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Day: 17 May 2021

Linde prepares to launch new-generation electric forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

June 2021 will see Linde Material Handling launch a new fork lift truck generation that combines “the best of two worlds”, thereby putting the electric forklift on par with ICE-powered trucks.

The German industrial trade fair held in Hanover in March 1971 saw the beginning of what has developed into a 50-year success story: Back then, Linde MH presented its first electric forklift truck. Ever since, the intralogistics specialist has left its mark on electric mobility with numerous technical innovations, advancing to become the European market leader in the electric counterbalance truck segment.

“Looking back, it was a decision that set the course for the future,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management Linde MH. “Today, we not only offer our customers a huge portfolio of electrically powered industrial trucks with a variety of energy storage systems, but we also use our expertise to electrify vehicles of all kinds – from hackney carriages to trolley cars.”

When the first Linde-branded electrically powered forklift truck was launched in the early 1970s, the enormous potential of electric mobility was not yet foreseeable. Development was primarily aimed at offering a vehicle for indoor applications. With the battery-powered forklift, Linde MH opened a new chapter in the company’s history, as the drive and energy storage system posed different technical challenges than its flagship: the Linde hydrostat.

Highlights of the first electric series in the capacity range from 1 to 1.5 tonnes included the dual-motor front wheel drive, which enabled turning manoeuvres on the smallest possible radius, and the twin-pedal control replicated from the hydrostat. This feature was designed to make it easier for operators to switch between the two types of drive.

Over the following years, the demand for electrically-powered forklifts increased steadily. This was because the number of warehouses and distribution centres kept growing – and with it the need for emission-free equipment. At the same time, the demands on these low-noise and emission-free indoor trucks increased: Customers wanted higher payloads, more handling capacity and a greater number of variants to cover ever new areas of application in industry and trade.

Compact axle

The further development of power electronics and digital technology paved the way for the continued success of Linde MH’s electric forklifts. In 1999, the first model featuring a three-phase or asynchronous motor was added to the product portfolio.

The engineers developed dedicated power and control modules for this new drive. This made it possible to combine the advantages of greater performance with a high level of reliability and the capability to handle demanding outdoor applications. Small and maintenance-free, the two drive motors together with the lifting hydraulics and all control components could be combined into a single assembly – the compact drive axle.

Conductor rails replaced long cable lines and ensured lower energy consumption in the new Linde E14 to E20 models from 2006. For the first time, the vehicles also featured an on-board charger for flexible charging at power outlets, as well as overhead tilt cylinders for greater stability of the mast.

Further features were added in 2010 with the 2- to 5-tonne models, including the vibration-decoupled drive axle, the automatic handbrake, the digital battery charge indicator, and a traction control system for excellent ground grip. This met the needs of many customers and contributed in no small part to Linde MH becoming the market leader for electric counterbalance trucks in Europe.

Safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness – and full performance

In addition to higher performance and low energy consumption, ergonomics and safety were at the top of the list of requirements for every new forklift truck development. And here, too, Linde MH has repeatedly set the pace in the industry over the past 50 years.

Many equipment and performance options were world firsts at the time of their respective market launches and remain unique Linde features to this day. These include, for example, the Linde Safety Pilot driver assistance system: It limits the lifting height if the permissible load capacity is exceeded and regulates the travel speed in relation to the load being transported. Another example is the Linde Roadster.

This vehicle was designed without A-pillars, which improves visibility of the surroundings and ensures greater operational safety.

The use of lithium-ion technology as a new means of energy storage and the development of the fuel cell with hydrogen as an energy source have given electric forklifts further impetus over the past ten years. Even more growth is promised by a new generation of Linde forklifts to be launched in June.

“With a completely new development, our electric trucks will finally catch up with the powerful IC trucks of the Linde brand,” announces Prokosch. Everyone can attend the virtual presentation of the new vehicles on 16th June at 11:00 CEST.

‘Masterpieces’ is the name Linde MH has given to the approximately half-hour product display, which will not only present the advantages of the new design in a vivid and varied way, but also give the people behind the innovations the opportunity to speak about them. (Yourway.Linde-mh.com).

 

Linde prepares to launch new-generation electric forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

June 2021 will see Linde Material Handling launch a new fork lift truck generation that combines “the best of two worlds”, thereby putting the electric forklift on par with ICE-powered trucks.

The German industrial trade fair held in Hanover in March 1971 saw the beginning of what has developed into a 50-year success story: Back then, Linde MH presented its first electric forklift truck. Ever since, the intralogistics specialist has left its mark on electric mobility with numerous technical innovations, advancing to become the European market leader in the electric counterbalance truck segment.

“Looking back, it was a decision that set the course for the future,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management Linde MH. “Today, we not only offer our customers a huge portfolio of electrically powered industrial trucks with a variety of energy storage systems, but we also use our expertise to electrify vehicles of all kinds – from hackney carriages to trolley cars.”

When the first Linde-branded electrically powered forklift truck was launched in the early 1970s, the enormous potential of electric mobility was not yet foreseeable. Development was primarily aimed at offering a vehicle for indoor applications. With the battery-powered forklift, Linde MH opened a new chapter in the company’s history, as the drive and energy storage system posed different technical challenges than its flagship: the Linde hydrostat.

Highlights of the first electric series in the capacity range from 1 to 1.5 tonnes included the dual-motor front wheel drive, which enabled turning manoeuvres on the smallest possible radius, and the twin-pedal control replicated from the hydrostat. This feature was designed to make it easier for operators to switch between the two types of drive.

Over the following years, the demand for electrically-powered forklifts increased steadily. This was because the number of warehouses and distribution centres kept growing – and with it the need for emission-free equipment. At the same time, the demands on these low-noise and emission-free indoor trucks increased: Customers wanted higher payloads, more handling capacity and a greater number of variants to cover ever new areas of application in industry and trade.

Compact axle

The further development of power electronics and digital technology paved the way for the continued success of Linde MH’s electric forklifts. In 1999, the first model featuring a three-phase or asynchronous motor was added to the product portfolio.

The engineers developed dedicated power and control modules for this new drive. This made it possible to combine the advantages of greater performance with a high level of reliability and the capability to handle demanding outdoor applications. Small and maintenance-free, the two drive motors together with the lifting hydraulics and all control components could be combined into a single assembly – the compact drive axle.

Conductor rails replaced long cable lines and ensured lower energy consumption in the new Linde E14 to E20 models from 2006. For the first time, the vehicles also featured an on-board charger for flexible charging at power outlets, as well as overhead tilt cylinders for greater stability of the mast.

Further features were added in 2010 with the 2- to 5-tonne models, including the vibration-decoupled drive axle, the automatic handbrake, the digital battery charge indicator, and a traction control system for excellent ground grip. This met the needs of many customers and contributed in no small part to Linde MH becoming the market leader for electric counterbalance trucks in Europe.

Safety, efficiency, cost-effectiveness – and full performance

In addition to higher performance and low energy consumption, ergonomics and safety were at the top of the list of requirements for every new forklift truck development. And here, too, Linde MH has repeatedly set the pace in the industry over the past 50 years.

Many equipment and performance options were world firsts at the time of their respective market launches and remain unique Linde features to this day. These include, for example, the Linde Safety Pilot driver assistance system: It limits the lifting height if the permissible load capacity is exceeded and regulates the travel speed in relation to the load being transported. Another example is the Linde Roadster.

This vehicle was designed without A-pillars, which improves visibility of the surroundings and ensures greater operational safety.

The use of lithium-ion technology as a new means of energy storage and the development of the fuel cell with hydrogen as an energy source have given electric forklifts further impetus over the past ten years. Even more growth is promised by a new generation of Linde forklifts to be launched in June.

“With a completely new development, our electric trucks will finally catch up with the powerful IC trucks of the Linde brand,” announces Prokosch. Everyone can attend the virtual presentation of the new vehicles on 16th June at 11:00 CEST.

‘Masterpieces’ is the name Linde MH has given to the approximately half-hour product display, which will not only present the advantages of the new design in a vivid and varied way, but also give the people behind the innovations the opportunity to speak about them. (Yourway.Linde-mh.com).

 

Werma launches configurable call-for-action system

Posted on by David Priestman

Werma has unveiled AndonWIRELESS, a professional call-for-action system for optimising processes in Production, Logistics and Manual workstations

The new Werma Andon WirelessSET is the quick and easy way to report, display and rectify problems in real-time. This wireless-based system features a clever button box – the Andon WirelessBOX. Now you can report problems at the push of a button instead of having to shout or leave your station. This helps optimise processes in Logistics and Production, at manual workstations, in material replenishment or in access-control applications at doors and gates.

The Andon WirelessBOX can be operated on internal batteries. This allows you to use it as a stand-alone system that is perfect for mobile applications, e.g. on forklifts or pallet trucks. The new Andon WirelessSET will make your processes more streamlined and efficient than ever and keep your operation future-proof and flexible.

The term Andon originates in Japan and refers to a lantern, i.e. a simple visual signal. The use of Andons is fundamental to the Toyota Production System, in which self-explanatory symbols are used to communicate functions and sequences of machines or to visualise processes.

Werma Signaltechnik has refined this original function: Andon WirelessSET is a unique, intelligent, wireless call-for-action system specifically designed for manufacturing operations, manual workstations and logistics and shipping centres.

With the new Andon WirelessSET, calls-for-action can be made quickly and easily directly from the workstation. The operator presses a button to indicate a specific, previously-defined call-for-action or to request help. This allows colleagues to respond immediately, avoiding long waiting times and eliminating the need for lengthy transport routes.

The message acknowledgement function allows the current status to be visible to all parties. Acknowledgements can also be sent from another box. For example, an operator reports a material shortage using their Andon WirelessBOX and the logistics specialist acknowledges receipt of this notification via their box.

The individual boxes in the system can also communicate with each other. For instance, the driver of a forklift truck can press a button on their Andon WirelessBOX to report or acknowledge their status to other boxes in the system without involving a signal tower.

The signal towers and buttons use standard traffic light colours. This helps to overcome language barriers and even untrained or seasonal employees can use the system immediately. The illumination of the buttons can also be freely configured.

All you need is a Werma signal tower with its power supply, a transceiver for signal reception, an Andon WirelessBOX (either with 2 or 5 buttons), a USB cable and supply and the configuration software.

If you want to get started right away, order a pre-configured Andon WirelessSET. It is available in two versions (2- or 5-button). Alternatively, you can put together your own individual set using our Quick Finder.

Is your production environment already equipped with Werma signal towers? Then you can quickly and easily retrofit the plug & play transceivers, attach the Andon WirelessBOXes and set up your system using the configuration software.

The new Andon WirelessSET is not only quick to install and ready to use, but also simple and self-explanatory. The Andon WirelessBOX requires no wiring, avoiding the need for an electrician which saves both staff resources and time. The system allows single or multiple signal towers to be controlled with single or multiple boxes. The box(es) mirror the status of the signal tower.

Software-assisted configuration enables you to select individual control and visualisation options. This allows you to adapt the system to your own processes and circumstances (e.g. how many boxes access a tower, how messages are acknowledged etc.).

The Andon WirelessBOX can be mounted in two ways: screw-mounted as standard or mounted using a strong 3M industrial hook-and-loop tape, which affords you great flexibility when choosing where to attach or mount the box.

The new Andon WirelessBOX is available with either 2 or 5 buttons and can be operated using either a USB power supply or internal batteries. The push buttons can be individually configured to mirrors the colours of the signal tower.

The buttons also have a handy acknowledgement function that can be used to confirm completed tasks. The status LED display shows you connection status, successful transmissions, transmission errors and also gives low battery warning.

Werma launches configurable call-for-action system

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Werma has unveiled AndonWIRELESS, a professional call-for-action system for optimising processes in Production, Logistics and Manual workstations

The new Werma Andon WirelessSET is the quick and easy way to report, display and rectify problems in real-time. This wireless-based system features a clever button box – the Andon WirelessBOX. Now you can report problems at the push of a button instead of having to shout or leave your station. This helps optimise processes in Logistics and Production, at manual workstations, in material replenishment or in access-control applications at doors and gates.

The Andon WirelessBOX can be operated on internal batteries. This allows you to use it as a stand-alone system that is perfect for mobile applications, e.g. on forklifts or pallet trucks. The new Andon WirelessSET will make your processes more streamlined and efficient than ever and keep your operation future-proof and flexible.

The term Andon originates in Japan and refers to a lantern, i.e. a simple visual signal. The use of Andons is fundamental to the Toyota Production System, in which self-explanatory symbols are used to communicate functions and sequences of machines or to visualise processes.

Werma Signaltechnik has refined this original function: Andon WirelessSET is a unique, intelligent, wireless call-for-action system specifically designed for manufacturing operations, manual workstations and logistics and shipping centres.

With the new Andon WirelessSET, calls-for-action can be made quickly and easily directly from the workstation. The operator presses a button to indicate a specific, previously-defined call-for-action or to request help. This allows colleagues to respond immediately, avoiding long waiting times and eliminating the need for lengthy transport routes.

The message acknowledgement function allows the current status to be visible to all parties. Acknowledgements can also be sent from another box. For example, an operator reports a material shortage using their Andon WirelessBOX and the logistics specialist acknowledges receipt of this notification via their box.

The individual boxes in the system can also communicate with each other. For instance, the driver of a forklift truck can press a button on their Andon WirelessBOX to report or acknowledge their status to other boxes in the system without involving a signal tower.

The signal towers and buttons use standard traffic light colours. This helps to overcome language barriers and even untrained or seasonal employees can use the system immediately. The illumination of the buttons can also be freely configured.

All you need is a Werma signal tower with its power supply, a transceiver for signal reception, an Andon WirelessBOX (either with 2 or 5 buttons), a USB cable and supply and the configuration software.

If you want to get started right away, order a pre-configured Andon WirelessSET. It is available in two versions (2- or 5-button). Alternatively, you can put together your own individual set using our Quick Finder.

Is your production environment already equipped with Werma signal towers? Then you can quickly and easily retrofit the plug & play transceivers, attach the Andon WirelessBOXes and set up your system using the configuration software.

The new Andon WirelessSET is not only quick to install and ready to use, but also simple and self-explanatory. The Andon WirelessBOX requires no wiring, avoiding the need for an electrician which saves both staff resources and time. The system allows single or multiple signal towers to be controlled with single or multiple boxes. The box(es) mirror the status of the signal tower.

Software-assisted configuration enables you to select individual control and visualisation options. This allows you to adapt the system to your own processes and circumstances (e.g. how many boxes access a tower, how messages are acknowledged etc.).

The Andon WirelessBOX can be mounted in two ways: screw-mounted as standard or mounted using a strong 3M industrial hook-and-loop tape, which affords you great flexibility when choosing where to attach or mount the box.

The new Andon WirelessBOX is available with either 2 or 5 buttons and can be operated using either a USB power supply or internal batteries. The push buttons can be individually configured to mirrors the colours of the signal tower.

The buttons also have a handy acknowledgement function that can be used to confirm completed tasks. The status LED display shows you connection status, successful transmissions, transmission errors and also gives low battery warning.

Quality Freight changes name to Peel Ports Logistics

Posted on by David Priestman

Quality Freight UK Limited, one of the UK’s leading shipping and freight forwarders, acquired by Peel Ports Group in 2019, has announced that the Company will operate under a new name – Peel Ports Logistics.

In an announcement, the company said the official name change to Peel Ports Logistics took effect from 14th May 2021 and will allow a more seamless experience for customers, suppliers and colleagues. It will also see the new brand rolled out across the business, assets and digital platforms.

Sebastian Gardiner, Managing Director at Peel Ports Logistics, said: “Both myself and the senior management team at both Quality Freight UK and Peel Ports Group are looking forward to the future and this next stage of the acquisition.

“Our vision is to take Peel Ports Logistics from strength to strength for the mutual benefit and vested interest of our customers, suppliers and colleagues.

“We will still continue to operate under the same legal entity and our culture and identity as an entrepreneurial business, with staff and customers as our priority, will also remain.”

Mark Whitworth, CEO at Peel Ports said: “The acquisition of Quality Freight UK Limited two years ago was a milestone step to expand our existing offering to deliver fully-integrated port services.

“Taking into consideration the transitions we have enabled since the acquisition in May 2019, the rebranding strategy was the next natural step to take. Our ambition has always been to provide our customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions across the UK to simplify and boost efficiencies in supply customer supply chain models”.

Both Peel Ports Group and Quality Freight UK will continue to develop its logistics portfolio and transport division.

Quality Freight changes name to Peel Ports Logistics

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Quality Freight UK Limited, one of the UK’s leading shipping and freight forwarders, acquired by Peel Ports Group in 2019, has announced that the Company will operate under a new name – Peel Ports Logistics.

In an announcement, the company said the official name change to Peel Ports Logistics took effect from 14th May 2021 and will allow a more seamless experience for customers, suppliers and colleagues. It will also see the new brand rolled out across the business, assets and digital platforms.

Sebastian Gardiner, Managing Director at Peel Ports Logistics, said: “Both myself and the senior management team at both Quality Freight UK and Peel Ports Group are looking forward to the future and this next stage of the acquisition.

“Our vision is to take Peel Ports Logistics from strength to strength for the mutual benefit and vested interest of our customers, suppliers and colleagues.

“We will still continue to operate under the same legal entity and our culture and identity as an entrepreneurial business, with staff and customers as our priority, will also remain.”

Mark Whitworth, CEO at Peel Ports said: “The acquisition of Quality Freight UK Limited two years ago was a milestone step to expand our existing offering to deliver fully-integrated port services.

“Taking into consideration the transitions we have enabled since the acquisition in May 2019, the rebranding strategy was the next natural step to take. Our ambition has always been to provide our customers with end-to-end supply chain solutions across the UK to simplify and boost efficiencies in supply customer supply chain models”.

Both Peel Ports Group and Quality Freight UK will continue to develop its logistics portfolio and transport division.

AGV from DS Automation lifts to 8.5m

Posted on by David Priestman

With lifting heights up to 8.5 m and payloads up to 2.5t, the ARNY driverless counterbalanced forklift completes DS Automation’s forklift AGV family in the upper performance range.

ARNY is particularly compact. It can utilise all popular methods for navigating, and operate using various kinds of batteries and charging concepts. Its highly modular design, including the load-handling kit, renders ARNY fit for all application areas. A comprehensive safety concept and uncompromising ‘made in Austria’ quality make ARNY safe, low-maintenance and durable, according to DS Automation.

Like all members of DS Automation’s forklift AGV family, ARNY is “born driverless”. It was designed an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) without any compromises from scratch. In spite of the higher weight it requires for counterbalancing, ARNY features an extremely small turning circle so it can navigate in very narrow aisles.

ARNY is capable of using contour-based navigation as well as laser navigation and it can fall back on magnetic markers or reflectors for higher positioning accuracy. Due to its full compatibility with all free-ranging DS Automation systems, the AGV can operate in existing layouts. ARNY is also equipped with the universal VDA5050 interface so it can join AGVs of any kind from various manufacturers.

As a counterbalancing lifter, ARNY does not require straddles under the fork. Self-supported, it can lift loads to heights up to 8.5m, depending on the lifting mast. Two models of the forklift AGV are available, ARNY for payloads up to 1,500kg, and ARNY HD for up to 2,500kg.

DS Automation integrated a particularly compact, modular load handling system. Aside of numerous fork geometries and adjustments, it excels with the same industrial-grade ruggedness as the vehicle itself.

In spite of its high carrying and lifting capacity, DS Automation says ARNY moves safely at high speeds at which all functional safety is tested and certified. Its 360° sensors facilitate personnel safety without blind spots. Additional options including blue spot and laser line projectors and 3D object protection cameras help further advance functional safety. Safety control is taken care of by a safe PLC in the AGV capable of transmitting safety data over Wi-Fi. This allows integrating ARNY in the best possible way with operators’ overall safety concepts.

When it comes to power supply and charging concepts, ARNY offers operators the full freedom of choice. It can be equipped with rechargeable batteries using all popular technologies. These can be charged aboard the AGV through floor contacts or externally.

ARNY, the highly compact and manoeuvrable driverless forklift from DS Automation takes on the challenges of intralogistics with industrial-grade ruggedness, a highly modular design and superior personnel safety.

The two ARNY models complete the forklift AGV family of the globally leading AGV manufacturer based in Linz, Austria. This family now extends to higher-load categories and consists of ARNY HD, ARNY, AMADEUS and LUCY.

Karl Rapp, Sales, Planning and Marketing Manager, DS Automation, says: “Our highly manoeuvrable driverless forklift not only quickly and safely lifts heavy loads to great heights, ARNY also excels with high durability and low maintenance.”

AGV from DS Automation lifts to 8.5m

Posted on by David Priestman

With lifting heights up to 8.5 m and payloads up to 2.5t, the ARNY driverless counterbalanced forklift completes DS Automation’s forklift AGV family in the upper performance range.

ARNY is particularly compact. It can utilise all popular methods for navigating, and operate using various kinds of batteries and charging concepts. Its highly modular design, including the load-handling kit, renders ARNY fit for all application areas. A comprehensive safety concept and uncompromising ‘made in Austria’ quality make ARNY safe, low-maintenance and durable, according to DS Automation.

Like all members of DS Automation’s forklift AGV family, ARNY is “born driverless”. It was designed an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) without any compromises from scratch. In spite of the higher weight it requires for counterbalancing, ARNY features an extremely small turning circle so it can navigate in very narrow aisles.

ARNY is capable of using contour-based navigation as well as laser navigation and it can fall back on magnetic markers or reflectors for higher positioning accuracy. Due to its full compatibility with all free-ranging DS Automation systems, the AGV can operate in existing layouts. ARNY is also equipped with the universal VDA5050 interface so it can join AGVs of any kind from various manufacturers.

As a counterbalancing lifter, ARNY does not require straddles under the fork. Self-supported, it can lift loads to heights up to 8.5m, depending on the lifting mast. Two models of the forklift AGV are available, ARNY for payloads up to 1,500kg, and ARNY HD for up to 2,500kg.

DS Automation integrated a particularly compact, modular load handling system. Aside of numerous fork geometries and adjustments, it excels with the same industrial-grade ruggedness as the vehicle itself.

In spite of its high carrying and lifting capacity, DS Automation says ARNY moves safely at high speeds at which all functional safety is tested and certified. Its 360° sensors facilitate personnel safety without blind spots. Additional options including blue spot and laser line projectors and 3D object protection cameras help further advance functional safety. Safety control is taken care of by a safe PLC in the AGV capable of transmitting safety data over Wi-Fi. This allows integrating ARNY in the best possible way with operators’ overall safety concepts.

When it comes to power supply and charging concepts, ARNY offers operators the full freedom of choice. It can be equipped with rechargeable batteries using all popular technologies. These can be charged aboard the AGV through floor contacts or externally.

ARNY, the highly compact and manoeuvrable driverless forklift from DS Automation takes on the challenges of intralogistics with industrial-grade ruggedness, a highly modular design and superior personnel safety.

The two ARNY models complete the forklift AGV family of the globally leading AGV manufacturer based in Linz, Austria. This family now extends to higher-load categories and consists of ARNY HD, ARNY, AMADEUS and LUCY.

Karl Rapp, Sales, Planning and Marketing Manager, DS Automation, says: “Our highly manoeuvrable driverless forklift not only quickly and safely lifts heavy loads to great heights, ARNY also excels with high durability and low maintenance.”

Automation helps Laithwaites hit 98% productivity

Posted on by David Priestman

CKF has recently designed, installed and commissioned an extensive new case feed and palletising system for Laithwaites wine, an established, thriving ecommerce and retail business based in Gloucester, UK. The new system enabled Laithwaites to handle a 50% increase in demand during 2020 and improve productivity from 65% to a phenomenal 98%.

For over 50 years, Tony Laithwaite and the team at Laithwaites wines have been providing their valued customers access to the very best quality wine from around the world, having uniquely developed personal relationships with over 450 passionate growers and wine makers.

An increase in customer demand for online purchasing meant the ageing plant at its Gloucester facility, which had served it well, was no longer fully supporting its needs. Towards the end of 2019, CKF was approached by the Laithwaites team to develop and deliver a new automated palletising solution to meet its current and projected future requirements.

CKF is a leader in automated palletising and case handling, with more than 30 years’ experience supporting different industries including Food & Beverage, Logistics, Pharmaceutical and Automotive. The engineering team at CKF gained a comprehensive understanding of Laithwaites’ operations through detailed analysis of the available product data and key review meetings with the Laithwaites ops team. CKF proposed a new fully-automated layer palletising system with a multi-lane accumulation feed system mounted on a new mezzanine floor.

Laithwaites wine distribution from the Gloucester facility is defined by online and retail sales, delivery routes, carriers, regions and time to consumer. This requires the filled cases of wine to be automatically sorted and placed onto the correct pallet to be shipped through the correct carrier.

Laithwaites’ Gloucester facility is a high-bay warehouse with a large demand on floor area. The new CKF installed system maximises the use of the ground floor by moving the accumulation and handling of cases to a new high-level mezzanine. The new fully-automated solution uses multiple lanes of low friction conveyors which accumulate full pallet loads of cases (weighing up to 25kg per case) prior to releasing them to two layer palletisers.

The new CKF fully automated system was installed and commissioned in two phases through 2020 working closely with the Laithwaites team to eliminate any operational disruption. Providing a significant increase in productivity to 98%, the benefits of the new system configuration have also enabled Laithwaites Wine to handle a substantial increase in throughput, reduce excessive manual handling and relocate the remaining manual processes into the area below the mezzanine floor and away from busy trucking routes, providing increased safety for its employees.

read more

CKF Systems Partners with Global AGV to Increase Logistics Offering

 

Automation helps Laithwaites hit 98% productivity

Posted on by David Priestman

CKF has recently designed, installed and commissioned an extensive new case feed and palletising system for Laithwaites wine, an established, thriving ecommerce and retail business based in Gloucester, UK. The new system enabled Laithwaites to handle a 50% increase in demand during 2020 and improve productivity from 65% to a phenomenal 98%.

For over 50 years, Tony Laithwaite and the team at Laithwaites wines have been providing their valued customers access to the very best quality wine from around the world, having uniquely developed personal relationships with over 450 passionate growers and wine makers.

An increase in customer demand for online purchasing meant the ageing plant at its Gloucester facility, which had served it well, was no longer fully supporting its needs. Towards the end of 2019, CKF was approached by the Laithwaites team to develop and deliver a new automated palletising solution to meet its current and projected future requirements.

CKF is a leader in automated palletising and case handling, with more than 30 years’ experience supporting different industries including Food & Beverage, Logistics, Pharmaceutical and Automotive. The engineering team at CKF gained a comprehensive understanding of Laithwaites’ operations through detailed analysis of the available product data and key review meetings with the Laithwaites ops team. CKF proposed a new fully-automated layer palletising system with a multi-lane accumulation feed system mounted on a new mezzanine floor.

Laithwaites wine distribution from the Gloucester facility is defined by online and retail sales, delivery routes, carriers, regions and time to consumer. This requires the filled cases of wine to be automatically sorted and placed onto the correct pallet to be shipped through the correct carrier.

Laithwaites’ Gloucester facility is a high-bay warehouse with a large demand on floor area. The new CKF installed system maximises the use of the ground floor by moving the accumulation and handling of cases to a new high-level mezzanine. The new fully-automated solution uses multiple lanes of low friction conveyors which accumulate full pallet loads of cases (weighing up to 25kg per case) prior to releasing them to two layer palletisers.

The new CKF fully automated system was installed and commissioned in two phases through 2020 working closely with the Laithwaites team to eliminate any operational disruption. Providing a significant increase in productivity to 98%, the benefits of the new system configuration have also enabled Laithwaites Wine to handle a substantial increase in throughput, reduce excessive manual handling and relocate the remaining manual processes into the area below the mezzanine floor and away from busy trucking routes, providing increased safety for its employees.

read more

CKF Systems Partners with Global AGV to Increase Logistics Offering

 

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