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Day: 22 September 2021

Logistics Business represents UK on IFOY jury

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The IFOY organisation has appointed three new jurors, including Peter MacLeod, news editor of Logistics Business in the UK. He will be joined on the panel by Rosa Maria Cherubini, managing editor at Il Giornale della Logistica in Italy, and Klaus Koch, editor-in-chief at the online magazine LogisticsInnovation.org in Switzerland.

Klaus Koch, who was already part of the IFOY jury in his previous role as editor-in-chief of the Swiss magazine Logistik & Fördertechnik, was re-elected to the board in his new position. He is supported by Christian Doepgen as proxy, editor-in-chief and publishing director of the International Transport Journal (ITJ) based in Basel. Both intend to work together to make IFOY jury decisions in the future and will be advised by material handling equipment and safety expert Martin Schmid. Schmid is the owner and managing director of LogisticsInnovation.org.

Peter MacLeod was also part of the IFOY jury several years ago as editor-in-chief of SHD Logistics in the UK. He returns to the committee in his role as news editor responsible for the online section of Logistics Business.

Rosa Maria Cherubini from Italy, also newly elected to the jury, takes over from Maurizio Peruzzi, who is retiring. As his proxy, Cherubini has already been active in the IFOY jury in the past. Rosa Maria Cherubini is responsible for intralogistics at the magazine Il Giornale della Logistica.

This means that a total of 26 representatives of leading international logistics publications from 20 nations are represented on the IFOY jury. They will have the opportunity to test and judge the world’s best new developments among intralogistics products and solutions again at the beginning of 2022.

The application phase for the IFOY AWARD 2022 is currently underway and suppliers of products and solutions can still apply with their new products and warehouse projects in a total of 13 categories until 30th October, 2021. Start-ups also have the chance to win a trophy.

Due to its expertise, the IFOY AWARD is considered the most important innovation prize in intralogistics. The election is preceded by an extensive audit with nomination and test cycles. The equipment and solutions nominated for the final undergo individually tailored driving or functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria and the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, on the occasion of the IFOY TEST DAYS from 18-23 March, 2022 at the Messe Dortmund exhibition centre.

In addition, jurors and their teams of advisors from the business world will travel to examine the finalists themselves before casting their vote. As part of IFOY TEST DAYS, TEST CAMP Intralogistics will be held again in 2022, admitting B2B trade visitors interested in innovation. The number of participants is limited.

Applications for the Award can only be submitted via the Internet at www.ifoy.org.

Logistics Business represents UK on IFOY jury

Posted on by David Priestman

The IFOY organisation has appointed three new jurors, including Peter MacLeod, news editor of Logistics Business in the UK. He will be joined on the panel by Rosa Maria Cherubini, managing editor at Il Giornale della Logistica in Italy, and Klaus Koch, editor-in-chief at the online magazine LogisticsInnovation.org in Switzerland.

Klaus Koch, who was already part of the IFOY jury in his previous role as editor-in-chief of the Swiss magazine Logistik & Fördertechnik, was re-elected to the board in his new position. He is supported by Christian Doepgen as proxy, editor-in-chief and publishing director of the International Transport Journal (ITJ) based in Basel. Both intend to work together to make IFOY jury decisions in the future and will be advised by material handling equipment and safety expert Martin Schmid. Schmid is the owner and managing director of LogisticsInnovation.org.

Peter MacLeod was also part of the IFOY jury several years ago as editor-in-chief of SHD Logistics in the UK. He returns to the committee in his role as news editor responsible for the online section of Logistics Business.

Rosa Maria Cherubini from Italy, also newly elected to the jury, takes over from Maurizio Peruzzi, who is retiring. As his proxy, Cherubini has already been active in the IFOY jury in the past. Rosa Maria Cherubini is responsible for intralogistics at the magazine Il Giornale della Logistica.

This means that a total of 26 representatives of leading international logistics publications from 20 nations are represented on the IFOY jury. They will have the opportunity to test and judge the world’s best new developments among intralogistics products and solutions again at the beginning of 2022.

The application phase for the IFOY AWARD 2022 is currently underway and suppliers of products and solutions can still apply with their new products and warehouse projects in a total of 13 categories until 30th October, 2021. Start-ups also have the chance to win a trophy.

Due to its expertise, the IFOY AWARD is considered the most important innovation prize in intralogistics. The election is preceded by an extensive audit with nomination and test cycles. The equipment and solutions nominated for the final undergo individually tailored driving or functional tests, including the IFOY test protocol comprising around 80 criteria and the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, on the occasion of the IFOY TEST DAYS from 18-23 March, 2022 at the Messe Dortmund exhibition centre.

In addition, jurors and their teams of advisors from the business world will travel to examine the finalists themselves before casting their vote. As part of IFOY TEST DAYS, TEST CAMP Intralogistics will be held again in 2022, admitting B2B trade visitors interested in innovation. The number of participants is limited.

Applications for the Award can only be submitted via the Internet at www.ifoy.org.

Combilift expands electric range

Posted on by David Priestman

Irish materials handling specialist Combilift has officially launched its latest product, the Combi-XLE, as a further addition to its impressive range of electric models. In line with the growing demand for electric powered equipment, this multidirectional forklift with up to 5t lift capacity, combines emission-free operation with powerful performance for a wide range of industries and applications.

The original engine powered XL C-Series model was developed to address the requirements of tough working environments such as those in the timber, concrete and steel sectors. The new Combi-XLE incorporates the same key design features as its earlier counterpart such as high ground clearance, large cushioned front and rear tyres and a spacious cab, allowing smooth operation on semi rough terrain whilst offering a high level of driver comfort.

With sustainability ever higher on the agenda, Combilift further helps its customers achieve their environmental goals with its versatile “3 forklifts in 1” models, which work inside and out, reducing fleet size and thereby their carbon footprint. A hallmark of all Combilift products is the ability to increase storage capacity without expanding the size of a facility, resulting in lower energy usage and associated costs such as heating, lighting and maintenance, which is of significant benefit to the environment and the workforce.

Noise pollution and carbon emissions, which can impact on the health and well-being of people as well as wildlife, is also no longer an issue  thanks to electric power. Drivers, employees and visitors on site appreciate the quiet operation, as do neighbouring residents and businesses, particularly in urban areas.

The Combi-XLE incorporates up-to-the-minute technology such as the patented all-wheel traction that reduces tyre wear, load swing and enhances braking. Also included is a newly developed, patented Eco-Steer System which provides a smaller turning radius and improved user experience. Since Electric powered trucks do not have traditional combustion engines, or hydraulic transmissions, there is no longer any need to check and top up engine fluids/lubricants, resulting in longer intervals between services, ultimately saving costs. The use of toughened, eco-friendly water-based paint also dramatically reduces the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during build.

“The technology we have incorporated into the Combi-XLE means that its performance is equally on a par with diesel or LPG powered forklifts when it comes to handling very bulky and heavy loads, whilst of course offering a greener operation,” said Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar. “We made our first electric C-Series over 18 years ago, and now over 60% of the trucks we manufacture are electric, with availability in almost all models across our range. As more and more of our customers are opting for electric power it is obvious that they are as committed to sustainability and a circular economy as we are.”

At Combilift’s own manufacturing facility, features such as daylighting technology – LED lights with individual PIR sensors, solar panel energy and rainwater harvesting are all aimed at conserving natural resources and decreasing energy consumption. 92% of all components used in the truck assembly are 100% recyclable and the company is also on track to save over 473t of CO2 by using carbon neutral wood chip instead of gas for heating within the factory.

Customer testimonial

Roger Bullivant Limited, part of the Soletanche Freyssinet Group, manufactures precast concrete elements for installation in engineered foundation systems. Its production director Dave Clement says: “At our South Derbyshire precast factory, we use five multidirectional Combi-XLE trucks to transport product from the factory to storage and then to load-out for distribution nationwide.

“As we had already been using Combi units for years, the product decision was straightforward, and from a driver perspective, the operation remains essentially unchanged.

“The reasons to move to electric were twofold: to eliminate exhaust particulates in the factory and as part of our Group environmental plan to minimise our carbon footprint. So, an improvement to the environment in more ways than one.”

 

CLICK HERE to watch a video of the Combi-XLE: https://youtu.be/N5CG8_YhCgU

 

Combilift expands electric range

Posted on by David Priestman

Irish materials handling specialist Combilift has officially launched its latest product, the Combi-XLE, as a further addition to its impressive range of electric models. In line with the growing demand for electric powered equipment, this multidirectional forklift with up to 5t lift capacity, combines emission-free operation with powerful performance for a wide range of industries and applications.

The original engine powered XL C-Series model was developed to address the requirements of tough working environments such as those in the timber, concrete and steel sectors. The new Combi-XLE incorporates the same key design features as its earlier counterpart such as high ground clearance, large cushioned front and rear tyres and a spacious cab, allowing smooth operation on semi rough terrain whilst offering a high level of driver comfort.

With sustainability ever higher on the agenda, Combilift further helps its customers achieve their environmental goals with its versatile “3 forklifts in 1” models, which work inside and out, reducing fleet size and thereby their carbon footprint. A hallmark of all Combilift products is the ability to increase storage capacity without expanding the size of a facility, resulting in lower energy usage and associated costs such as heating, lighting and maintenance, which is of significant benefit to the environment and the workforce.

Noise pollution and carbon emissions, which can impact on the health and well-being of people as well as wildlife, is also no longer an issue  thanks to electric power. Drivers, employees and visitors on site appreciate the quiet operation, as do neighbouring residents and businesses, particularly in urban areas.

The Combi-XLE incorporates up-to-the-minute technology such as the patented all-wheel traction that reduces tyre wear, load swing and enhances braking. Also included is a newly developed, patented Eco-Steer System which provides a smaller turning radius and improved user experience. Since Electric powered trucks do not have traditional combustion engines, or hydraulic transmissions, there is no longer any need to check and top up engine fluids/lubricants, resulting in longer intervals between services, ultimately saving costs. The use of toughened, eco-friendly water-based paint also dramatically reduces the amount of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) during build.

“The technology we have incorporated into the Combi-XLE means that its performance is equally on a par with diesel or LPG powered forklifts when it comes to handling very bulky and heavy loads, whilst of course offering a greener operation,” said Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar. “We made our first electric C-Series over 18 years ago, and now over 60% of the trucks we manufacture are electric, with availability in almost all models across our range. As more and more of our customers are opting for electric power it is obvious that they are as committed to sustainability and a circular economy as we are.”

At Combilift’s own manufacturing facility, features such as daylighting technology – LED lights with individual PIR sensors, solar panel energy and rainwater harvesting are all aimed at conserving natural resources and decreasing energy consumption. 92% of all components used in the truck assembly are 100% recyclable and the company is also on track to save over 473t of CO2 by using carbon neutral wood chip instead of gas for heating within the factory.

Customer testimonial

Roger Bullivant Limited, part of the Soletanche Freyssinet Group, manufactures precast concrete elements for installation in engineered foundation systems. Its production director Dave Clement says: “At our South Derbyshire precast factory, we use five multidirectional Combi-XLE trucks to transport product from the factory to storage and then to load-out for distribution nationwide.

“As we had already been using Combi units for years, the product decision was straightforward, and from a driver perspective, the operation remains essentially unchanged.

“The reasons to move to electric were twofold: to eliminate exhaust particulates in the factory and as part of our Group environmental plan to minimise our carbon footprint. So, an improvement to the environment in more ways than one.”

 

CLICK HERE to watch a video of the Combi-XLE: https://youtu.be/N5CG8_YhCgU

 

Forto makes first Iberian appointment

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Forto, a leading provider of digitised freight forwarding and supply chain solutions, is to expand into the Spanish market with a new office in Madrid. The new office marks a further step in Forto’s growth trajectory and expansion of its European footprint.

The company takes its first steps in Spain with the appointment of Angel Hierro as Director Iberia at Forto Logística España. Formerly Director of Supply Chain Solutions and Chief Commercial Officer with Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) (recently acquired by DSV Panalpina). Hierro brings more than 25 years of logistic industry experience to Forto. Before joining Agility, Hierro also held business and trade lane development roles with GeoLogistics and ocean freight positions with LEP International.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Angel’s understanding of the Spanish market and deep logistics expertise to drive forward our next phase of growth,” commented Michael Wax, Forto co-founder and CEO.

Hierro further commented on the potential he sees in the Forto offering: “The entire supply chain is transforming as we speak. Forto is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation. Forto’s corporate culture is based on sustainability and digitisation, coupled with an exceptional team of logistics and technology experts focused on bringing value to the supply chain. I am really excited about the opportunity to bring their offering to the local market.”

Forto teams in Spain include local customer account management, logistics operations, and technical engineers supported by Forto’s international network of logistics, operational, and technical teams around the world. Forto expects to continue to expand its presence in Spain and later also in Portugal by growing the team and its local partnerships over 2021 and 2022 and beyond.

Forto is leading a new generation of disruptive logistics companies, using its digital platform to simplify interactions, remove process friction, and increase supply chain visibility and transparency — in turn empowering customers with better insights to make smarter decisions. The company has also set the goal to make global trade more sustainable. Already more than half of Forto customers leverage the company’s carbon-offsetting offer, and Forto has implemented the “1+1 Approach” — a program in which Forto doubles the CO2 compensation of every customer to move towards climate-positive transport.

Leading brands across industries ranging from fashion, furniture, and electronics are working with Forto to manage the transport of their goods. Since its founding in 2016, Forto has consistently delivered rapid growth and broadened its solutions offering. Recent appointments of technology, sales, and finance veterans have strengthened the leadership team. Earlier in June, the company announced that it has successfully raised $240m in an investment round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with participation from Citi Ventures and G Squared, and strong backing from existing investors including Northzone, Inven Capital, Cherry Ventures, and Unbound.

With this round, Forto’s valuation now stands at $1.2bn.

Forto makes first Iberian appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Forto, a leading provider of digitised freight forwarding and supply chain solutions, is to expand into the Spanish market with a new office in Madrid. The new office marks a further step in Forto’s growth trajectory and expansion of its European footprint.

The company takes its first steps in Spain with the appointment of Angel Hierro as Director Iberia at Forto Logística España. Formerly Director of Supply Chain Solutions and Chief Commercial Officer with Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) (recently acquired by DSV Panalpina). Hierro brings more than 25 years of logistic industry experience to Forto. Before joining Agility, Hierro also held business and trade lane development roles with GeoLogistics and ocean freight positions with LEP International.

“We are thrilled to have someone with Angel’s understanding of the Spanish market and deep logistics expertise to drive forward our next phase of growth,” commented Michael Wax, Forto co-founder and CEO.

Hierro further commented on the potential he sees in the Forto offering: “The entire supply chain is transforming as we speak. Forto is uniquely positioned to drive this transformation. Forto’s corporate culture is based on sustainability and digitisation, coupled with an exceptional team of logistics and technology experts focused on bringing value to the supply chain. I am really excited about the opportunity to bring their offering to the local market.”

Forto teams in Spain include local customer account management, logistics operations, and technical engineers supported by Forto’s international network of logistics, operational, and technical teams around the world. Forto expects to continue to expand its presence in Spain and later also in Portugal by growing the team and its local partnerships over 2021 and 2022 and beyond.

Forto is leading a new generation of disruptive logistics companies, using its digital platform to simplify interactions, remove process friction, and increase supply chain visibility and transparency — in turn empowering customers with better insights to make smarter decisions. The company has also set the goal to make global trade more sustainable. Already more than half of Forto customers leverage the company’s carbon-offsetting offer, and Forto has implemented the “1+1 Approach” — a program in which Forto doubles the CO2 compensation of every customer to move towards climate-positive transport.

Leading brands across industries ranging from fashion, furniture, and electronics are working with Forto to manage the transport of their goods. Since its founding in 2016, Forto has consistently delivered rapid growth and broadened its solutions offering. Recent appointments of technology, sales, and finance veterans have strengthened the leadership team. Earlier in June, the company announced that it has successfully raised $240m in an investment round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2, with participation from Citi Ventures and G Squared, and strong backing from existing investors including Northzone, Inven Capital, Cherry Ventures, and Unbound.

With this round, Forto’s valuation now stands at $1.2bn.

Sealed Air fills medium output void

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Sealed Air has launched a new paper void fill system to help E-commerce companies meet the challenges of quickly scaling up and satisfying fast growing demand for orders.

The new Sealed Air brand FasFil Jr has been specifically designed to combine all the key performance features that enable companies to move efficiently and effectively from low to medium volume packaging outputs.

FasFil Jr has a small footprint and has been developed as a ‘plug and play’ system for quick set up and easy operation. It features fully integrated user-friendly controls, with the ability to create custom void fill material using 100% recycled fanfold paper, which is also responsibly sourced. Toolless jam clearing and anti-jam sensors help to enhance system reliability and uptime.

Eric Van Der Kallen, EMEA Platform Manager Protective Packaging Solutions Inflatables and Paper at Sealed Air, said: “Rising E-commerce demand can quickly outpace packaging capabilities and create bottlenecks that delay the delivery of customer orders and negatively impact overall productivity. This can be particularly challenging for smaller businesses, which don’t always have the time and resource, space in their premises or capital to upgrade packaging systems.

“FasFil Jr overcomes these issues. It’s a cost-effective paper void fill system that’s small in size, but big on performance. It’s easy to position and fit in busy and tight workspaces, whilst its overall design and functionality have been engineered for ease of use and excellent uptime.”

The new system can be set up as floor standing or easily mounted on a table-top stand and is ideal for medium volume E-commerce and fulfilment businesses. FasFil Jr converts 380mm fanfold paper in 50gsm or 57gsm weights and has multiple operating modes including cut and hold, manual, and custom sized outputs.

Eric concludes: “The FasFil range of systems are well known amongst low and high-volume E-commerce businesses for their speed, reliability and ease of use. The addition of FasFil Jr means these performance benefits can now be extended to medium volume outputs as well.”

Sealed Air fills medium output void

Posted on by David Priestman

Sealed Air has launched a new paper void fill system to help E-commerce companies meet the challenges of quickly scaling up and satisfying fast growing demand for orders.

The new Sealed Air brand FasFil Jr has been specifically designed to combine all the key performance features that enable companies to move efficiently and effectively from low to medium volume packaging outputs.

FasFil Jr has a small footprint and has been developed as a ‘plug and play’ system for quick set up and easy operation. It features fully integrated user-friendly controls, with the ability to create custom void fill material using 100% recycled fanfold paper, which is also responsibly sourced. Toolless jam clearing and anti-jam sensors help to enhance system reliability and uptime.

Eric Van Der Kallen, EMEA Platform Manager Protective Packaging Solutions Inflatables and Paper at Sealed Air, said: “Rising E-commerce demand can quickly outpace packaging capabilities and create bottlenecks that delay the delivery of customer orders and negatively impact overall productivity. This can be particularly challenging for smaller businesses, which don’t always have the time and resource, space in their premises or capital to upgrade packaging systems.

“FasFil Jr overcomes these issues. It’s a cost-effective paper void fill system that’s small in size, but big on performance. It’s easy to position and fit in busy and tight workspaces, whilst its overall design and functionality have been engineered for ease of use and excellent uptime.”

The new system can be set up as floor standing or easily mounted on a table-top stand and is ideal for medium volume E-commerce and fulfilment businesses. FasFil Jr converts 380mm fanfold paper in 50gsm or 57gsm weights and has multiple operating modes including cut and hold, manual, and custom sized outputs.

Eric concludes: “The FasFil range of systems are well known amongst low and high-volume E-commerce businesses for their speed, reliability and ease of use. The addition of FasFil Jr means these performance benefits can now be extended to medium volume outputs as well.”

STILL organises flood aid campaigns

Posted on by Keith McKinley

There are many ways to provide support and solidarity – as can be seen from the various aid campaigns organised by the Hamburg-based intralogistics company STILL for those affected by the floods in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria.

By providing personal assistance and donating vehicles to the German Red Cross (DRK), among other things, the company and their employees are actively and reliably supporting the people in the flooded areas.

Within days of the devastating floods in the west and south of Germany, STILL employees organised spontaneous aid for suppliers in the region. For example, STILL electricians promptly travelled to North Rhine-Westphalia. There, they lent a hand to a long-standing supplier, Falkenroth Umformtechnik GmbH, repairing the central production facilities with a great deal of expertise.

This was a success: thanks to this joint effort, production could be resumed in record time. “With this initiative, our employees not only showed great personal commitment, but also proved that they have their hearts in the right place and a good sense of partnership and solidarity,” says Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management / Sales & Service Steering STILL EMEA.

On-site logistics support

The company also provided valuable emergency aid: STILL promptly made forklift trucks and other industrial trucks available to the German Red Cross in the region hit by the disaster. The powerful and robust trucks are a welcome support in dealing with the major logistical challenges on the ground.

An additional vehicle donation has just been made: to save time and effort when unloading heavy and bulky loads from the trucks, STILL supplied the DRK Ortsverband Bad Neunahr-Ahrweiler e.V. with a powerful electric high lift stacker.

“The volunteers in the flooded areas have been doing great – and often physically very strenuous – work under extremely challenging conditions for weeks. If we can help make this easier, more efficient and more ergonomic with our technology and our equipment, then we are more than happy to do so,” explains Müller.

STILL organises flood aid campaigns

Posted on by David Priestman

There are many ways to provide support and solidarity – as can be seen from the various aid campaigns organised by the Hamburg-based intralogistics company STILL for those affected by the floods in North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Bavaria.

By providing personal assistance and donating vehicles to the German Red Cross (DRK), among other things, the company and their employees are actively and reliably supporting the people in the flooded areas.

Within days of the devastating floods in the west and south of Germany, STILL employees organised spontaneous aid for suppliers in the region. For example, STILL electricians promptly travelled to North Rhine-Westphalia. There, they lent a hand to a long-standing supplier, Falkenroth Umformtechnik GmbH, repairing the central production facilities with a great deal of expertise.

This was a success: thanks to this joint effort, production could be resumed in record time. “With this initiative, our employees not only showed great personal commitment, but also proved that they have their hearts in the right place and a good sense of partnership and solidarity,” says Frank Müller, Senior Vice President Brand Management / Sales & Service Steering STILL EMEA.

On-site logistics support

The company also provided valuable emergency aid: STILL promptly made forklift trucks and other industrial trucks available to the German Red Cross in the region hit by the disaster. The powerful and robust trucks are a welcome support in dealing with the major logistical challenges on the ground.

An additional vehicle donation has just been made: to save time and effort when unloading heavy and bulky loads from the trucks, STILL supplied the DRK Ortsverband Bad Neunahr-Ahrweiler e.V. with a powerful electric high lift stacker.

“The volunteers in the flooded areas have been doing great – and often physically very strenuous – work under extremely challenging conditions for weeks. If we can help make this easier, more efficient and more ergonomic with our technology and our equipment, then we are more than happy to do so,” explains Müller.

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