will hit EUR557 billion by 2025, Simon Wong, CEO of the U-Freight Group, says his company is ready to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing logistics services to this rapidly expanding sector of global trade.

Wong says: “Transport intelligence (Ti), a major provider of market research solutions to the global logistics industry, says e-commerce has been one of the key growth sectors for logistics over the course of the pandemic with the rise in demand creating opportunities for LSPs and last mile providers to grow rapidly, as long as they can help retailers react to the changes in consumer demands and manage wildly changing trading conditions.

“That mirrors the U-Freight Group’s experience over the last 12 months where changes in demand patterns associated with the ongoing emergence of e-commerce, is also driving development in merchandising, warehousing, and distribution patterns.

“It certainly helps to justify our company’s early entry and on-going investment to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing logistics services to this rapidly expanding sector of global trade.”

The CEO of the Hong Kong-based international freight forwarding and logistics group adds that at U-Freight, in its development of e-commerce logistics solutions, it is continually trying to address the key issues stemming from increasing volumes of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce shipments and the time sensitivity thereof.

Examples of those efforts include investment in several of the company’s warehouse facilities to enable them to act as e-commerce fulfilment centres.

“We are a logistics partner of choice for the growing number of online channels and platforms which entrepreneurs are using to sell their own designs and products, including  global e-commerce shipping platforms, and are heavily involved in the Fulfilled by Amazon programme in several countries.

“In 2019, we launched e+Solutions, a new product to assist small businesses with their e-commerce logistics needs.

“We have also been qualified by China Customs and CIQ (China Inspection and Quarantine) as a licensed Cross-border E-Commerce Enterprise and as a Cross-Border E-Commerce Logistics Service Provider.

“All of these initiatives are helping us boost efficiency and capture more value, in order to capitalise on the opportunities that e-commerce is presenting.”

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