Subscribe

Month: July 2021

Consultancy service launched for Russia markets

Posted on by David Priestman

Companies seeking to trade with Russia and the CIS countries that are currently deterred by the complexities involved can rely on a new trade and logistics consultancy service that has been introduced by an Anglo-Russian freight business that has had specialist expertise in these markets for many years.

Whilst UK-based FSM Logistics Ltd offers a portfolio of freight forwarding and logistics services globally, it has a deep understanding of the markets of the former Soviet Union (FSU) as a result of being one of the first international logistics providers to establish itself in the Russian market following the unravelling of the USSR in the 1990s.

Alfred Stienen, director of FSM Logistics recognises that for some businesses, Brexit has made trading with traditional markets in the EU much more complicated, and many are looking at markets further afield.

“Russia and the CIS countries have a large middle class; and GDP across the region has been rising for many years, increasing the spending power of the nations’ populations, for the potential benefit of UK traders.

“But, many businesses are dissuaded from considering trade with these markets as they are portrayed as impenetrable – ‘a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma’, according to Winston Churchill, which is an impression that we want to correct, and encourage UK traders to think again.”

Stienen accepts that whilst trading with Russia and countries of the CIS can look complicated for the outsider, the fact that the former is the UK’s 21st largest trading partner, with total trade in goods and services between the UK and Russia having a current value of over £150bn per annum, speaks volumes.

“FSM Logistics has had a successful trading relationship with Russia and the CIS markets for over 30 years and has a well-established network of our own logistics centres in seven locations across Russia, as well as additional freight hubs in Georgia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. In the early 1990s, I was involved in setting up offices in Moscow as one of the first UK forwarding companies to explore this market.

“Our new trade and logistics consultancy service for Anglo-Russian freight is a full value-added support operation, including advice on fiscal, tax, insurance, credit and Customs; multilingual staff in all offices; documentation, such as letters of credit, and Certificates of Origin, and even armed-escorts for highly valuable cargoes.

“It complements our full range of overland trailer, oceanfreight and airfreight services between the UK and continental Europe with Russia and the FSU countries.

“To fellow freight forwarders and logistics companies, we say that if you are getting shipping enquiries for these markets from existing customers, but turning them down due to lack of knowledge, experience or confidence to handle the business, we will guarantee that we can help you with a service partnership that is truly neutral.

“To importers and exporters that are concerned about the potential complexities of trading with these markets, we urge you to get in touch to discuss the support that we can offer.

“Whilst regulations, administrative procedures and requirements in this region are very different from those in Europe, through our local experts we have the right knowledge, network of contacts and know-how to meet all the local requirements.”

Having delivered successful logistics services in these markets for long-standing reputable international companies in the retail industry FSM Logistics concludes that it can do the same for other businesses and provide additional trading support services and advice that will help capitalise on the untapped opportunities in these markets.

Electric truck transports HP products in CEE

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Since the start of June 2021, Gebrüder Weiss has been deploying an electric truck to deliver technology products for the computer and printer manufacturer HP.

Efficient and sustainable transport solutions are key concerns for the logistics provider Gebrüder Weiss, and now they are being systematically rolled out in Central and Eastern Europe as part of its overall sustainability strategy.

This is the second zero-emissions truck in the company’s fleet. Manufactured by MAN, the vehicle produces some 50 tonnes less emissions than a conventional diesel model over the course of a year. Capable of traveling up to 150km without recharging, it runs daily services to electronics wholesalers.

“By incorporating an electric truck to deliver our products, we are taking a further stride with Gebrüder Weiss towards creating a more sustainable, net zero emission supply chain. Our long-term partner Gebrüder Weiss is supporting us with its high-quality logistics expertise and laying down a marker when it comes to cutting emissions in our European operations,” says Michael Smetana, Managing Director Austria at HP.

Partners for a quarter-century

Gebrüder Weiss has been working for HP since 1996, managing numerous supply chains in Europe either as a conventional freight forwarder or a lead logistics provider. In this capacity, the company performs various services under its own brand and also coordinates third-party providers. More than a tenth of the transport services have been designed to optimise life cycles across different transport modes.

With its first electric truck, Gebrüder Weiss successfully trialled the new technology in Greater Vienna over a period of several years. Equipped with a second electric vehicle, the company is now making further advances in embedding sustainable drive technologies in its supply chains.

In addition to the fully electric models, which are charged with green electricity, the logistics professionals have a hydrogen-fuelled vehicle and several natural gas-powered trucks in service. By tapping this and other initiatives, Gebrüder Weiss is aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.

Acquisition creates UK’s largest blue-collar labour provider

Posted on by David Priestman

Recruiter Challenge-trg Group has completed a deal to become the largest, privately-owned blue collar labour provider in the UK. It has acquired PMP Recruitment from investment house Twenty 20 Capital, for an undisclosed figure, bringing group revenues to over £0.75bn.

The combined knowledge and experience of the Group will offer specialist, bespoke end-to-end logistics solutions in recruitment, training, driving, warehouse operatives and haulage, underpinned by its own supply chain technology.

Tom Cropper, Group CEO of Challenge-trg, said: “This is a really exciting time for Challenge-trg and PMP Recruitment. By coming together and pooling our resources and experience, we can offer our clients the ultimate service in our sector. Incredibly, in our first year of trading in 2011, Challenge-trg revenues stood at £750k; post deal and 10 years on, we’ll hit 1,000x this number – a real achievement.

“As a business, our vision and values align – PMP Recruitment is a leader in establishing protocols in the abolition of modern slavery and Challenge has focussed on creating a work environment that develops and supports our employees. Through the combined passion for service and continual innovation and investment in technology and training provision, this merger is undoubtedly going to create opportunities for personnel and clients alike.”

The company will now employ over 500 group operational staff and over 40,000 temporary workers. Being trusted by these organisations, Challenge-trg believes it illustrates the company’s commitment to leading the way in ethical business decisions and ESG agenda.

Jamie Reynolds, managing director of PMP Recruitment (pictured on right, alongside Richard Cropper and Tom Cropper), who joins the Challenge-trg Group board to support long-term client relationships, transition and integration, said: “This deal creates a business that can deliver seriously tailored support to our clients. We’re very proud to have made this happen, we believe it means we can create many more jobs across the country at a time when employment is desperately needed. Our values are paramount, and Challenge-trg Group matches all of them. I’m very much looking forward to the future.”

Discover the new range of RAPPLON high-performance flat belts

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Ammeraal Beltech introduces the next-gen RAPPLON high-performance flat belts for the logistics industry, designed to deliver maximum reliability in all processing step, whether it’s coping with substantial temperature variations, fully loaded stops and starts, incline and decline sections, or any other operational or environmental challenges.

Anti-static, designed as QuickSplice belts, these light and heavy-duty roller drive black belts are a fit-and-forget solutions for all demanding live roller applications: extremely wear-resistant, these belts are impervious to moisture and display exceptional dimensional stability.

What’s more, the new range of elastic belts – designed for slider-bed applications – can run bi-directionally, making them ideal for use with next-generation logistics robots to load or unload goods with efficiency and cost saving.

The new RAPPLON HPFB black belts for logistics carry on the tradition of innovation and reliability for which Ammeraal Beltech is known throughout the logistics industry.

 

BIFA releases report into container shipping fundamentals

Posted on by Keith McKinley

In response to concerns expressed by its members, the trade association that represents UK freight forwarding and logistics companies has been monitoring conditions in the global container market for some time, liaising with international organisations in order to compare market conditions around the world.

BIFA has now prepared a report for all of its members, to help them highlight and explain to their clients how the present difficult position has arisen; the impact the current issues are having on the container market and wider economy; why it is so difficult to ameliorate the situation in both the short and longer term; as well as the potential for the immediate future.

In regards to rates, the report warns members to expect more surcharges to be imposed by the lines, in part to cover higher charter rates, as well as additional port fees, quay rent and demurrage.

Commenting on that, Robert Keen, BIFA Director General says: “BIFA has been challenging the legitimacy of arbitrary surcharges on behalf of our members – and their customers – for many years. There is a suspicion that the container shippping lines and others are cashing in on a crisis in global container shipping, created in no small part by their own actions.

“Over the last few years, we have seen surcharges for fuel, equipment imbalances, the peak season and currency fluctuations. Just this week a global port authority has announced an energy transition fee of £5 per laden import container! The number of surcharges and fees continues to grow – often with no real explanation or justification.”

In regards to capacity, BIFA predicts little prospect of additional allocations; and expects the shortage of landside transport will remain, whilst carriers will not accommodate low yield freight.

BIFA adds that there is likely to by ongoing short tern changes to schedules and routings; accompanied by service speed reductions and blank sailings.

Keen concludes: “The fundamentals that underpin demand and supply within the container shipping market show no signs of significant changes, which leads us to conclude that there is little chance of there being any improvement in the current situation for many months, or possibly even years.

“That is why we felt it necessary to provide our members with a report that helps them explain the ongoing issues that the freight forwarding industry faces, to a very disgruntled client set.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

 

PF Whitehead to sponsor Transaid challenge

Posted on by Keith McKinley

One of London’s leading warehousing and logistics experts, PF Whitehead Logistics, says it is proud to be a silver sponsor of – and take part in – charity Transaid’s long-awaited Way of the Roses cycle challenge.

This years’ challenge will involve two days of cycling through the Lancashire countryside and Yorkshire Dales, covering a total distance of 170 miles. The Way of the Roses challenge is named after the 15th Century Wars of the Roses, where English civil wars were fought between the royal houses of Lancaster and York over control of the throne.

All money raised will go to transport charity Transaid who transform lives through safe, available and sustainable transport. They work with communities, partners, and governments to solve transport challenges throughout sub-Saharan Africa.

Florence Bearman, Transaid’s Head of Fundraising, said on the charity website: “We were bitterly disappointed not to be able to go ahead with our planned events last year, and so we are absolutely thrilled to launch this exciting new fundraiser.

“Our cycle challenges are always a sell-out, with a real sense of camaraderie among the riders – but most importantly because they are a fantastic chance for supporters to raise essential funds for our lifesaving programmes – a cause close to all our hearts.”

This years’ Way of the Roses runs over the 23rd-26th September 2021, and marks Transaid’s sixth UK-based cycle challenge. Managing Director of PF Whitehead Logistics, Peter Whitehead, will be one of 40 participants to take part in the Morecambe to Bridlington adventure.

“As a proud Transaid ambassador, this will be my third challenge, after previous rides in Tanzania and Zambia,” says Peter. “I’m so excited to be climbing back on my bike. This charity not only improves transportation services within communities but also empowers people.”

The Way of the Roses’ cycle jersey design has also recently been revealed, with sponsor PF Whitehead Logistics’ logo clearly displayed on the left arm. The jersey itself is deep maroon with roses on both the back and front to symbolise the region’s infamous battle past.

Other riders for the event include like-minded individuals from across the transport sector who are all keen to fundraise for Transaid’s work in sub-Saharan Africa improving road safety and access to healthcare.

Family-owned and run since 1963, PF Whitehead Logistics was founded with a single van. Today, it operates a large fleet of modern vehicles across the UK and South East from it 50,000 sq m facility in South London. It offers warehousing, third-party logistics, pallet distribution and outsourced transportation, all, it says, with exceptional service and dependability.

To support Peter’s challenge and make a donation to Transaid, please click here.

 

 

Innovative logistics system developed based on printed sensors

Posted on by Keith McKinley

InnovationLab, an expert in printed electronics, has been working with Trelleborg Sealing Solutions to integrate its printed sensors into an innovative logistics application. Trelleborg says its IntelliStok inventory management system eliminates the need for the manual scanning of items, thereby saving time, increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

IntelliStok works seamlessly with existing Kanban-based systems to provide real-time inventory tracking of the company’s sealing products. The system uses printed pressure sensor matrices from InnovationLab, which are placed inside existing storage bins at a warehouse. These sensors weigh the products in each bin and wirelessly send this data to the cloud.

“This was a challenging application. As our seals can weigh less than 1g, we needed a sensitive, cost-effective system that could reliably provide accurate information,” said Domenico Tucci, IoT Solution Architect at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. “InnovationLab worked closely with us to develop a solution that exceeded our expectations and then manufactured the sensor matrices for us.”

“We provide tailored solutions for our customers’ challenges, from the initial concept to the industrial production of the final product,” said Luat Nguyen, Managing Director at InnovationLab. “Our expertise is based on an in-depth understanding of materials, processes and printing technologies – for Trelleborg, we researched and analysed possible solutions, and then designed and manufactured the optimal sensor matrix that met their specific needs.”

Trelleborg set multiple requirements for the sensor matrix material such as low cost and sufficient durability to prevent deformation or creasing during use. InnovationLab undertook detailed research and testing of various materials, until it found a material that perfectly met all the criteria.

Trelleborg offers IntelliStok as a service to its customers – triggering orders automatically for the replenishment of stock, directly in Trelleborg’s systems. The customer receives an email informing them of the order and the stock arrives shortly thereafter.

For Trelleborg’s customers, there are five standard-size sensor units available, which fit most bin types. The sensor matrices are integrated into a module that incorporates a microcontroller (MCU), a Wi-Fi chip for wireless connectivity and a 3.6V lithium battery.

Fronius offers modular and flexible charging solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Fronius Perfect Charging says it offers customised and modular complete solutions for electrically powered forklift trucks that expand flexibly as challenges rise.

In many industries, agility and flexibility are among the greatest challenges in day-to-day business. In order to be able to react in the best possible way to fluctuating demand when also under high time and cost pressure, internal storage and transport processes must be optimised accordingly. The available space must also be used to its full potential and, if necessary, expanded. This also applies to the charging technology and charging infrastructure for electrically powered forklift trucks.

Electric forklift trucks are a cost-effective, powerful and sustainable choice for a company’s internal flow of materials. However, to ensure availability and performance, they need a reliable power supply. This becomes particularly clear when organisational changes are made: Are new storage areas or vehicles being added? Are operating times or travel distances being extended? Is the changeover to a new battery technology imminent? In these cases, the charging infrastructure often also has to be adapted in order to continue to guarantee the fleet operates reliably.

Next-level, innovative charging solutions

When it comes to designing the charging infrastructure, Fronius Perfect Charging focuses on quality and individuality. The specialist has a large portfolio of charging modules and racks for setting up single charging rooms, charging stations and charging rooms. These can be combined with each other and expanded, and are compatible with all lead-acid and lithium-ion battery chargers from Fronius.

Thanks to their ingenious, high-quality design, the charging solutions can be reused many times over and are easy to assemble and disassemble. This gives users a high degree of flexibility when designing their intralogistics and allows them to make any necessary changes at any time. For short-term capacity bottlenecks or space problems, Fronius has also developed a sophisticated and practical solution for outdoor use: the mobile Energy Hub.

Fronius Perfect Charging also provides expert advice on the planning, installation and operation of customised system solutions. The expert delivers an individual complete package to its customers that meets all the requirements of modern intralogistics. Operating companies benefit from a reliable and efficient energy supply for their forklift truck fleet, with which they are also ideally equipped for future changes.

 

 

Element Logic enters Czech market

Posted on by David Priestman

With more than 100 implemented AutoStore systems around Europe, Element Logic is now entering the Czech market.

With increased demand for automation of all processes and the overall Industry 4.0 revolution, implementing modern technology is essential. The growth in e-commerce has created demand for faster logistics, especially for companies selling electronics, fashion, sports equipment, or cosmetics.

“These sectors experienced a boom during the pandemic, when the number of daily orders reached pre-Christmas sales,” Jindřich Kadeřávek, Managing Director of Element Logic Czech Republic explains. “AutoStore is an efficient solution for them because it can pick thousands of orders per hour.

“Companies are looking for opportunities to optimize all logistic processes,. Modern warehouse solutions are a key part of business sustainability. Thanks to decades of experience, Element Logic is able to create an attractive and contemporary solution that reacts to the current demands.”

First installation

The first installation of AutoStore locally will begin at Continental Automotive in the end of September 2021. It is designed to supply online materials to the production line to make the production more efficient. The goods to person process is ensured through 13 robots and four swing ports which transport the bins from mezzanines down to the ground. The installation should be completed by December 2021.

“Continental is expanding its production and the space for warehouse management is getting smaller,” Kadeřávek explains. “We designed AutoStore in the mezzanine to save floor space as much as possible, because it is used for receiving materials and following expedition processes.”

“With AutoStore, Element Logic offers the ideal solution for businesses with an intense preparation of orders in the smallest possible space, a model that has been amply validated with more than 100 implementations throughout Europe,” says Armin Gesslein, Executive VP Central & Southern Europe.

“We are very proud to announce the opening of our office in the Czech Republic and with Jindřich’s professional experience within the industrial and logistics sector, we are convinced that we will get a strong development and the growth we need.”

 

Bowe Group formed to offer end-to-end automation solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

BÖWE SYSTEC, headquartered in Augsburg (Germany), has made a global name for itself with process automation solutions built around inserting, letter and parcel sorting as well as intralogistics. BÖWE SYSTEC has now become the BOWE GROUP. Under the umbrella of the BOWE GROUP, three specialist divisions supply integrated, industry-specific automation technologies as well as smart IoT software solutions.

With its three divisions, each with an individual brand identity, the BOWE GROUP offers made-to-measure automation and IoT software solutions tailored to the individual needs of the respective target markets.

“Our aim is to use our know-how to come up with the right solutions for overcoming our customers’ challenges. In doing so, we can give them a competitive edge in their chosen markets,” says Joachim Koschier, Managing Director of the BOWE GROUP. “Our new, focused direction and the concentration of expertise in separate business units will enable us to meet our customers’ individual needs better than ever. We are able to provide them with solutions that perfectly match their business segments.

“Apart from this, our customers profit from our global sales and service network. We consider it important to support them closely throughout their project from the outset.”

Three independent divisions

BOWE SYSTEC will represent the traditional document and mail processing segment. The emphasis will continue to be on smart inserting technology, letter and mixed mail sorters as well as plastic card and electronic passport mailing.

Customers in the intralogistics business can get everything they need to optimize their sorting centres and warehouses from BOWE INTRALOGISTICS. With a broad product portfolio and expertise, BOWE INTRALOGISTICS provides full-service intralogistics solutions. From unloading aids through conveyors and picking systems to sorters, there’s something for every warehouse or distribution centre no matter what size.

Whether for packet and parcel sorting, e-commerce, retail or wholesale, food & beverage, 3PL or the manufacturing industry: modular intralogistics solutions automate and speed up the whole of the internal process chain – from goods in through picking and sorting to dispatch, and beyond.

These two divisions are perfectly complemented by BOWE IQ with its smart IoT software solutions for document and mail processing as well as the broad field of intralogistics. The decision to establish this third business unit underlines the steadily growing role of digitization across the Group’s product range and their customer’s value chains. The spectrum extends from software for intuitive machine control through process automation to track & trace solutions, including serialisation and applications for that famous “last mile”.

High-performance, industry-specific Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Warehouse Control Systems (WCS) round off the portfolio. BOWE IQ thus acts as a crucial interface between BOWE SYSTEC and BOWE INTRALOGISTICS, although it also targets the markets with software solutions of its own.

Systematic corporate development

“The new market presence is the next step in our Group’s dynamic development,” Koschier comments. “We went through a metamorphosis over the last few years. Our portfolio has been continually enhanced, with strategic expansions into intralogistics and software. We’ve also evolved parallel to this as a company – from a machine manufacturer to a full-service provider of end-to-end automation solutions for different industries, with three strings to our bow: mail processing, intralogistics and software.

“However, many of our customers weren’t actually aware of these changes. That’s why we’re now adapting our market presence to reflect our organisation as-is. The new structure comprised of three independent divisions means we can offer each target market exactly the BOWE GROUP expertise they’re looking for in concentrated form.”

“This move has come at absolutely the right time, after the company has spent several years stepping up its know-how and activities substantially in a range of business segments, accompanied by rapid growth especially in intralogistics,” explains Dr. Joachim Brenk, CEO of the Possehl Group, of which the BOWE GROUP is a part. “In spite of the challenging conditions prevailing in 2020, the BOWE GROUP therefore made a sound contribution to Possehl’s success.”

Corporate website relaunched

The BOWE GROUP website has been relaunched to support the new market presence. The new website highlights the differentiated brand identity and provides ease of use and functionality in line with today’s trends and requirements.

Furthermore, the redesigned BOWE GROUP site gives multiple target and interest groups quick and simple access to relevant content.

The new BOWE website is now online at www.bowe.com

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.