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Day: 27 May 2021

Körber and Balyo sign strategic partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

In signing a strategic partnership, Körber and Balyo, an integrator and developer of advanced autonomous fork-lift robots, will provide businesses worldwide with the latest technology in autonomous material handling equipment (MHE).

Balyo bridges the gap between traditional material handling equipment (MHE) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This includes forklift trucks, tow tractors (for tugging applications), stackers (for floors/low level pallet movements) and reach-robots (for high racks). Through PL-d level safety sensors and proprietary ‘Driven by Balyo’ technology for autonomous operations, robotic MHE can be seamlessly integrated into existing operations without the need for additional or change in clients’ infrastructures.

Robots are already increasingly supporting businesses around the globe to tackle challenges in goods movements in the warehouse. The partnership opens up new opportunities to businesses. Kӧrber will work with Balyo to integrate its range of robotics to overcome challenges associated with full pallets, bulk movements and heavy goods. The result is flexibility, agility and scalability – smoothly increasing throughput and productivity with company growth.

The solutions also enhance employee safety and efficiency. A safer work setting is provided through smart safety and stop-and-go features – scanning the environment in real time for obstructions and instructing the robotic truck or tow tractor to move or stop accordingly. The robotic lift trucks also overcome labour shortages. Rather than replacing employees, the solution enables them to carry out more valuable tasks while working alongside the robots.

Pascal Rialland, CEO of Balyo comments: “We are very pleased to pursue this collaboration with Kӧrber as we continue to develop a partner network that meets local and global needs for industry verticals and logistics customers. Kӧrber’s expertise in warehousing and logistics and their global presence reinforce the complementary nature of our two companies and are a major asset for deploying Balyo complementary solutions to our customers.”

Nishan Wijemanne, Global Leader AMR/Robotics, Körber Business Area Supply Chain explains: “Flexibility, adaptability and precision are everything in today’s supply chain. Our partnership with Balyo is a testament to Körber’s dedication to offer the right tools to make this a reality. Robotics bring a new level of performance to warehousing and logistics. Our expertise combined with Balyo’s unique solutions will empower business around the world to conquer today’s complexities and to evolve with consumer and industry demands to capitalise on all the future holds.”

Körber and Balyo sign strategic partnership

Posted on by David Priestman

In signing a strategic partnership, Körber and Balyo, an integrator and developer of advanced autonomous fork-lift robots, will provide businesses worldwide with the latest technology in autonomous material handling equipment (MHE).

Balyo bridges the gap between traditional material handling equipment (MHE) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). This includes forklift trucks, tow tractors (for tugging applications), stackers (for floors/low level pallet movements) and reach-robots (for high racks). Through PL-d level safety sensors and proprietary ‘Driven by Balyo’ technology for autonomous operations, robotic MHE can be seamlessly integrated into existing operations without the need for additional or change in clients’ infrastructures.

Robots are already increasingly supporting businesses around the globe to tackle challenges in goods movements in the warehouse. The partnership opens up new opportunities to businesses. Kӧrber will work with Balyo to integrate its range of robotics to overcome challenges associated with full pallets, bulk movements and heavy goods. The result is flexibility, agility and scalability – smoothly increasing throughput and productivity with company growth.

The solutions also enhance employee safety and efficiency. A safer work setting is provided through smart safety and stop-and-go features – scanning the environment in real time for obstructions and instructing the robotic truck or tow tractor to move or stop accordingly. The robotic lift trucks also overcome labour shortages. Rather than replacing employees, the solution enables them to carry out more valuable tasks while working alongside the robots.

Pascal Rialland, CEO of Balyo comments: “We are very pleased to pursue this collaboration with Kӧrber as we continue to develop a partner network that meets local and global needs for industry verticals and logistics customers. Kӧrber’s expertise in warehousing and logistics and their global presence reinforce the complementary nature of our two companies and are a major asset for deploying Balyo complementary solutions to our customers.”

Nishan Wijemanne, Global Leader AMR/Robotics, Körber Business Area Supply Chain explains: “Flexibility, adaptability and precision are everything in today’s supply chain. Our partnership with Balyo is a testament to Körber’s dedication to offer the right tools to make this a reality. Robotics bring a new level of performance to warehousing and logistics. Our expertise combined with Balyo’s unique solutions will empower business around the world to conquer today’s complexities and to evolve with consumer and industry demands to capitalise on all the future holds.”

CFTS supports National Forklift Safety Day

Posted on by David Priestman

Tuesday 8th June 2021 is National Forklift Safety Day, and the UK materials handling industry is once again being encouraged to get involved, share guidance and take action to make sites safer.

Now in the UK for its third year, National Forklift Safety Day will be hosted by the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), which comprises the industry’s leading trade associations: BITA and the FLTA.

This year, National Forklift Safety Day will highlight the role of Thorough Examinations, and why regular inspections are key to ensuring businesses are using safe equipment.

As the industry’s accrediting body for Thorough Examinations, CFTS has been working closely with UKMHA to develop insightful resources that will be shared as part of the event.

CFTS Chairman Geoff Martin explains: “National Forklift Safety Day runs fantastic campaigns every year, and we are proud to support UKMHA in raising awareness about Thorough Examinations.

“There is a lot of confusion about what work equipment owners need to know and do in relation to regular inspections and checks. But by sharing information as widely as possible through this event, we hope to provide clarification and guidance.”

A key message this year is the difference between maintenance or services, and Thorough Examinations.

“There are certain legal requirements with a Thorough Examination,” adds Geoff. “Under LOLER regulations, the lifting equipment must be inspected in detail, and PUWER regulations require that safety-related items, such as brakes are assessed as well.

“Thorough Examinations can only be carried out by a suitably qualified Competent Person who has been trained to inspect the equipment and is under a legal obligation to report dangerous defects. It is important that owners and users are sure they are receiving the right examinations, as insufficient inspections leave them open to risk of accidents.”

The National Forklift Safety Day campaign provides a wealth of practical tips and free downloadable materials available via the website: www.nationalforkliftsafetyday.co.uk/2021-thorough-examination/

CFTS supports National Forklift Safety Day

Posted on by David Priestman

Tuesday 8th June 2021 is National Forklift Safety Day, and the UK materials handling industry is once again being encouraged to get involved, share guidance and take action to make sites safer.

Now in the UK for its third year, National Forklift Safety Day will be hosted by the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA), which comprises the industry’s leading trade associations: BITA and the FLTA.

This year, National Forklift Safety Day will highlight the role of Thorough Examinations, and why regular inspections are key to ensuring businesses are using safe equipment.

As the industry’s accrediting body for Thorough Examinations, CFTS has been working closely with UKMHA to develop insightful resources that will be shared as part of the event.

CFTS Chairman Geoff Martin explains: “National Forklift Safety Day runs fantastic campaigns every year, and we are proud to support UKMHA in raising awareness about Thorough Examinations.

“There is a lot of confusion about what work equipment owners need to know and do in relation to regular inspections and checks. But by sharing information as widely as possible through this event, we hope to provide clarification and guidance.”

A key message this year is the difference between maintenance or services, and Thorough Examinations.

“There are certain legal requirements with a Thorough Examination,” adds Geoff. “Under LOLER regulations, the lifting equipment must be inspected in detail, and PUWER regulations require that safety-related items, such as brakes are assessed as well.

“Thorough Examinations can only be carried out by a suitably qualified Competent Person who has been trained to inspect the equipment and is under a legal obligation to report dangerous defects. It is important that owners and users are sure they are receiving the right examinations, as insufficient inspections leave them open to risk of accidents.”

The National Forklift Safety Day campaign provides a wealth of practical tips and free downloadable materials available via the website: www.nationalforkliftsafetyday.co.uk/2021-thorough-examination/

Operations start at smart eCommerce warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

Work has been completed to turn one of the five freight hubs operated by U-Freight Logistics in Hong Kong into a smart warehouse.

The company’s 2,000 sq m eCommerce fulfilment centre (EFC) in Kwai Chung has been equipped with an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and Intelligent Racking system, and associated operating software, to improve the efficiency of operations and reduce costs.

For inbound consignments, the system, which was supplied by award-winning RV Automation Technology Company, will analyse the weight and dimensions of each Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU) in order to bring the most suitable storage rack to the EFC operations staff, enhancing the utilisation of storage capacity and shortening processing time.

Furthermore, this shortens the time period to the outbound order processing stage, which means consumers get their goods sooner.

When there are no operations staff at the EFC, the non-sleeping AGVs still execute instructions and pre-arrange the required goods to be ready for pick/pack when the operations staff return to work.

The U-Freight Group was an early entrant into the world of eCommerce logistics, and over the last few years several of the company’s warehouse facilities across Asia, North America, and Europe have been equipped to enable them to act as EFCs.

“The deployment of autonomous mobile robots in warehouses around the globe is transforming the future of the e-commerce sector and its ability to meet rising business and consumer demand,” says Simon Wong, the chief executive officer of the Hong Kong-based international freight forwarding and logistics group.

“The latest development is part of U-Freight’s ongoing investment to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing logistics services to this rapidly expanding sector of global trade.

“In our EFCs, picking operations account for an increasing proportion of costs, accounting for more than 50% of warehouse operation costs.

“Traditional warehouses mostly adopt the “person-to-goods” selection mode, which can mean high labour cost and low selection efficiency.

“By implementing an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and Intelligent Racking system, we will be adopting the ‘goods-to-person’ picking mode, and believe this will improve production efficiency. It should also enhance workplace safety and improve ergonomic conditions for operations staff in our EFCs.”

In its development of eCommerce logistics solutions, the U-Freight Group is continually trying to address the key issues stemming from increasing volumes of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) eCommerce shipments and the time sensitivity that is associated with this business.

Other than its latest initiative in Hong Kong, examples of those efforts include its launch of e+Solutions in 2019, a bespoke product to assist small businesses with their e-commerce logistics needs.

In addition to hardware investment, the U-Freight Group is now 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 eCommerce shipping platforms such as Easyship, and is also heavily involved in the Fulfilled by Amazon programme in several countries.

Wong concludes: “All of these initiatives are helping us boost efficiency and capture more value, in order to capitalise on the opportunities that are being presented by the ongoing surge in e-commerce volumes.”

Operations start at smart eCommerce warehouse

Posted on by David Priestman

Work has been completed to turn one of the five freight hubs operated by U-Freight Logistics in Hong Kong into a smart warehouse.

The company’s 2,000 sq m eCommerce fulfilment centre (EFC) in Kwai Chung has been equipped with an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and Intelligent Racking system, and associated operating software, to improve the efficiency of operations and reduce costs.

For inbound consignments, the system, which was supplied by award-winning RV Automation Technology Company, will analyse the weight and dimensions of each Stock-Keeping Unit (SKU) in order to bring the most suitable storage rack to the EFC operations staff, enhancing the utilisation of storage capacity and shortening processing time.

Furthermore, this shortens the time period to the outbound order processing stage, which means consumers get their goods sooner.

When there are no operations staff at the EFC, the non-sleeping AGVs still execute instructions and pre-arrange the required goods to be ready for pick/pack when the operations staff return to work.

The U-Freight Group was an early entrant into the world of eCommerce logistics, and over the last few years several of the company’s warehouse facilities across Asia, North America, and Europe have been equipped to enable them to act as EFCs.

“The deployment of autonomous mobile robots in warehouses around the globe is transforming the future of the e-commerce sector and its ability to meet rising business and consumer demand,” says Simon Wong, the chief executive officer of the Hong Kong-based international freight forwarding and logistics group.

“The latest development is part of U-Freight’s ongoing investment to meet the ever-increasing challenges of providing logistics services to this rapidly expanding sector of global trade.

“In our EFCs, picking operations account for an increasing proportion of costs, accounting for more than 50% of warehouse operation costs.

“Traditional warehouses mostly adopt the “person-to-goods” selection mode, which can mean high labour cost and low selection efficiency.

“By implementing an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) and Intelligent Racking system, we will be adopting the ‘goods-to-person’ picking mode, and believe this will improve production efficiency. It should also enhance workplace safety and improve ergonomic conditions for operations staff in our EFCs.”

In its development of eCommerce logistics solutions, the U-Freight Group is continually trying to address the key issues stemming from increasing volumes of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) eCommerce shipments and the time sensitivity that is associated with this business.

Other than its latest initiative in Hong Kong, examples of those efforts include its launch of e+Solutions in 2019, a bespoke product to assist small businesses with their e-commerce logistics needs.

In addition to hardware investment, the U-Freight Group is now 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 eCommerce shipping platforms such as Easyship, and is also heavily involved in the Fulfilled by Amazon programme in several countries.

Wong concludes: “All of these initiatives are helping us boost efficiency and capture more value, in order to capitalise on the opportunities that are being presented by the ongoing surge in e-commerce volumes.”

Trakm8 announces partnership with Energy Assets

Posted on by David Priestman

Trakm8, a leading UK vehicle technology specialist, has confirmed a new relationship with independent energy services business Energy Assets.

The telematics technology expert has rolled out its award=winning RH600 integrated telematics camera across Energy Assets’ full fleet of 200 vehicles, following a successful trial period.

Energy Assets is one of Britain’s fastest-growing independent industrial and commercial multi-utility metering businesses, helping both the private and public sector improve energy efficiency through ground-breaking technology analytics and customer-focused processes.

Trakm8’s RH600 solution combines rich telematics data with a cutting-edge 4G in-cab camera system, providing ultimate peace of mind for fleet managers. It is proven to reduce accident rates by up to 39% and cut instances of speeding by 35%. Indeed, it was the driver safety credentials of the RH600 that first led Energy Assets to investing in the device.

Ben Holleyhead, Fleet Manager at Energy Assets, explains: “The roll-out of RH600 across our 200-strong fleet represents a significant investment from Energy Assets into driver safety.

“To serve our customers, our engineers drive to all corners of the country. The Trakm8 RH600 solution will help create a positive environmental impact via efficient route planning by not only reducing engineers’ time on the road, but also fuel used and therefore emissions.

“Also, having the reassurance that they are following safety protocols and avoiding actions that could cause danger to themselves or other road users is absolutely essential. The system will provide valuable insight into our driver’s behaviour when out on the road to ensure we maintain a careful and considered driving approach.

“The integrated camera enables us to keep track of our driver’s habits, helping us spot potential training opportunities to further bolster the safety of our fleet. The RH600 also proves its worth from an insurance standpoint, with the device providing crystal clear footage from the driver’s perspective to help adjudicate during accident claims.

“After a successful trial period, we are excited to be rolling out the RH600 across our whole fleet. The feedback from drivers so far has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re looking forward to seeing the benefits the system can deliver to the business longer term.”

Trakm8 announces partnership with Energy Assets

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Trakm8, a leading UK vehicle technology specialist, has confirmed a new relationship with independent energy services business Energy Assets.

The telematics technology expert has rolled out its award=winning RH600 integrated telematics camera across Energy Assets’ full fleet of 200 vehicles, following a successful trial period.

Energy Assets is one of Britain’s fastest-growing independent industrial and commercial multi-utility metering businesses, helping both the private and public sector improve energy efficiency through ground-breaking technology analytics and customer-focused processes.

Trakm8’s RH600 solution combines rich telematics data with a cutting-edge 4G in-cab camera system, providing ultimate peace of mind for fleet managers. It is proven to reduce accident rates by up to 39% and cut instances of speeding by 35%. Indeed, it was the driver safety credentials of the RH600 that first led Energy Assets to investing in the device.

Ben Holleyhead, Fleet Manager at Energy Assets, explains: “The roll-out of RH600 across our 200-strong fleet represents a significant investment from Energy Assets into driver safety.

“To serve our customers, our engineers drive to all corners of the country. The Trakm8 RH600 solution will help create a positive environmental impact via efficient route planning by not only reducing engineers’ time on the road, but also fuel used and therefore emissions.

“Also, having the reassurance that they are following safety protocols and avoiding actions that could cause danger to themselves or other road users is absolutely essential. The system will provide valuable insight into our driver’s behaviour when out on the road to ensure we maintain a careful and considered driving approach.

“The integrated camera enables us to keep track of our driver’s habits, helping us spot potential training opportunities to further bolster the safety of our fleet. The RH600 also proves its worth from an insurance standpoint, with the device providing crystal clear footage from the driver’s perspective to help adjudicate during accident claims.

“After a successful trial period, we are excited to be rolling out the RH600 across our whole fleet. The feedback from drivers so far has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re looking forward to seeing the benefits the system can deliver to the business longer term.”

Belgian firm orders 50 curtainsiders from Tiger Trailers

Posted on by David Priestman

Fast-growing UK manufacturer Tiger Trailers has expanded its international customer base with the delivery of 50 mega trailer curtainsiders to ECS in Zeebrugge – an order in which product quality and open channels of communication played a key role.

ECS’ new EN 12642 XL curtainsider trailers operate with dual 5th wheel ride heights of 1050mm and 1200mm, reflecting the intermodal transport solutions firm’s explicit position as a trade gateway between the EU and UK and a specialist in trade with the latter, as outlined to the press by its co-CEO Pieter Balcaen last month.

Full chassis galvanisation with an 8-year corrosion warranty, five pairs of load-securing restraint straps to suit the roof tracks, and 385/55 premium brand tyres were integral to the solution designed and delivered by Tiger Trailers. Safety was also an important part of the specification, with yellow stripes identifying the 4m line, a reflective rear livery, a blind spot sticker and mega trailer warning decals.

“Following problems with other trailers in the past, relating to tyre sizes and especially quality and durability issues, we turned to Tiger Trailers and were impressed from the outset with their open and transparent style of business, the level of support provided throughout the briefing, production, delivery and aftercare stages, and the high quality of the finished product,” comments ECS’ Technical Fleet Manager, Jonas Van Den Broucke.

ECS operates an asset portfolio of more than 10,000 containers plus 600 dry and 200 refrigerated trailers, and its order from Tiger Trailers is the first in further planned batches over the next four years. The operator’s sizeable and specialised technical team will domestically maintain its new curtainsider assets, which were promptly commissioned into service at ECS’ harbour locations, linking the firm’s continental and UK warehouses with end customers including many leading supermarkets.

In May 2017, ECS acquired supply chain service provider 2XL, forming a one-stop shop European logistics group. Head of Immo Projects & Investments, Didier Moeneclaey, who was instrumental in the contract with Tiger Trailers, comments: “We are very happy with the quality and detail of our new mega trailers. Tiger’s team listened carefully to our brief and delivered a solution that contributes to ECS fulfilling our expansion strategies as we become even stronger as a post-Brexit trade gateway. Tiger’s dedication and timeliness give us confidence.”

Stephen Pollock, Tiger Trailers’ Business Development Director, says: “It was a pleasure to work closely with the ECS team in designing and delivering their first order from Tiger following us visiting their operations in Belgium to understand their requirements first hand.” He adds: “We are delighted that ECS are pleased with their new dual-height curtainsider mega trailers, the production of which wasn’t impeded despite the UK’s second lockdown, and it’s exciting to be supporting a company with strategies as ambitious as ours.”

Tiger Trailers experienced its best-ever set of financial results in the year to 31st December 2020, partly achieved through continuous innovation and increasingly efficient production methods enabling the firm to offer comparatively attractive industry lead times, along with the introduction of new services and products, from Finance and Rentals to temperature-controlled solutions.

Belgian firm orders 50 curtainsiders from Tiger Trailers

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Fast-growing UK manufacturer Tiger Trailers has expanded its international customer base with the delivery of 50 mega trailer curtainsiders to ECS in Zeebrugge – an order in which product quality and open channels of communication played a key role.

ECS’ new EN 12642 XL curtainsider trailers operate with dual 5th wheel ride heights of 1050mm and 1200mm, reflecting the intermodal transport solutions firm’s explicit position as a trade gateway between the EU and UK and a specialist in trade with the latter, as outlined to the press by its co-CEO Pieter Balcaen last month.

Full chassis galvanisation with an 8-year corrosion warranty, five pairs of load-securing restraint straps to suit the roof tracks, and 385/55 premium brand tyres were integral to the solution designed and delivered by Tiger Trailers. Safety was also an important part of the specification, with yellow stripes identifying the 4m line, a reflective rear livery, a blind spot sticker and mega trailer warning decals.

“Following problems with other trailers in the past, relating to tyre sizes and especially quality and durability issues, we turned to Tiger Trailers and were impressed from the outset with their open and transparent style of business, the level of support provided throughout the briefing, production, delivery and aftercare stages, and the high quality of the finished product,” comments ECS’ Technical Fleet Manager, Jonas Van Den Broucke.

ECS operates an asset portfolio of more than 10,000 containers plus 600 dry and 200 refrigerated trailers, and its order from Tiger Trailers is the first in further planned batches over the next four years. The operator’s sizeable and specialised technical team will domestically maintain its new curtainsider assets, which were promptly commissioned into service at ECS’ harbour locations, linking the firm’s continental and UK warehouses with end customers including many leading supermarkets.

In May 2017, ECS acquired supply chain service provider 2XL, forming a one-stop shop European logistics group. Head of Immo Projects & Investments, Didier Moeneclaey, who was instrumental in the contract with Tiger Trailers, comments: “We are very happy with the quality and detail of our new mega trailers. Tiger’s team listened carefully to our brief and delivered a solution that contributes to ECS fulfilling our expansion strategies as we become even stronger as a post-Brexit trade gateway. Tiger’s dedication and timeliness give us confidence.”

Stephen Pollock, Tiger Trailers’ Business Development Director, says: “It was a pleasure to work closely with the ECS team in designing and delivering their first order from Tiger following us visiting their operations in Belgium to understand their requirements first hand.” He adds: “We are delighted that ECS are pleased with their new dual-height curtainsider mega trailers, the production of which wasn’t impeded despite the UK’s second lockdown, and it’s exciting to be supporting a company with strategies as ambitious as ours.”

Tiger Trailers experienced its best-ever set of financial results in the year to 31st December 2020, partly achieved through continuous innovation and increasingly efficient production methods enabling the firm to offer comparatively attractive industry lead times, along with the introduction of new services and products, from Finance and Rentals to temperature-controlled solutions.

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