April 2021

Inform integrates middleware into Syncrotess

Posted on 22 April, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Inform has successfully integrated Linker, a proven middleware, into ITS Synrotess Rail Scheduler, an add-on solution to optimise train unloading and loading processes.

As a result, all container terminals using a standard Navis N4 Terminal Operating System (TOS) can now introduce Inform’s Syncrotess Rail Scheduler quickly using this proven middleware for faster deployment and return on investment (ROI).

Inform is a market leader in add-on AI and optimisation software to facilitate improved decision making. Based in Aachen, Germany, with a regional office in Atlanta, United States, the company has been in the optimisation business for over 50 years and serves a wide span of logistics industries including ports, maritime, and intermodal terminals.

“We are excited to have successfully launched integrated version of Linker at GCT Deltaport. With a proven middleware between Syncrotess and the Navis N4 TOS means that other terminals wanting to benefit from the advanced add-on optimisation that Inform offers for rail operations can do so more quickly and cost effectively,” commented Dr. Eva Savelsberg, Senior Vice President, Logistics Division of Inform.

The Syncrotess Rail Scheduler optimises train loading and unloading processes between yard blocks and rail tracks and back again. The optimiser accomplishes this in real-time by adjusting to crane schedules and crane positions, aiming to reduce the cranes’ travel distances and simultaneously increase container handling efficiency.

The solution supports double-cycling whenever possible to create positive handover and equipment transfer flows. In terminals with multiple rail cranes, the Rail Scheduler considers the full picture (i.e., all handling equipment) when assigning work and dynamically splits the cranes to avoid handling delays. Workloads are adjusted automatically for planned maintenance, breaks, and unforeseen workflow disruptions.

Dr. Rafael Velasquez, Senior Consultant and Project Manager for North American optimisation projects at Inform commented: “The Linker has been successfully integrated into Inform’s Syncrotess solution and enhanced with additional logging and monitoring services to bring it up to Inform’s high standard for software development and has successfully gone live in our North American installations.”

Inform integrates middleware into Syncrotess

Posted on 22 April, 2021 by David Priestman

Inform has successfully integrated Linker, a proven middleware, into ITS Synrotess Rail Scheduler, an add-on solution to optimise train unloading and loading processes.

Yale launches new platform pallet truck

Posted on 22 April, 2021 by David Priestman

Yale’s new MPX Series platform pallet trucks offer impressive ergonomics designed around the needs of the operator.

The MP20-30X trucks are ideal for medium- to high-intensity applications and can manoeuvre comfortably even in the tightest of working environments. A range of innovative options enables the MPX Series trucks to be tailored to the specific nuances of an operation.

When it comes to maintaining high levels of productivity, comfortable employees can make all the difference to a company’s operation. The machine should be able to work in perfect harmony with its operator, requiring minimal effort to execute the task at hand. The new MPX Series platform pallet trucks from Yale Europe Materials Handling embodies this philosophy, offering impressive ergonomics and exceptional manoeuvrability.

“The Yale MP20-30X platform pallet trucks have been designed around the needs of the operator during horizontal transportation of loads,” explained Gianbattista Scaramuzza, Senior Product Strategy Manager, Warehouse Products at Yale. “Even in the most congested of spaces, these new low lift trucks can work effortlessly. For businesses looking to reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity, the MPX Series trucks are the perfect addition to a fleet.”

Ideal for medium- to high-intensity operations, the MP20-30X can be used in the loading and unloading of trailers, working around the dockside, order picking and cross docking.
The MPX Series tiller head has an ergonomically shaped handle, fitted with an integral hand guard, and will automatically return to the vertical position when released by the operator. The large butterfly control buttons are engineered to support natural thumb movement, with all dash panel components within easy reach.

Rather than forcing the operators to adapt to the same driving style, the MPX Series trucks feature driver mode selection to suit different operators’ skills.

MPX Series trucks are available in three configurations. For operations managers who would prefer the versatility of switching between ride-on and pedestrian mode, the MPX Series is available with a foldable platform and side arms for support. There are also two fixed platform options: one with permanent rear protection for the operator, and one with permanent side protection.

To meet the needs of specific applications, a foot sensor can be installed on trucks with permanent side protection, which will only allow the truck to be driven with an operator on-board.
“The operator platform on the new Yale MP20-30X Series trucks is designed to support a number of comfortable driving positions, while the rubber floor mat delivers extra grip while in transit,” explained Gianbattista.

The MPX Series trucks have a number of new features that allow operators to move loads smoothly and efficiently. The new, robust design of the foldable side arms provide stability and security when the truck is in motion, while also reducing maintenance costs and improving productivity.

As well as its ability to work in tight spaces, the MPX Series trucks can transfer loads across extended distances and offer a wide capacity range of 2 to 3 tonnes. The new fork design is available in a range of lengths, with customers also able to choose from two fork heights to suit their specific needs. The extended forks option allows the MP20-30X to transport up to two pallets or three Europallets crosswise per journey.

Operation managers can choose the power solution that best fits their needs with lead acid and lithium-ion batteries offered for the MP20-30X trucks. Its durable design combined with a low energy consumption helps keep ongoing running costs under control.

The MPX Series can be tailored to applications with a range of additional options. A smart lift option can elevate loads and begin transporting pallets before its load arms are at full lift, eliminating the need for the operator to continually hold down the button.

A height adjustable tiller is suitable for a wide range of operations. Simply by adjusting the position of the tiller, operators can adapt the truck into a driving position that they find comfortable.

For low-light environments, a working light package on the Yale MPX Series illuminates the load area. A cold store solution enables the MPX Series trucks to cope with temperatures as low as -30°C without any effect on its performance.

“We’re really proud to unveil our new MPX Series trucks. Yale has worked hard to identify features in which we can offer comfort and ease to the operator to help them be as productive as possible during a shift in a busy environment. We believe the MP20-30X accomplishes this and would be an asset to any warehouse operation,” concluded Gianbattista.

Yale launches new platform pallet truck

Posted on 22 April, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Yale’s new MPX Series platform pallet trucks offer impressive ergonomics designed around the needs of the operator.

Rather than forcing the operators to adapt to the same driving style, the MPX Series trucks feature driver mode selection to suit different operators’ skills.

Geodis makes Americas appointment

Posted on 21 April, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Geodis has promoted Anthony Jordan to the role of Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Americas region.

An industry veteran with more than 35 years of experience, Jordan is appointed EVP and COO after serving most recently as Senior Vice President and Head of Market Line Operations for Geodis in Americas. Jordan has dedicated the past 15 years of his career at Geodis in various senior-level positions.

“Throughout Anthony’s 15-year tenure at Geodis, he has proven himself as a true logistics professional who has played an instrumental role in supporting our company’s growth,” said Mike Honious, Geodis in Americas President & CEO. “Since his start at Geodis, Anthony has been an integral team member responsible for cultivating impactful customer relationships, and his experience and vision will be critical to the continued success of the company as we move into the future.”

Jordan began his career at Geodis in 2005 as the Director of Customer Care where he led critical initiatives such as its customer satisfaction survey, net promoter score and quarterly business reviews across key accounts. In 2010, he was promoted to Vice President of Account Management. Among his many accomplishments, he was responsible for implementing its Customer Relationship Management Program to maintain and enhance its client service capabilities.

In 2013, Jordan was promoted to Senior Vice President of Contract Logistics Operations where he oversaw the design and implementation of customized logistics solutions from production and warehousing to distribution to the final customer. Prior to his promotion as EVP and COO, Jordan served as Senior Vice President and Head of Market Line Operations where he developed and executed strategies to optimize key accounts utilising multiple Geodis sites across its vast network.

In his new role, Jordan will be responsible for developing the strategic vision and providing operational leadership across Geodis in Americas. Leveraging his expertise, Jordan will continue developing strategies to further grow the company’s high level of customer service.

Prior to joining Geodis, Jordan spent 18 years in similar industry positions at FedEx Supply Chain. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Memphis in Tennessee.

Geodis makes Americas appointment

Posted on 21 April, 2021 by David Priestman

Geodis has promoted Anthony Jordan to the role of Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Americas region.

Prior to joining Geodis, Jordan spent 18 years in similar industry positions at FedEx Supply Chain. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Memphis in Tennessee.

Smurfit Kappa invests further €35m in Germany

Posted on 21 April, 2021 by Keith McKinley

Smurfit Kappa has announced a significant investment in its Hoya paper mill and board manufacturing plant in northwest Germany. It is the latest phase of an investment programme, which commenced in 2011, and this last phase will see production output increase by 70 kt to 450 kt per annum.

The investment will replace the complete press section of the PM2 paper machine with new state-of-the-art technology, increasing the overall efficiency of the manufacturing process. The PM2 is a 7.5m-wide paper machine, producing both testliner and fluting packaging paper. Production speed will increase to 1250 m/min and upon completion, this world-class machine will further strengthen the industrial efficiency of Smurfit Kappa Group’s containerboard system. It is expected to be operational from the first quarter of 2023.

Saverio Mayer, CEO, Smurfit Kappa Europe said: “This investment will be the final and significant phase of a programme of sustained investment at our Hoya Mill which commenced over a decade ago. Today’s announcement underlines Smurfit Kappa’s continued commitment to developments in leading edge technology and our operations in Germany.”

The investment means that CO2 emissions will be reduced by 5,500t per annum.

Also commenting on the investment, Andreas Noss, Managing Director of the Smurfit Kappa Hoya Mill, said: “This investment will make the PM2 a state-of-the-art light weight paper machine that enables us to meet the changing needs of our customers. It will increase production speed and produce light weight paper in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.”

The Hoya site in Germany has been in operation for over 50 years and is a major regional employer, with over 300 people working at the facility.

Smurfit Kappa invests further €35m in Germany

Posted on 21 April, 2021 by David Priestman

The investment means that CO2 emissions will be reduced by 5,500t per annum.

The Hoya site in Germany has been in operation for over 50 years and is a major regional employer, with over 300 people working at the facility.

One-millionth Linde truck rolls out of Aschaffenburg

Posted on 21 April, 202125 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Linde Material Handling has been manufacturing counterbalance trucks at its Aschaffenburg, Germany production site since back in 1959. In March 2021, the one-millionth vehicle rolled off the assembly line and has since been ceremoniously handed over to customer company Colorobbia España S.A., one of the largest facilities in the world for the production of frits, pigments and other products for the ceramics and glass industry.

Even though big celebrations had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, it was a real goosebump moment when the one-millionth counterbalance truck came off the production line at the Aschaffenburg plant in mid-March. Captured on video for everyone to see, the completion of the milestone vehicle was celebrated with a minute-long indoor fireworks display of red Bengal lights, sparklers, smoke and lots of glitter raining down around the figure “1,000,000”.

The next day, the latest-generation Linde diesel forklift truck with a load capacity of 3.5t set off on the journey to its future workplace at Colorobbia España S.A. on the east coast of Spain, with the signatures of all assembly employees written on the back of it. There, it will reinforce a fleet of 60 vehicles.

“We have been relying on Linde brand forklifts for 24 years now and particularly appreciate the trucks’ user-friendliness and safety,” says Gonzalo Trilles de Castro, Managing Director of Colorobbia España S.A. Equally important to him, he says, is a reliable partnership with a company that shares his own philosophy on sustainability, innovation and technology.

“All of this is a guarantee of long-term success, which we share with our customers as a competitive advantage.” The truck’s arrival at the Spanish customer company, which is celebrating its centenary this year, was duly recognised with a specially decorated cake which features sparklers too.

The one-millionth counterbalance truck from Linde Material Handling’s Aschaffenburg headquarters represents the latest highlight in its corporate success story, which now spans more than 60 years. With the “Hubtrac”, Linde’s first forklift truck, the intralogistics specialist offered an industry-defining, technological alternative to the commercial vehicles that had up to then been difficult to operate, usually having a jerky clutch and gear shift.

Thanks to the innovative hydrostatic drive, which allowed a double-pedal control to be fitted, this forerunner was ideally suited for retrieving and storing goods or loading and unloading trucks: no shifting was required when frequently driving back and forth, allowing both feet to be able to rest in a relaxed position on the respective pedal.

Even back then, this resulted in higher efficiency in goods handling and has remained the hallmark of all of Linde’s counterbalance trucks to this day – regardless of whether they are powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors.

Today, Linde Material Handling is once again setting technological standards and making its industrial trucks fit for the future: by means of a wide variety of energy types, intelligent assistance systems and networking as standard.

“Our goal is to enable customer companies to make their material flow processes as efficient and safe as possible, so that they will become even more successful in their core business,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management at Linde Material Handling. “With products that convince our customers, we already have our sights firmly set on the next milestone in our company’s history – the launch of Linde’s new electric forklift generation in June of this year.”

One-millionth Linde truck rolls out of Aschaffenburg

Posted on 21 April, 2021 by David Priestman

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