May 2021

Packaging firm accelerates sustainable model

Posted on 10 May, 2021 by David Priestman

Southgate, one of Europe’s leading packaging suppliers, has revealed its focus for 2021 and beyond will be to develop and promote the idea of a circular economy – inspiring businesses on an international scale to embrace the global solution to eliminating waste.

In a circular economy, manufacturers design products to be reusable. It is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of a product is extended, creating a more sustainable world.

To accelerate the transition, Southgate has been sharing advice on what businesses can do to drive forward the sustainability movement. From encouraging companies to review their paper vs plastic usage, ensuring a healthy mix is used in the most environmentally and responsible way, to advising e-commerce businesses and consumers on what packaging is recyclable, and raising awareness of the upcoming Plastic Packaging Tax for all sectors whether that be construction, retail or manufacturing.

Craig Turner, Managing Director at Southgate Packaging, said: “The circular economy focus will become part of our Mission and Values as a business. Everything we do will feed into driving this message – new product innovations which focus on sustainability, working closer with our distributors to offer advice on the best sustainable solutions, and much more.

“We believe the future of packaging needs to focus on reducing the amount of harmful waste being put into the environment, and as a leader in our field, it is our responsibility to drive this message forward.”

The global movement of creating a more circular economy has been embraced by consumers, following the growth in e-commerce focus, which increased by 46% in 2020. In a recent survey almost 44% of consumers said that recyclable or reusable packaging are one of the most important features in their product choice. However, a study from 2018 showed that only 53.9% of packaging was recyclable.

In the past year, Southgate has launched a number of sustainable packaging products from carton sealing, paper mailers and void fill, with plans to have a suite of sustainable options for every product. To showcase its latest sustainable product line, Southgate recently launched its Sustainability E-edition brochure.

Southgate is continuing to develop its line of sustainable products, with several new products (for its distributors) currently in development.

IKEA picks Limay-Porcheville for port-centric DC

Posted on 10 May, 2021 by David Priestman

IKEA France, the winner of a call for projects organised by Haropa-Ports of Paris, now has a 16 hectare site at the port of Limay-Porcheville that will allow it to set up a logistics warehouse at Limay. This new customer distribution centre will boost IKEA’s growth, in addition to promoting its goal to develop its activity on the basis of sustainability.

The publicly-owned site, approximately 160,000 sq m in area, to which Haropa-Ports of Paris has title, will enable IKEA to develop a customer distribution centre with approximately 72,000 sq m of floor space. It will be ideally located in the west of Greater Paris, making it possible to restock Paris city centre shops and deliver products to IKEA customers making online orders or in-store purchases.

It will serve a huge area ranging from Greater Paris for the vast majority of deliveries to areas in western France. Entry into service is scheduled for 2026.

Taking advantage of the site’s exceptionally favourable location, IKEA will develop a logistics project to include innovative solutions to meet its needs.

The warehouse also aims for environmental exemplarity. The goal is to obtain BREEAM certification to “Very Good” level, based on a design that optimises energy consumption, encouraging the use of environmentally-friendly building materials and the roof installation of over 28,000 sq m of solar PV panels. The project will also include an extensive landscaped area to guarantee protection and development of the surrounding ecosystem by replanting the site with 30,000 sq m of green space and around 100 trees.

The Limay site is strategic for the development of sustainable, multimodal logistics for IKEA given its proximity to the Seine and the A13 motorway. It will underpin the brand’s goal to develop river-based deliveries for its customers. River delivery has numerous advantages for IKEA France. It provides access to the centre of Paris, avoiding urban congestion, thereby guaranteeing delivery lead-times.

It also offers an opportunity to deliver products to customers using zero-emission solutions, thanks to a combination of electric vehicles and river transport. Since September 2020, solutions have already been trialled from Gennevilliers warehouse in conjunction with Haropa-Ports of Paris.

Paris in particular and the Greater Paris area in general form a priority market for IKEA France. IKEA is developing an omnichannel strategy based on a balance between its physical and digital points of contact to meet its customers’ needs. The creation of this new distribution centre will be essential for IKEA as a basis for the development of its business, especially for e-commerce, and to offer fast, reliable and sustainable deliveries to its customers.

According to Antoine Berbain, CEO of Haropa-Ports of Paris: “The signing of this agreement is symbolic in two ways. it confirms not only the attractiveness of the port logistics offer for Greater Paris, but also the economic relevance of river distribution logistics for the Grand Paris project. Looking at the Seine Axis as a whole, the installation of a brand as prestigious as IKEA at Limay port will contribute to a rebalancing of logistics towards the west of Greater Paris and the development of multimodality.

“It is with pleasure that we note the trust placed in us by IKEA in developing this ambitious and ground-breaking project.”

Emma Recco, IKEA business development & strategy manager, says: “I am very proud to sign today the agreement with Haropa-Ports of Paris for the creation of this warehouse in Limay. We are taking forward a high-quality partnership, engaged and committed for the long term, which will be a core asset for the innovative projects we wish to promote.

“IKEA France has already committed itself to providing deliveries to 100% of its Paris customers using a zero-emission solution by the end of 2021, and everywhere in France by 2025. This innovative warehouse will allow us to reconcile over the long term the development of our business, and e-commerce in particular, with our goal of sustainable logistics.”

IKEA picks Limay-Porcheville for port-centric DC

Posted on 10 May, 2021 by Keith McKinley

It will serve a huge area ranging from Greater Paris for the vast majority of deliveries to areas in western France. Entry into service is scheduled for 2026.

Taking advantage of the site’s exceptionally favourable location, IKEA will develop a logistics project to include innovative solutions to meet its needs.

“It is with pleasure that we note the trust placed in us by IKEA in developing this ambitious and ground-breaking project.”

Beumer wins best-managed companies award

Posted on 10 May, 2021 by David Priestman

Beumer Group has won the Axia Best Managed Companies Award 2021: at the beginning of May the consulting company Deloitte honoured the systems provider for its successful and well-managed medium-sized company.

As the founder of the Axia Award, Deloitte, together with the German business magazine WirtschaftsWoche and the Federation of German Industries (BDI), is again awarding this prestigious prize this year. Beumer is taking part for the fourth time.

“From the very beginning, our company has stood for values such as integrity and ethics, customer focus, quality and innovation, teamwork and sustainability,” says Dr Chirstoph Beumer, CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of the Beumer Group. The group of companies lives these and has also set them down in writing in guiding principles.

“The way a company behaves towards its employees and customers shows the importance it attaches to its values and how consciously it deals with them,” Beumer describes.

The systems provider thus sees its employees as part of the Beumer family, not as a resource. Employees should develop and not be consumed. That is why the company calls its HR department People and Culture (P&C). “The designation ‘People and Culture’ expresses the value principle by which we act according to our leadership culture in the family business,” says Beumer. “And it supports the Beumer employer brand, because corporate culture attracts talent.”

The Beumer Group offers exciting prospects and a varied working environment for its employees in the Münsterland mechanical engineering region. The system provider has been able to record large increases in recent years – and has gained a very good international reputation with forward-looking solutions for intralogistics in conveying and loading technology, palletising and packaging technology as well as sorting and distribution systems.

At the moment, for example, the aim is to push ahead with digitalisation to the fullest extent. To this end, the Beumer Group has launched two spin-offs in addition to the existing innovation department. Beam GmbH, a self-sufficient company builder, was established in Berlin. “We try to solve unique problems in logistics together with teams of founders,” says Dr Beumer. “We want to find founders with business ideas that are relevant to us. To do this, we found three start-ups per year and transfer them into their own company under the Beam umbrella.” The aim is to open up new business fields in logistics.

Beumer wins best-managed companies award

Posted on 10 May, 202125 July, 2025 by David Priestman

“The way a company behaves towards its employees and customers shows the importance it attaches to its values and how consciously it deals with them,” Beumer describes.

Crown Couriers rebrands

Posted on 10 May, 202129 July, 2025 by David Priestman

National logistics provider, Crown Couriers, has rebranded to Crown SDS (Service Delivery Solutions).

The rebrand marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey as it approaches its fourth decade in the logistics sector. The change of name and look follows a review of its services and better reflects the last-mile delivery, supply chain solutions and bespoke services the organisation provides to the 3PL sector.

Established in 1990, Crown SDS says it has been leading the way in bespoke same day solutions for over 30 years. In that time, the organisation has diversified its logistical services to ensure it is able to meet head-on the changing needs of the 3PL sector and is committed to investing in technologies at the forefront of the industry.

Steve Rushton, Director and General Manager of Crown SDS, said: “The rebrand to Crown SDS represents the next step in the company’s evolution and demonstrates our active adaption to meet the needs of our clients.

“The requirements of a modern-day logistics operator advances far beyond the standard A to B journey, and our bespoke supply chain solutions have allowed us to continually support our customers.

“With the intensified demand for rapid and reliable delivery services across the UK triggered by the pandemic, Crown has been proud to support businesses to help them pandemic-proof their supply chain solutions. We look towards a promising future.”

Making the evolution from courier to service delivery solutions, the brand has modernised its look with a brand-new logo and website to signify the spectrum of bespoke services that Crown SDS can offer to customers.

Since operations first began, the company has greatly expanded and now supports a grey fleet of over 2,000 nationwide drivers.

Its partnerships within the logistics and distribution sector have been developed through 30 years of industry experience and the ability to create flexible and bespoke solutions across the supply chain, including warehousing, 3PL, distribution and pick and pack.

For intricate solutions within the logistics service, Crown SDS offers an extensive network of vans and a national transportation and warehousing service. Support for 3PL services ranges from ad hoc support, supplying additional vehicles during busy periods and full same-day delivery solutions.

Coupled with a passion for innovation, Crown SDS has successfully developed a service that can be adapted to meet the unique requirements of each customer, and completes over 9,000 jobs a week.

Accumulating a total of £32million in annual sales across 2020, Crown is home to over 90 staff and works with over 2000 drivers, investing in people and technology to ensure a seamless delivery service for its range of clients.

Crown Couriers rebrands

Posted on 10 May, 202129 July, 2025 by David Priestman

National logistics provider, Crown Couriers, has rebranded to Crown SDS (Service Delivery Solutions).

“The requirements of a modern-day logistics operator advances far beyond the standard A to B journey, and our bespoke supply chain solutions have allowed us to continually support our customers.

Since operations first began, the company has greatly expanded and now supports a grey fleet of over 2,000 nationwide drivers.

Coupled with a passion for innovation, Crown SDS has successfully developed a service that can be adapted to meet the unique requirements of each customer, and completes over 9,000 jobs a week.

Making the case for warehouse cleaning robots

Posted on 7 May, 202125 July, 2025 by David Priestman

As the UK economy bounces back and warehouses and logistics providers are busier than ever, Jonathan Stacey of Crescent Industrial asks whether warehouse cleaning robots are an expensive vanity or a cost-saving reality.

Volumes are climbing, labour is short meaning housekeeping tasks like floor cleaning are squeezed at a time when hygiene and health are more important than ever.

That’s why future-thinking logistics leaders are increasingly turning to automation. But are robotic floor cleaners an expensive vanity for cash rich businesses looking to dazzle customers with “innovation”, or are they a truly market-ready method of warehouse cleaning with genuine cost saving benefits?

The UK’s leading logistics providers are finding the latter. So far, UK deployments of the Sweep XL robot floor cleaner has automated cleaning and brought a plethora of positive results to warehouse providers across the country. Not only is labour resource freed for higher value tasks, but consistent cleaning schedules deliver a healthier workplace and automated updates provide transparent reporting on what was cleaned and when. There are many more benefits, but you get the drift.

“That sounds expensive?” I hear you say. Contrary to popular belief, the Sweep XL robot delivers a healthy saving compared to the cost of traditional cleaning in most large warehouse applications. When comparing the costs of traditional cleaning (equipment rental, service support and labour rates) coupled with mediocre outcomes to a fully automated cleaning system, traditional cleaning quickly looks outdated, expensive and inefficient.

“My warehouse is too busy”, you may be thinking. “Fork lifts, LLOPs, PPTs, pedestrians and myriad other moving things means automation is not appropriate for my warehouse.” But don’t be too quick to dismiss the power of today’s automation. The Sweep XL has a super smart system of navigation including a vast array of lidars, sensors and ultrasonic ‘eyes’. This means the Sweep XL delivers cleaning in changing, dynamic spaces whilst avoiding obstacles and moving objects, the robot will even clean inside pallet bays when they’re empty!

So maybe automation is closer to a cost-saving reality than you may have first concluded. Being truly autonomous (meaning the robot self deploys, self-empties and self-recharges) the Sweep XL is helping deliver safer and healthier workplaces leaving you free to focus on higher-value tasks. Furthermore, companies are finding the Sweep XL a perfect low risk-way of introducing automation to the workplace, whilst demonstrating the value of true innovation to customers who have ever growing expectations.

Making the case for warehouse cleaning robots

Posted on 7 May, 2021 by David Priestman

Volumes are climbing, labour is short meaning housekeeping tasks like floor cleaning are squeezed at a time when hygiene and health are more important than ever.

Hungarian cold store operator bolstered by Yale fleet

Posted on 7 May, 202125 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Hungarian cold store operator ICE Solution turned to Pagát Gold Zrt to bolster its operations, with the Yale dealer providing four ERP15VT three-wheel electric trucks, four MO20P low-level order pickers, two MR16HD reach trucks, two MS15X-IL platform stackers and one MP25T truck.

Specialising in low-temperature warehousing and logistics, ICE Solution is one of the most modern cold storage facilities in the region. Unique in its field in Hungary, the company has been operating since 2008 and now holds two cold stores, located in Győr, suitable for storing goods at temperatures of -25°C. ICE Solution’s facilities can accommodate up to 11,500 pallets for its customers, which include leading poultry, milk, vegetable and fruit processors, as well as the largest domestic retail food chains.

To help its operations run efficiently, ICE Solution requires equipment capable of performing in the extreme cold. In its search for materials handling equipment, ICE Solution required a reliable, durable, and energy efficient solution from a partner that also offered rapid and reliable parts supply. With an average of 25-30 truckloads of goods handled every day, any delays caused by breakdowns would have a significant impact on the company’s productivity, therefore service was an important aspect of any product offering.

To bolster its operations, ICE Solution turned to its trusted dealer Pagát Gold Zrt – the exclusive dealer of Yale materials handling equipment in Hungary. The company was founded in 1991 and offers forklifts for rental, warehouse equipment, aerial work platforms, mobile forklift ramps and used forklifts. Additionally, it provides equipment service countrywide with 18 service cars and 25 technicians.

ICE Solutions and Pagát Gold Zrt have enjoyed a relationship that has spanned over 10 years. “During this time, ICE Solution has made a number of forklift investments,” said Domonkos Csik, Managing Director at ICE Solution. “In partnering with Pagát Gold Zrt, we chose a company that helps us to procure materials handling equipment that suits our needs and provides continuous service.”

After careful consideration of the company’s needs, Pagát Gold Zrt recommended a fleet of 13 Yale trucks. On discovering the benefits of Yale materials handling equipment, ICE Solution was confident it was the right product offering for them. “We chose a diverse range of Yale forklifts to fulfil our warehouse tasks” explained Domonkos.

High productivity in sub-zero temperatures

“Our equipment has to work in extreme conditions, so it’s important that they are able to deliver the same level of output regardless of the temperature. The Yale cold store solution provides a stable performance – even when working at -25°C in our facilities,” added Domonkos.

The most important task the Yale trucks fulfil is utilising space efficiently throughout the warehouse area. Every day the company needs to handle pallets weighing up to 1 tonne in different shapes and sizes, and processes are dependent on each other for a smooth operation.

ICE Solution’s operation requires a truck capable of performing two-shifts with minimal downtime. Four Yale ERP15VT three-wheel electric forklift trucks transport pallets around the facility, with the narrowed tipping frame enabling the operator to move comfortably between the shelves and overhanging pallets.

The cold storage company also required a pallet truck that was capable of picking up and dropping off several pallets of goods at the same time. As part of the preparation process, modifications were made to the Yale trucks to achieve this. The Yale MP25T pallet truck was fitted with a 2400mm-long fork enabling it to carry a load of up to 2.5-tonnes at a time – allowing the operator to stack pallets side-by-side.

“A great advantage of the Yale MP25T is that it is extremely agile and can work quickly, even under heavy workload,” commented Domonkos.

A combination of two MS15X-IL platform stackers, two MR16HD reach trucks and four MO20P low-level order pickers work alongside the MP25T to provide high efficiency and fast response times.

“The Yale pallet trucks, forklifts and reach trucks combine to create an efficient working environment. Due to the dynamic pace and nature of our business, we expect the same dynamism from our materials handling solutions. Our fleet of Yale trucks not only meet our expectations, they exceed them,” concluded Domonkos.

High productivity in sub-zero temperatures

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