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Month: October 2021

Deadline approaches for IFOY entries

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The application period for the IFOY AWARD 2022 is entering the finishing phase. Suppliers of products and solutions can apply only this week. The application portal at www.ifoy.org is open until 30th October, 2021. In addition to forklifts, warehouse technology and special vehicles, automated guided vehicle (AGVs), shuttles, robots, cargo bikes, drones, cranes, software and apps as well as successfully implemented, integrated warehouse solutions are also eligible for application.

Furthermore, outstanding technical details or components, such as ergonomic innovations, safety solutions or automation components, are also awarded. In the “Start-up of the Year” category, newly-founded companies with innovative prototypes or functional developments can apply for an IFOY AWARD.

Due to its expertise, the IFOY AWARD is considered the most important innovation award in intralogistics. The election by an international jury selected from internationally renowned trade journalists and the leading logistics media – including Logistics Business as the sole UK media representative – 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 test protocol comprising around 80 criteria and the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, on the occasion of the IFOY TEST DAYS from 18th – 23rd 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 can only be submitted online HERE.

Deadline approaches for IFOY entries

Posted on by David Priestman

The application period for the IFOY AWARD 2022 is entering the finishing phase. Suppliers of products and solutions can apply only this week. The application portal at www.ifoy.org is open until 30th October, 2021. In addition to forklifts, warehouse technology and special vehicles, automated guided vehicle (AGVs), shuttles, robots, cargo bikes, drones, cranes, software and apps as well as successfully implemented, integrated warehouse solutions are also eligible for application.

Furthermore, outstanding technical details or components, such as ergonomic innovations, safety solutions or automation components, are also awarded. In the “Start-up of the Year” category, newly-founded companies with innovative prototypes or functional developments can apply for an IFOY AWARD.

Due to its expertise, the IFOY AWARD is considered the most important innovation award in intralogistics. The election by an international jury selected from internationally renowned trade journalists and the leading logistics media – including Logistics Business as the sole UK media representative – 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 test protocol comprising around 80 criteria and the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, on the occasion of the IFOY TEST DAYS from 18th – 23rd 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 can only be submitted online HERE.

Doosan upgrades electric forklift range 

Posted on by David Priestman

Doosan, a leading manufacturer of robust high-performance forklift trucks, has unveiled a major upgrade to its successful BT/BX 7 Plus Series electric counterbalance forklift trucks, bringing advanced performance-enhancing design and improved capabilities to the three and four wheeled, 1.5-to-3.5-tonne, mid-market product range.

Designed to deliver simple, powerful performance in even the harshest of operating environments, Doosan says its BT/BX 7 Plus models have now been upgraded, resulting in enhanced braking, reduced noise levels, greater cooling performance, and extra driving comfort. Further advantages include: more efficient ergonomics, new safety features as standard – plus greater choice on options – and improved waterproofing for better all-weather performance and reliability.

Safety upgrade

Safety has been stepped-up a gear with Doosan’s all-round braking system, which includes the Doosan Electric magnetic auto Parking Brake (EPB) and Electric Foot Brake (EFB) systems, together with an unlimited ramp-hold capability. With the EPB system the parking brake automatically activates when the driver leaves the seat, ensuring safety around the vehicle, and with the new EFB system brakes are automatically applied as soon as the operator’s foot lifts off the accelerator pedal.

In the cab, clever design features, greater driver comfort and well thought-out ergonomics go hand-in-hand with safer working. The new improved mast design significantly reduces mast oscillation, which allows the operator to safely manoeuvre when the mast is fully elevated. In addition, Doosan’s optional Guardian Stability System (GSS) ensures safe handling by automatically reducing travel speed as a load is elevated.

Further safety improvements include: a newly designed overhead guard with angled roof bars for a clearer upward view, a large panoramic mirror for better rear visibility and a new fence-light feature that offers a warning to pedestrians by projecting red lines around the vehicle. In addition, optional front and rear safety lights are available for extra visibility.

Extra options

An optional feature on the new models is fingertip controls. Fast, precise and fully adjustable fingertip control makes hard work effortless and efficient. Also, with the NFC Start option, security has been improved, allowing only authorised employees to operate the vehicle.

Doosan says operator comfort has been significantly upgraded with the introduction of a new Doosan low-vibration, shock-absorbing seat, with full suspension adjustable up to 150kg and far greater armrest control.

Noise levels have been markedly improved too. The combination of a low-noise drive axle and a new sound suppression design has resulted in a 37% reduction in sound intensity compared to the previous model, creating a far more comfortable working environment for both driver and those working close by.

In keeping with Doosan’s reputation for rugged design and reliable performance, the latest models have improved waterproofing, offering protection against water and dirt in the harshest of outdoor applications, whatever the weather. All connectors are water protected to IP67, controllers sealed and rated to IP65 and motors and pumps offer full dust and water protection to IP43 rating. Electric motor cooling performance has been improved too, with a new centralised cooling fan.

Productivity boost

Helping to maximise productivity and improve safety within busy operational environments, Doosan’s new, improved curve speed control system automatically reduces the vehicle’s travel speed to an optimum level when cornering, reducing the risk of accidents and damage – allowing operators to perform everyday handling tasks with greater confidence.

Further efficiency gains can be achieved in battery changing operations, with Side Lift In and Lift Out (SLIO) and Side Roll In and Roll Out (SRIO) design, allowing fast changeover of batteries for multi-shift operations. Helping to reduce valuable warehouse space, a tighter turning radius on the new BT/BX 7 Plus models offer businesses the potential to move to a more compact racking layout, with narrower aisle widths.

Doosan upgrades electric forklift range 

Posted on by David Priestman

Doosan, a leading manufacturer of robust high-performance forklift trucks, has unveiled a major upgrade to its successful BT/BX 7 Plus Series electric counterbalance forklift trucks, bringing advanced performance-enhancing design and improved capabilities to the three and four wheeled, 1.5-to-3.5-tonne, mid-market product range.

Designed to deliver simple, powerful performance in even the harshest of operating environments, Doosan says its BT/BX 7 Plus models have now been upgraded, resulting in enhanced braking, reduced noise levels, greater cooling performance, and extra driving comfort. Further advantages include: more efficient ergonomics, new safety features as standard – plus greater choice on options – and improved waterproofing for better all-weather performance and reliability.

Safety upgrade

Safety has been stepped-up a gear with Doosan’s all-round braking system, which includes the Doosan Electric magnetic auto Parking Brake (EPB) and Electric Foot Brake (EFB) systems, together with an unlimited ramp-hold capability. With the EPB system the parking brake automatically activates when the driver leaves the seat, ensuring safety around the vehicle, and with the new EFB system brakes are automatically applied as soon as the operator’s foot lifts off the accelerator pedal.

In the cab, clever design features, greater driver comfort and well thought-out ergonomics go hand-in-hand with safer working. The new improved mast design significantly reduces mast oscillation, which allows the operator to safely manoeuvre when the mast is fully elevated. In addition, Doosan’s optional Guardian Stability System (GSS) ensures safe handling by automatically reducing travel speed as a load is elevated.

Further safety improvements include: a newly designed overhead guard with angled roof bars for a clearer upward view, a large panoramic mirror for better rear visibility and a new fence-light feature that offers a warning to pedestrians by projecting red lines around the vehicle. In addition, optional front and rear safety lights are available for extra visibility.

Extra options

An optional feature on the new models is fingertip controls. Fast, precise and fully adjustable fingertip control makes hard work effortless and efficient. Also, with the NFC Start option, security has been improved, allowing only authorised employees to operate the vehicle.

Doosan says operator comfort has been significantly upgraded with the introduction of a new Doosan low-vibration, shock-absorbing seat, with full suspension adjustable up to 150kg and far greater armrest control.

Noise levels have been markedly improved too. The combination of a low-noise drive axle and a new sound suppression design has resulted in a 37% reduction in sound intensity compared to the previous model, creating a far more comfortable working environment for both driver and those working close by.

In keeping with Doosan’s reputation for rugged design and reliable performance, the latest models have improved waterproofing, offering protection against water and dirt in the harshest of outdoor applications, whatever the weather. All connectors are water protected to IP67, controllers sealed and rated to IP65 and motors and pumps offer full dust and water protection to IP43 rating. Electric motor cooling performance has been improved too, with a new centralised cooling fan.

Productivity boost

Helping to maximise productivity and improve safety within busy operational environments, Doosan’s new, improved curve speed control system automatically reduces the vehicle’s travel speed to an optimum level when cornering, reducing the risk of accidents and damage – allowing operators to perform everyday handling tasks with greater confidence.

Further efficiency gains can be achieved in battery changing operations, with Side Lift In and Lift Out (SLIO) and Side Roll In and Roll Out (SRIO) design, allowing fast changeover of batteries for multi-shift operations. Helping to reduce valuable warehouse space, a tighter turning radius on the new BT/BX 7 Plus models offer businesses the potential to move to a more compact racking layout, with narrower aisle widths.

OT Group opens new centralised hub

Posted on by David Priestman

National business supplies and services provider, OT Group – which includes the OfficeTeam, Office Depot UK & Ireland, Zen Office, and Spicers Ireland brands – has relocated to its new headquarters in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The move comes as a result of the completion of OT Group’s acquisition of parts of Office Depot UK & Ireland’s contract arm earlier this year, which is already based at the location. Further significant investment is intended for the 275,000 sq ft site, with plans to bring up to 200 new jobs into the local area.

The move will enable the business to provide a higher quality service to its customers – with the facility having the capacity to hold over 22,000 products and, using sophisticated picking technologies, achieves a 99.8% order accuracy rate.

Previously located at its central distribution centre in Birmingham, the facility will provide greater stability for OT Group’s customers through improved distribution capabilities, at a time when supply chain turbulence is at an all-time high.

Andrew Jones, CEO of OT Group, commented: “We’re thrilled to be based in Ashton-under-Lyne – the area has so much to offer, and the site is more fitting with our long-term strategy thanks to its industry-leading technology and experienced team.

“It also serves to showcase the rapid growth the Group is undertaking – and evidences where we are innovating within our industry and leading within the market, while still providing the reliability our customers need.

“And, with a ‘local first’ recruitment policy in place, we’re excited to be looking to the talent pool of Ashton-under-Lyne and the wider Manchester area to fill any newly created positions.”

The Ashton-under-Lyne facility houses advanced warehousing and distribution centre technologies, meaning that OT Group will be able to provide an even more efficient, competitive, and responsive service to its customers as it continues with its rapid growth plans.

The launch of the new flagship site coincides with the acquired parts of Office Depot UK & Ireland business’ full integration into the OT Group, where it began trading under the new Group umbrella on 27th September 2021.

 

OT Group opens new centralised hub

Posted on by Keith McKinley

National business supplies and services provider, OT Group – which includes the OfficeTeam, Office Depot UK & Ireland, Zen Office, and Spicers Ireland brands – has relocated to its new headquarters in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The move comes as a result of the completion of OT Group’s acquisition of parts of Office Depot UK & Ireland’s contract arm earlier this year, which is already based at the location. Further significant investment is intended for the 275,000 sq ft site, with plans to bring up to 200 new jobs into the local area.

The move will enable the business to provide a higher quality service to its customers – with the facility having the capacity to hold over 22,000 products and, using sophisticated picking technologies, achieves a 99.8% order accuracy rate.

Previously located at its central distribution centre in Birmingham, the facility will provide greater stability for OT Group’s customers through improved distribution capabilities, at a time when supply chain turbulence is at an all-time high.

Andrew Jones, CEO of OT Group, commented: “We’re thrilled to be based in Ashton-under-Lyne – the area has so much to offer, and the site is more fitting with our long-term strategy thanks to its industry-leading technology and experienced team.

“It also serves to showcase the rapid growth the Group is undertaking – and evidences where we are innovating within our industry and leading within the market, while still providing the reliability our customers need.

“And, with a ‘local first’ recruitment policy in place, we’re excited to be looking to the talent pool of Ashton-under-Lyne and the wider Manchester area to fill any newly created positions.”

The Ashton-under-Lyne facility houses advanced warehousing and distribution centre technologies, meaning that OT Group will be able to provide an even more efficient, competitive, and responsive service to its customers as it continues with its rapid growth plans.

The launch of the new flagship site coincides with the acquired parts of Office Depot UK & Ireland business’ full integration into the OT Group, where it began trading under the new Group umbrella on 27th September 2021.

 

Quantron aims to become zero-emission vehicle OEM

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Quantron AG, specialist for commercial vehicles with electric and hydrogen drive trains, is setting out to become an OEM for zero-emission vehicles. To strengthen the identity of the products and the Quantron brand, the company is bringing international design expertise on board.

The aim of the “Quantron vision 2025” project is to build a strong brand DNA by creating a unique Quantron look and feel. Vehicle design not only has an aesthetic function, but also has a major impact on aerodynamics and thus on the vehicle’s energy consumption.

The experts accompanying Quantron on this journey are well-known figures in the mobility-industry: Italian car designer and design strategy consultant Fabio Filippini – who led for more than six years the Pininfarina Transportation Design in Turin – and Spanish design and innovation consultancy Mormedi, led by Jaime Moreno.

Fabio Filippini comments on his collaboration with Quantron AG: “Quantron has built very strong roots in its past. Transforming these into the new world of Quantron, which is a much more complex ecosystem of services, existing and new products, presents a great challenge for any creative. That’s why I wanted to include Mormedi, which are specialized on this type of brand identity within the transportation industry. That way we can make sure we’re up to the big challenge as one team.”

Jaime Moreno of Mormedi complemented his words: “This is a great opportunity. Today we need brands like Quantron that are committed to zero emissions. And they are not dreamers, they are already building vehicles. What we want to offer Quantron is a vision of what the new products will look like in the next five to ten years.”

Quantron vision 2025

The “Quantron vision 2025” project begins with a unique Quantron design for its 12m bus, which will be launched in the near future. A Quantron design for a light truck and a heavy US truck are also in the planning stages.

Michael Perschke, CEO of Quantron AG, explained: “Quantron AG has the vision to become a global leader in zero-emission global transportation services and products. Therefore the unique touch and feel of the design has to be in sync with the brand DNA of Quantron, which stands for clean technology and zero-emission.

“There is no better team to give Quantron a global identity than Fabio Filippini and Moreno. Our ambition has to be that by 2025 latest, our sustainability focussed customers will recognise a Quantron product at first sight, clean, sophisticated, high-tech and representing the future of sustainable transportation.”

CLICK HERE to view a video of the cooperation announcement

 

Quantron aims to become zero-emission vehicle OEM

Posted on by David Priestman

Quantron AG, specialist for commercial vehicles with electric and hydrogen drive trains, is setting out to become an OEM for zero-emission vehicles. To strengthen the identity of the products and the Quantron brand, the company is bringing international design expertise on board.

The aim of the “Quantron vision 2025” project is to build a strong brand DNA by creating a unique Quantron look and feel. Vehicle design not only has an aesthetic function, but also has a major impact on aerodynamics and thus on the vehicle’s energy consumption.

The experts accompanying Quantron on this journey are well-known figures in the mobility-industry: Italian car designer and design strategy consultant Fabio Filippini – who led for more than six years the Pininfarina Transportation Design in Turin – and Spanish design and innovation consultancy Mormedi, led by Jaime Moreno.

Fabio Filippini comments on his collaboration with Quantron AG: “Quantron has built very strong roots in its past. Transforming these into the new world of Quantron, which is a much more complex ecosystem of services, existing and new products, presents a great challenge for any creative. That’s why I wanted to include Mormedi, which are specialized on this type of brand identity within the transportation industry. That way we can make sure we’re up to the big challenge as one team.”

Jaime Moreno of Mormedi complemented his words: “This is a great opportunity. Today we need brands like Quantron that are committed to zero emissions. And they are not dreamers, they are already building vehicles. What we want to offer Quantron is a vision of what the new products will look like in the next five to ten years.”

Quantron vision 2025

The “Quantron vision 2025” project begins with a unique Quantron design for its 12m bus, which will be launched in the near future. A Quantron design for a light truck and a heavy US truck are also in the planning stages.

Michael Perschke, CEO of Quantron AG, explained: “Quantron AG has the vision to become a global leader in zero-emission global transportation services and products. Therefore the unique touch and feel of the design has to be in sync with the brand DNA of Quantron, which stands for clean technology and zero-emission.

“There is no better team to give Quantron a global identity than Fabio Filippini and Moreno. Our ambition has to be that by 2025 latest, our sustainability focussed customers will recognise a Quantron product at first sight, clean, sophisticated, high-tech and representing the future of sustainable transportation.”

CLICK HERE to view a video of the cooperation announcement

 

Warehouse automation market set to boom

Posted on by David Priestman

Research from Interact Analysis shows that the global warehouse automation market will grow from $29.6bn in 2020 to $69bn in 2025. The information has been released in the latest edition of the company’s global warehouse automation report.

Fixed automation such as AS/RS, conveyors and conveyor-based sorters will remain the most common form of automation for the foreseeable future, but there is a rapidly growing trend for warehouses to adopt more flexible mobile automation solutions.

Owing to the pandemic, many companies saw a plateau in warehouse automation revenue, whilst order intake increased significantly. This was due to delays in project completion and supply chain limitations. As a result of this, Interact Analysis predicts that between 2021 and 2022 the warehouse automation market will endure a period of stabilization as the market re-equilibrates and catches up on the back log of orders. By 2022 the market will have returned to normal and will be facing a permanently accelerated rate of post-pandemic growth.

Dematic and Honeywell Intelligrated continue to retain the greatest market share. Dematic leads the way, with 10% of the market and impressive revenue growth of 31% in 2020 (compared to 14% in 2019). Meanwhile, Honeywell Intelligrated grew by 13% in 2020. Interestingly, Knapp’s order intake grew by 55% in 2020 while its revenues decreased by 1% due to project delays caused by the pandemic.

Driven by China and Japan, APAC retains its title of having the largest market share for warehouse automation with a market size of $11bn in 2020. A significant proportion of growth within the Americas and EMEA markets is predicted to come from the general merchandise and grocery sectors. Interestingly, these sectors are less prominent in APAC, where they together account for 29% of the warehouse automation market (compared to 42% and 45% of EMEA and the Americas respectively).

Rueben Scriven, Senior Analyst at Interact Analysis, said: “The general merchandise segment is the single largest segment in warehouse automation, and it is predicted to grow at a faster rate than the overall market, with revenues hitting $20bn by 2025. General merchandise is driven by companies such as JD.com, Amazon and Target, all of which have heavily benefited from the COVID-inspired e-commerce boost.

“By 2025, general merchandise will account for 28% of the market. However, the single fastest-growing vertical market is grocery, which is projected to grow from 12% of the market in 2020 to 16% in 2025.”

Warehouse automation market set to boom

Posted on by David Priestman

Research from Interact Analysis shows that the global warehouse automation market will grow from $29.6bn in 2020 to $69bn in 2025. The information has been released in the latest edition of the company’s global warehouse automation report.

Fixed automation such as AS/RS, conveyors and conveyor-based sorters will remain the most common form of automation for the foreseeable future, but there is a rapidly growing trend for warehouses to adopt more flexible mobile automation solutions.

Owing to the pandemic, many companies saw a plateau in warehouse automation revenue, whilst order intake increased significantly. This was due to delays in project completion and supply chain limitations. As a result of this, Interact Analysis predicts that between 2021 and 2022 the warehouse automation market will endure a period of stabilization as the market re-equilibrates and catches up on the back log of orders. By 2022 the market will have returned to normal and will be facing a permanently accelerated rate of post-pandemic growth.

Dematic and Honeywell Intelligrated continue to retain the greatest market share. Dematic leads the way, with 10% of the market and impressive revenue growth of 31% in 2020 (compared to 14% in 2019). Meanwhile, Honeywell Intelligrated grew by 13% in 2020. Interestingly, Knapp’s order intake grew by 55% in 2020 while its revenues decreased by 1% due to project delays caused by the pandemic.

Driven by China and Japan, APAC retains its title of having the largest market share for warehouse automation with a market size of $11bn in 2020. A significant proportion of growth within the Americas and EMEA markets is predicted to come from the general merchandise and grocery sectors. Interestingly, these sectors are less prominent in APAC, where they together account for 29% of the warehouse automation market (compared to 42% and 45% of EMEA and the Americas respectively).

Rueben Scriven, Senior Analyst at Interact Analysis, said: “The general merchandise segment is the single largest segment in warehouse automation, and it is predicted to grow at a faster rate than the overall market, with revenues hitting $20bn by 2025. General merchandise is driven by companies such as JD.com, Amazon and Target, all of which have heavily benefited from the COVID-inspired e-commerce boost.

“By 2025, general merchandise will account for 28% of the market. However, the single fastest-growing vertical market is grocery, which is projected to grow from 12% of the market in 2020 to 16% in 2025.”

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