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Month: July 2021

Bosch relocates to Czech logistics facility

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Leading European industrial developer CTP has provided tailor-made logistics space to international technology and services provider Bosch. The company has leased a distribution centre in one of the largest and most sought-after industrial parks in the Czech Republic. Bosch will move its operations from the Netherlands to CTPark Bor in western Bohemia, where it will have over 15,000 sq m of lettable area.

CTP will provide Bosch with a cross-dock, which has the advantage of improved logistics, receipt and expedition of goods. The space can be expanded in the future. Bosch will use its 15,688 sq m primarily for the storage of electronic components and camera systems but the plan also includes offices for local management and employees.

“We are very happy to have been selected by this globally renowned company with a history of well over a century,” commented Jakub Kodr, Senior Business Developer at CTP. “We believe their decision was significantly influenced by the readiness of our buildings, fast, tailor-made space solutions and the location, which will help the company to streamline its delivery process from Germany to other European countries. Bosch and CTP also share a vision of doing business sustainably.”

Bosch’s decision to relocate to CTPark Bor was further supported by the high-quality facilities of the industrial warehouse and the use of the latest technologies, including charging points for electric vehicles. In addition, CTP provides its clients with sports facilities, canteens, accommodation, accessible medical care and support in finding new workforce. Bosch will now employ around 100 people in its warehouses.

The German engineering and technology company Bosch operates in more than 60 countries, its products are sold in 125 locations around the world and its workforce amounts to 500,000 employees. Besides Bosch, CTP’s portfolio includes other hi-tech tenants, such as Autoneum, ABB, Thermo Fischer Scientific, Honeywell and Garrett Motion.

CTPark Bor

The Bor park is one of the largest industrial parks in the Czech Republic, with a total area of 135 hectares. It is located on a highway near Tachov, around 15km from the German border and 50km from the city of Pilsen. The park offers facilities for manufacturing, storage and logistics as well as accommodation for the employees of local companies.

In total, the Bor park provides approximately 3,500 jobs. Construction having started in 2005, the park is being continuously expanded with both additional industrial properties and residential and service facilities. Employees can already benefit from several restaurants, a medical centre, training and meeting rooms as well as sports and recreational facilities.

Current tenants of the park include Primark, DHL and TechData. The largest tenant of the Bor complex is LOXXESS Bor, which leased 60,500 sq m of space in autumn 2020. It was the largest transaction of last year.

Descartes strengthens last-mile with acquisition

Posted on by David Priestman

Descartes Systems Group, a global leader in uniting logistics-intensive businesses in commerce, has acquired GreenMile, a leading provider of cloud-based mobile route execution solutions for food, beverage, and broader distribution verticals.

GreenMile’s highly scalable mobile route execution solutions have been built with unique capabilities to serve the global distribution industry. Customers benefit from a next-generation platform that incorporates machine-learning to continually improve service and travel time standards. GreenMile’s innovative solutions are used by some of the world’s largest food and beverage companies to digitize final-mile delivery processes, thereby eliminating paper from the supply chain, increasing efficiencies and improving customer satisfaction.

“GreenMile has built a great business by focusing on the unique challenges faced by retail food and beverage distribution companies,” said Andrew Roszko, EVP Commercial Operations at Descartes. “Their mobile applications are used by drivers around the world to improve their productivity and provide real-time delivery visibility to enhance customer service.

“The platform is complemented with advanced analytics and delivery performance management tools to provide managers in the field and corporate leadership with a comprehensive view of field operations. When combined with Descartes’ advanced route optimization tools, we believe it presents a compelling proposition to help distributors improve their final-mile delivery operations.”

“We continue to invest in a broader set of capabilities to help our customers across diverse industry verticals solve their final-mile challenges,” added Edward J Ryan, Descartes’ CEO. “The GreenMile combination helps us by adding a team with deep domain expertise in retail food and beverage distribution, extending our operational footprint and presence in Latin America, and adding to our community of truly global distribution companies. We’re thrilled to welcome the GreenMile employees, customers and partners into the Descartes family.”

GreenMile is headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Descartes acquired GreenMile for up-front cash consideration of US$30m (c.€25m) plus potential performance-based consideration. The maximum amount payable under the all-cash performance-based earn-out is US$10m (c. €8.5m), based on GreenMile achieving revenue-based targets over the first two years post-acquisition.

 

 

Transport firm invests £1m in facilities

Posted on by David Priestman

Montgomery Distribution, a member of Palletways, has invested more than £1 million to relocate to a new depot in Rugby. The new depot boasts increased storage to accommodate in excess of 5,000 pallets, as well as closer links to the M1, M6 and A14, which enables easier access to its customers.

Pallet movements at the 24-hour operation have already increased by 100% and Montgomery Distribution expects to increase this to double over the coming months.

Additionally, Montgomery Distribution has also acquired 25 Scania Vehicles and 23 latest generation forklift trucks across its regional depots in Belfast, Leeds, Preston and Rugby.

Steven McBride, managing director at Montgomery Distribution, said: “Despite the challenges of recent times, our logistics services continued and our team worked exceptionally hard to keep vital shipments moving. The current climate places an even greater level of importance on efficient collections and deliveries and is the driver behind this significant recent investment.”

Since launching in 1970 with just one tractor unit, family-owned and -operated Montgomery Distribution has continued to grow and now operates across sites in Belfast, Leeds, Preston and Rugby, with a fleet in excess of 250 vehicles and 900 trailers. Montgomery Distribution became a member of Palletways in 2002 after adding a pallet distribution division, which has grown to become a £20m per year business with operations across the UK & Ireland.

Montgomery Distribution is one of over 115 independent transport providers that are part of Imperial’s Palletways UK network. They benefit from shared expertise and resources from within the group to deliver consignments of palletised freight to market faster and more cost effectively than ever before. The Palletways Group, renowned for its industry-leading IT developments and operational systems, comprises 450+ depots and 20 hub operations, through which it provides collection and distribution services across 24 European countries, including the UK.

DP World to acquire Imperial

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Imperial has entered into an agreement with DP World that will see the latter acquire the South African logistics company for an approximate figure of ZAR 12.7 billion (EUR 746 million)

DP World, a global infrastructure-led supply chain solutions provider with 136 business units in 61 countries across six continents, is interested in acquiring Imperial and all its businesses to expand its logistics footprint in Africa and Europe. Imperial’s Logistics International business is within the scope of the offer and as such will not be sold separately under this proposed offer.

“This transaction will be value-enhancing for Imperial as our business will benefit from DP World’s leading technology, global networks and key trade-lane volumes, while enabling us to build on our ‘Gateway to Africa’ strategic and growth ambitions,” explains Mohammed Akoojee, Group CEO of Imperial.

“Our Logistics International business and operations are also aligned with DP World’s strategic expansion plans on the European continent. Combining DP World’s world-class infrastructure, specifically its investment and expertise in ports on the African and European continents, with Imperial’s logistics and market access platforms will enable us to offer integrated end-to-end solutions along key trade lanes into and out of Africa and accelerate our position in Europe, driving greater supply chain efficiencies and ultimaately enhancing value for all stakeholders.”

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “We are excited to announce the proposed acquisition of Imperial, which will add significant strategic value to DP World given its attractive footprint and strong logistics solutions capability. Imperial has a significant presence in Africa, a market where trade is expected to grow at more than 2x GDP driven by population growth, accelerated urbanisation and rising middle classes. Imperial’s business strongly complements DP World’s existing footprint in Africa and Europe and will allow us to deliver a fully integrated end-to-end solution to cargo owners across a wider market.”

 

One fifth of logistics workers intend not to commute again

Posted on by David Priestman

Almost one in five logistics workers do not intend to return to the office again post pandemic, largely due to ongoing concerns around infection control on public transport.

As employees across the UK are to set to embark on their return to the workplace following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in July, new research reveals that many commuters are reluctant to return to their place of work in the coming months, mainly due to increased concern over infection control and social distancing on the daily commute.

According to a nationally-representative survey into 2,000 UK workers, conducted by corporate transport specialist Kura, nearly one-fifth (19.1%) of workers in the logistics industry plan to never commute again post pandemic, with regional variations from 10.8% in London to 29.1% in Wales.

The reluctance to return to the workplace stems largely from the travel to and from work, with nearly 60% of workers across the UK admitting that they hold real concerns around the commute post lockdown. This is particularly prevalent for the senior workforce, with Board-level (98%), Directors (85%) and Managers (77%) holding the biggest concerns over the future of the commute.

Kura’s research uncovered that the key root to commuters’ concerns post lockdown is infection control and lack of social distancing on public transport. Across the UK, 36% of workers hold Covid-related concerns with regard to the future of the commute, and this percentage increases to 54.4% for those employees commuting in and around London.

There is a strong cry for help with commuting from employees, particularly Graduates (70%) and Junior Executives (73%). Despite this, the commute is not a priority for the vast majority of businesses across the UK, with just 16.4% of companies expressing desire to monitor or support employees on their commute going forward.

Godfrey Ryan, CEO of Kura, comments: “As Covid-19 restrictions lift and employees are requested to return to the workplace, there will undoubtedly be more thought and consideration given to the regular commute. With increased awareness around factors such as infection control and social distancing, we will inevitably see a shift in the commuting landscape.

“For public transport commuters in particular, the perceived lack of infection control, unreliability of service and overcrowding is hampering employers hopes of an office-based or hybrid workforce post lockdown. As these fears continue to prevent workers from wanting to return to the office, it is time for employers to step up and offer alternative travel support to their employees where necessary.

“It is reassuring to see that the home to work journey is becoming an increasingly important consideration for businesses across London, with 30% expressing a desire to support their employees on the commute. Hopefully we will start to see other regions across the UK follow suit in the coming months, as the capital sets the precedent.”

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT

Freightliner secures duel-fuel project funding

Posted on by David Priestman

Freightliner, in partnership with a consortium of specialist suppliers, has been successful in securing government funding to develop a dual-fuel solution for the Class 66 locomotive.

The technology is one of the 30 winners of the latest round of the First of a Kind (FOAK) competition announced by the Transport Secretary. Already the safest and greenest mode of ground-freight transportation, the competition has been aimed at making the railways even cleaner, greener and more passenger friendly.

This is the first time that this technology, which is widely used in the road industry, will be applied to the rail freight sector on such an important and widely used class of locomotive. Work commenced on 1st July and will take place over a nine-month period.

The key project partners are Freightliner, which operates over 113 Class-66s in the UK, and Clean Air Power, a provider of innovative clean air solutions for freight. The project is also supported by Network Rail, Tarmac, Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB), Flogas, Carrickarory and the University of Birmingham.

The project will investigate the ability to substitute diesel with both hydrogen and biogas on the Class-66 locomotive which hauls over 80% of freight on the UK rail network and, in doing so, reduce carbon emissions on one of the industry’s most challenging two-stroke locomotives.  This will be achieved by retrofitting the Class 66 with Clean Air Power’s precision injection technology, creating a Class 66 that can run on a combination of diesel, biogas and hydrogen.

This sustainable solution will support a programme to decarbonise freight operating companies’ diesel fleets in a cost-efficient manner that does not require significant short-term investment and facilitates operational learning in support of a longer-term fleet replacement programme, potentially using 100% hydrogen fuel.

Exhaust emissions will be assessed in line with the latest RSSB guidance to understand both the baseline conditions and the impact of dual-fuelling for both hydrogen and biogas. Emissions and substitution data is a key output of this project and will be available to RSSB.

All work on locomotives, static testing and emission data collection will be carried out at Freightliner’s vehicle maintenance facility in Leeds, supported by Carrickarory Consultancy and in consultation with RSSB.

“Freightliner is excited to be a key partner in this pioneering decarbonisation project,” said Freightliner UK Rail Managing Director Tim Shakerley. “As the largest freight operator of electric traction, we already have a number of environmentally motivated initiatives underway and are delighted to be working with Clean Air Power and other partners on this additional government-funded project.  With decarbonisation high on the agenda, these initiatives will further support the government’s pledge to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”

Dan Skelton, Managing Director of Clean Air Power, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Freightliner and other partners on this project. All parties are focussed on delivering a fully functioning low-carbon, low-emission, hydrogen-friendly Class 66 locomotive.

“Our solution offers a route to viable, long-term decarbonisation and its associated cost benefits, which will be practical to implement and scale. With the know-how and expertise, we share, we’re looking forward to this new and exciting initiative making a real difference.”

“Largest show for 40 years” showcases future transport

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The inaugural Innovation and Technology in Transport (ITT Hub) event made its debut  on 30th June-1st July. It was the largest show of its kind in 40 years and helped spearhead the future of transport and revolutionise the commercial vehicle market as the industry transitions to net zero emissions and strives to reach maximum efficiency.

Held at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, the exhibition was attended by 4,000 industry professionals working within the transport industry, including engineers, managing directors, government and major influencers.

Over 150 exhibitors filled the 45,000 sq m indoor and outdoor venue space, showcasing a range of high-tech products and services, while a Government Hub was attended by several government departments and agencies. The outside Ride & Drive experiences on offer proved a popular attraction with visitors. More than 20 manufacturers, including BYD, Fiat, Ford, IVECO and DAF Trucks, showcased their ground-breaking vehicles, infrastructure and technology, while Volta Trucks debuted the Volta Zero, the world’s first purpose-built full-electric 16-tonne commercial vehicle created specifically for city centre logistics, and Wrightbus showcased the launch of its first hydrogen fuelled double deck bus.

British Astronaut Major Tim Peake CMG, one of 30 speakers at Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference which ran alongside the exhibition, stressed the importance of prioritising the decarbonisation of transport to protect the future health of our planet.

Mark Griffin, CEO at ITT Hub, said: “What a brilliant inauguration for ITT Hub. We were thrilled to welcome thousands of visitors, exhibitors and speakers to the event to explore the future of transport and tackle the challenges we face together as an industry. We have been overwhelmed with the positive response from the show and, after just one event, ITT Hub has already been established as a vital platform for anyone working in transport.

“As part of our growth strategy, we are curating a portfolio of recycling and waste management, cold chain storage and distribution, plus even more of the energy and charging technology infrastructure experts for next year’s event. These additions to our exhibition and programme are the next logical step in the development of the all year round ITT Hub activity and I can’t wait to show the industry what we are going to do next.”

Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, added: “This was a remarkable debut for ITT Hub and we are thrilled we could partner with the team at Binswood Media to deliver an event of such resounding success. ITT Hub is a pioneering platform for the transport industry, which will see the launch of revolutionary innovations, landmark government announcements and invaluable relationship building amongst industry leaders.

“The future of the event is bright and, as the new owners of ITT Hub, we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Mark Griffin and utilising our exceptional expertise and resources to grow ITT Hub into the leading event and news channel in the sector.”

Kevin Green, Marketing & Communications Director at Logistics UK, comments: “The Future Logistics Conference was an incredible success, with an unrivalled line-up of speakers – including senior representatives from National Grid, Highways England, Zemo Partnership, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, and, of course, Major Tim Peake – who all shared their unique insights and expertise to help industry and government on the road to net zero emissions, and to tackle challenges such as the growing skills shortage.

“I cannot wait to come back in May 2022 to see the vast progress industry and government will have made towards decarbonisation in that time, and once again, gather to examine and challenge the forces shaping this vital sector.”

Exhibitor Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director of Renault Trucks UK & Ireland, comments: “ITT Hub was a great show – I will certainly be looking forward to coming back next year. We had more than 60 or 70 customers take part in the Ride & Drive so that has been a great experience. Thank you to all the people that make the show happen.”

ITT Hub and the Future Logistics Conference will be returning to Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre on 11th-12th May 2022.

Transport robotics specialist rebrands

Posted on by David Priestman

With a sharpened brand profile, a completely revised brand design and a new company name, a leading manufacturer of innovative high-tech transport robotics for production and warehouse logistics is positioning itself for the industry of the future: From July 1, 2021, EK Automation will operate as ek robotics.

The central element of the new brand identity and communication is the Infinity sign as the new logo. The multitude of colours and the visualisation of the infinite possibilities through several lines in a functioning cycle form the unmistakable look of the “Infinite colors of transport” and at the same time form the claim that highlights the expertise of the independent family-owned company.

“With the new brand identity we underline our commitment to uncompromising quality, a unique product design as well as our claim to offer every company an optimal and absolutely reliable solution,” explains Andreas Böttner, CEO of ek robotics.

With the goal of making the benefits of intelligent transport robotics available to every company in the world, ek robotics is shaping the future of its customers today and offers endless possibilities: According to ek robotics, no other provider presents a greater variety of solutions for intralogistics, is as flexible and needs-oriented as ek robotics. No challenge is too small or too big, no system too simple or too complex.

With its unique engineering, powerful technology, and software tailored to individual customer needs, ek robotics is among the technical elite in the very fast growing transportation robotics industry.

“With everything we do, we strive to transform intralogistics challenges into critical competitive advantages for our customers. To keep challenging the status quo, we combine the best industrial technologies with our endless inventiveness and unique engineering skills,” explains Böttner.

The reorientation of the brand also includes the expansion of the product portfolio to include additional standard products as well as the continuous expansion of global presence. With its own innovative products and a steadily growing service network of transport robotics specialists, ek robotics is striving to open up further market areas. The innovative high-performance transport robots from ek robotics solve internal inefficiencies in production and warehouse logistics.

With maximum reliability, the automated guided vehicles from ek robotics optimise intralogistics processes and make them more flexible, fail-safe and efficient.

The new brand identity represents the company’s values and identity, while its history of more than 50 years forms the foundation of the transport robotics specialist.

“Trust, safety and quality are values that define us and clearly highlight customer benefits,” says Böttner. “Our direct and authentic communication, as well as our extraordinary expertise, are our trademark. We work pragmatically and need-oriented. This is what our customers appreciate us for.”

“Most secure trailer ever” developed

Posted on by Keith McKinley

ZF, Sioen Industries and Securitas have joined forces with printed side curtains manufacturer Roland International jointly developed the Intrudor Detection system to reduce the growing problem of cargo theft from trailers.

The smart, multi-layered tarpaulin with embedded conductivity can be applied to doors, sides, and roofs for 360-degree trailer security and is compatible with reefers, plywood boxes, containers and curtainsider trailers. Its stand-alone design makes it suitable to apply to both new and existing trailers.

Cargo theft is increasing systematically. A report from BSI Supply Chain Services and Solutions shows that 86% of all cargo theft in Europe involves goods being stolen from trucks. Such thefts not only impact customer deliveries, but also have a detrimental effect on fleet owners – from damaged trailers and trucks to downtime and higher insurance fees.

In keeping with the mission of Roland ‘to improve how the world moves cargo’, they have developed a smart and innovative Trailer 360-degree Trailer Security solution for reefers, plywood boxes, containers and curtainsider trailers. ZF controls the technology via the advanced Transics branded fleet management solution TX-Trailerguard. This solution can be combined with another leading technology from ZF that provides optimum security – the Wabco OptiLock ELB-Lock. This wireless electric door locking system that remotely monitors and operates trailer doors features various real-time sensors and alarms.

Sean Spelman, Head of Product & Technology at Cargo Control Company, says: “By combining our leading side curtain technology with the product knowledge of Sioen, the digital advanced solutions from ZF and 24/7 support by Securitas, we are able to deliver an unique solution for trailer security. Even more, it addresses one of the biggest challenges in the transport sector.

“We’re proud to be recognised by other key players in the market for our innovative side curtain solutions and outstanding durability under all conditions.”

Frederik Vroman, Sioen Sales and Business Development Manager, adds: “I am delighted that we work together with our partners to develop this innovative solution to help fleet owners increase the security of their cargo.

“Sioen has been working on securing trailers from cargo theft for more than 15 years. This is a milestone for us.”

Tesdted solution for H. Essers & Wallenborn

The Intrudor Detection system is a fully operational solution that has been tested by leading transport companies such as H. Essers, Wallenborn and Soncotra.

H. Essers has been investing heavily in high security solutions for years, with more than 1,000 special security units to date. Christopher van den Daele, Business Unit Manager H. Essers, explains its approach to cargo security: “In terms of security, there are actually three issues to consider. First and foremost, there’s the choice of hardware. We’ve got to ensure that we have the right hardware to detect an issue the instant it happens.

“Secondly, there’s software. Once you start scanning for those issues in the fleet, e.g., the positions, door sensors and more. We have to be able to present that data to the end user in a user-friendly format.

“Thirdly, we have to address the problem detection processes and determine how to deal with the problem itself. To that end, we provide customers with a control tower that monitors the cargo 24/7 and access, where needed, to a European incident response intervention network.”

The global company Wallenborn is also a specialist in providing intermodal transport solutions and integrated supply chain logistics. It aims to offer accessible, fully secure solutions for its trucks and trailers. Donald Schaap, Operations Manager Wallenborn, explains: “Together with our partner ZF, we are always trying to stay a step ahead of crime. It’s not just about the hardware. Software, training, and any interventions are also a part of that picture.”

The solution is delivered in the form of a plug & play kit with mounting instructions.

FedEx joins Capital Equipment Coalition

Posted on by Keith McKinley

FedEx Express Europe has become the newest member of the Capital Equipment Coalition (CEC) in Europe.

Led by not-for-profit organisation Circle Economy, in close collaboration with the Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE), the Capital Equipment Coalition (CEC) engages leading businesses from multiple industries involved in the servicing, manufacturing, or operating of durable goods known as “capital equipment.”  FedEx Express Europe joins nine coalition members, each putting forward a pledge to increase circularity in relation to their own supply or use of capital equipment.

A global transportation provider, FedEx Express Europe sorts over two million packages per day in its three air hubs and 34 road hubs in Europe – each making use of high-value technical equipment. Large equipment such as sortation machines, conveyor rollers, weight check and x-ray equipment, and caster decks used in operational facilities, in addition to smaller handheld devices couriers take with them on the road are all included in scope of the commitment.

David Canavan, COO, FedEx Express Europe said: “As FedEx embarks on a journey towards its goal to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2040, building circular practises into our sourcing and procurement processes will help to reduce the impact of our operations. Our participation in the Capital Equipment Coalition allows us to engage in shared-value learning experience with other industries and helps us work with suppliers to put sustainability front of mind when we source equipment, whether at size or at scale.”

FedEx Express Europe’s pledge aims to reduce the use of raw materials, while also seeking to extend the lifespan of the capital equipment it procures. This builds on existing sustainability considerations to include specifying the use of durable materials and, where possible, favouring a modular design that allows for easier extensions, upgrades, and repairs.

Tamara Veldboer, lead facilitator of CEC in Europe said: “We’re delighted to welcome FedEx Express Europe as the newest member of the Capital Equipment Coalition. FedEx Express Europe brings the perspective of an organisation that sources and procures capital equipment, with the ambition of engaging its suppliers in very practical and scalable ways.”

In joining the coalition, FedEx Express Europe commits to adopting a ‘continuous improvement’ approach, working with suppliers of equipment large and small, to set ambitious sustainability specifications that both minimise the material footprint and extend the lifecycle of equipment it procures. In addition to encouraging use of recycled and recyclable materials in capital equipment, FedEx Express Europe also seeks to formalise end-of-use plans with its suppliers – whether through responsible disposal, repurposing, or recycling of the equipment.

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