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Day: 3 December 2021

PD Ports aims for net zero with Konecranes

Posted on by David Priestman

PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, the fifth largest port in the UK, has contracted specialist crane manufacturer Konecranes to convert the primary power supply of four diesel-driven Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs) to electric, boosting operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

This is the first phase of a wider electrification process, totalling over £2m of investment by PD Ports, and will mean that 70% of PD Ports’ RTG fleet runs on electric, demonstrating the latest step in an ongoing journey of decarbonisation for the port operator who aims to reach carbon-neutrality across its Tees-based operations by 2027.

The process, which will be carried out by Konecranes, involves the removal of all diesel components. This will completely eliminate the consumption of diesel fuel, instead allowing the equipment to run wholly on electric – significantly reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution as well as lowering maintenance requirements.

Frans Calje, PD Ports CEO, said: “The implementation of alternative, cleaner energy supplies is one of the key components to our long-term vision for Teesport and is another step in achieving our 30-year plan in which we aim to work with customers and stakeholders to elevate the River Tees to the UK’s most successful port region by 2050.

“PD Ports is a key piece of national infrastructure and as the Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, we have a duty to ensure that we continuously work to reduce our impact on the environment throughout our operations.

“As long-standing partners of Konecranes, we are very much looking forward to working with them on this project and delivering on our commitment to developing clean, sustainable port technology.”

Each RTG will take an average of three weeks to covert meaning the project, which will extend the lifespan of the equipment for an additional decade, is due for completion in early 2022.

During the retrofit, Konecranes will also be installing fibre optics which will future-proof the RTGs, enabling continuous upgrades and access to enhanced features, such as remote operations, meaning the equipment will be central to increasing both efficiencies and productivity for PD Ports.

Paolo Dazi, Konecranes Port Services Senior Vice President, said: ‘’We are dedicated to helping ports and terminal operators grow through sustainable, digital and adaptable service solutions. The trust PD Ports has shown in us, as equipment lifecycle experts is really exciting and rewards our ambition to keep increasing customers’ operational efficiency, safety and equipment sustainability.’’

PD Ports aims for net zero with Konecranes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

PD Ports, owner and operator of Teesport, the fifth largest port in the UK, has contracted specialist crane manufacturer Konecranes to convert the primary power supply of four diesel-driven Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes (RTGs) to electric, boosting operational efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

This is the first phase of a wider electrification process, totalling over £2m of investment by PD Ports, and will mean that 70% of PD Ports’ RTG fleet runs on electric, demonstrating the latest step in an ongoing journey of decarbonisation for the port operator who aims to reach carbon-neutrality across its Tees-based operations by 2027.

The process, which will be carried out by Konecranes, involves the removal of all diesel components. This will completely eliminate the consumption of diesel fuel, instead allowing the equipment to run wholly on electric – significantly reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution as well as lowering maintenance requirements.

Frans Calje, PD Ports CEO, said: “The implementation of alternative, cleaner energy supplies is one of the key components to our long-term vision for Teesport and is another step in achieving our 30-year plan in which we aim to work with customers and stakeholders to elevate the River Tees to the UK’s most successful port region by 2050.

“PD Ports is a key piece of national infrastructure and as the Statutory Harbour Authority for the River Tees, we have a duty to ensure that we continuously work to reduce our impact on the environment throughout our operations.

“As long-standing partners of Konecranes, we are very much looking forward to working with them on this project and delivering on our commitment to developing clean, sustainable port technology.”

Each RTG will take an average of three weeks to covert meaning the project, which will extend the lifespan of the equipment for an additional decade, is due for completion in early 2022.

During the retrofit, Konecranes will also be installing fibre optics which will future-proof the RTGs, enabling continuous upgrades and access to enhanced features, such as remote operations, meaning the equipment will be central to increasing both efficiencies and productivity for PD Ports.

Paolo Dazi, Konecranes Port Services Senior Vice President, said: ‘’We are dedicated to helping ports and terminal operators grow through sustainable, digital and adaptable service solutions. The trust PD Ports has shown in us, as equipment lifecycle experts is really exciting and rewards our ambition to keep increasing customers’ operational efficiency, safety and equipment sustainability.’’

Drinks wholesaler deploys articulated forklift fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

LWC Drinks Ltd – the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler – has introduced a fleet of space-saving Flexi Truck very narrow aisle (VNA) articulated forklifts across its nationwide estate of distribution depots, including the company’s recently opened new 173,000 sq ft bonded DC in Chadderton, Oldham.

The Oldham site – located just 10 miles from Manchester city centre, and 1.5 miles from junctions 20 and 21 of the M60 – is twice the size of LWC’s previous local facility at nearby Openshaw and represents an investment of £12.5 million for the company.

The national beverage wholesaler’s success has been built and continues to rely upon the smooth running of its supply chain network. Across most of the country same-day delivery is offered seven-days-a-week from LWC’s network of 14 depots. Meanwhile, in those areas where same-day delivery is not possible, LWC offer a next-day service to a client base that includes some 13,500 licensed establishments across both the on-and off-trade.

The Oldham site also features a dedicated area for Click N Drink, LWC’s DTC division, which it launched in 2020 when the majority of its trade customers had been forced to shut down to comply with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions that were having such a devastating impact on swathes of the hospitality and leisure sectors.

With a relentlessly demanding delivery schedule and a product range comprised of more than 8,000 lines – including over 1,200 draughts, 500 bottled beers, 200 ciders, 2,800 spirits, 1,500 wines and 1,300 soft drinks – efficient and cost-effective storage systems and reliable materials handling equipment are essential for LWC.

Long-standing advocate

“LWC has long been an advocate of Flexi Truck space saving technology across its business and the intralogistics systems in operation throughout LWC’s national depot network have been based on Flexi Truck technology for many years,” said John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd – the West Midlands-based designer and manufacturer of the Flexi Truck range.

“By providing a highly cost-effective format that is reproduced by LWC at all of its sites, Flexi Trucks deliver tremendous space savings within the stores as well as synergies with the company’s other handling equipment that enables LWC’s truck operators’ existing skills to be utilised – an important consideration in the current climate when qualified lift truck drivers are in short supply.”

The new very narrow aisle FLEXI Truck articulated forklifts supplied to LWC, are the latest ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models to be developed by Narrow Aisle Ltd. ‘Digital’ Flexis require minimal maintenance, which means that they ensure optimum ‘up time’ while the trucks’ ultra-efficient battery system allows sustained levels of performance to be achieved so that even the most demanding pallet throughput targets can be met.

Ease of operation and, therefore, pallet put-away and picking speed, is further enhanced by the trucks’ unique independent digital power-steering which makes Flexi Trucks particularly easy to manoeuvre within aisleways.

Articulated ‘over rotation’ and smooth digital steering combine to ensure that one turn of a Flexi Truck’s steering wheel is all that is required to enter or de-stack a pallet.

IT investment

The drinks wholesaler has introduced a new warehouse management system (WMS) and duty management system at the Oldham site. The IT investment will help standardise LWC’s operations across its distribution network and ensure that the company continues to perform as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The data capture devices that link the materials handling equipment to the WMS are mounted on the Flexi Truck’s unique ‘Halo Bar’ – an innovative accessory option that acts as a mounting for RDTs, hands-free order picking screens, label printers etc and delivers unobstructed operator forward vision so that Flexi Truck drivers can perform productively and safely at all times.

The Flexi Trucks undertake a wide range of duties. For example, LWC’s new machines will be used both outside the Oldham unit and other sites to unload incoming curtain sided trailers and inside the store to deliver pallets directly to the pallet racking system – eliminating the need for the traditional double handling that is often required at facilities where a mix of counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks are deployed.

Because LWC is committed to running its business as sustainably as possible, energy efficiency was an important influence on the company’s MHE purchasing decision. The new ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models provide extended shift life from a single battery that has not only cut energy consumption and brought about a considerable reduction in fleet operating costs at the new Oldham site as well as LWC’s other depot facilities, but has also delivered an upgrade in productivity efficiency due to the reduction in truck downtime required to change or charge batteries.

Battery charging technology

Furthermore, the trucks’ operational efficiency is given an extra boost thanks to an integrated battery charging and changing solution designed and delivered by Narrow Aisle’s Warehouse Systems team.

Featuring operator ‘call-forward’ alert technology to identify the most appropriate fully charged battery when a change is due, the advanced fast charge system will dramatically reduce LWC’s overall mains electricity consumption and, therefore, minimise truck fleet running costs across its properties. The unique 6 hour battery charging time will allow the company to operate with only two batteries per truck on a three-shift usage pattern as required.

Maguire commented: “LWC Drinks Ltd has operated Flexi Truck articulated forklift truck technology across its business for many years. The company recognises the space saving and operational benefits of Flexi Truck technology and we are delighted that we will continue to enjoy such a successful relationship.

“The ‘Digital’ Flexi Trucks supplied to LWC represent the next phase of the iconic Flexi Truck articulated forklift’s development. Designed to minimise the use of battery energy in every work cycle by using digital lift drive and steering systems that are integrated with the latest rapid low energy charging technologies, ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models provide a sustainable and efficient long term solution to users.”

Narrow Aisle is providing fleet management and maintenance support services across the LWC national depot network.

Drinks wholesaler deploys articulated forklift fleet

Posted on by David Priestman

LWC Drinks Ltd – the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler – has introduced a fleet of space-saving Flexi Truck very narrow aisle (VNA) articulated forklifts across its nationwide estate of distribution depots, including the company’s recently opened new 173,000 sq ft bonded DC in Chadderton, Oldham.

The Oldham site – located just 10 miles from Manchester city centre, and 1.5 miles from junctions 20 and 21 of the M60 – is twice the size of LWC’s previous local facility at nearby Openshaw and represents an investment of £12.5 million for the company.

The national beverage wholesaler’s success has been built and continues to rely upon the smooth running of its supply chain network. Across most of the country same-day delivery is offered seven-days-a-week from LWC’s network of 14 depots. Meanwhile, in those areas where same-day delivery is not possible, LWC offer a next-day service to a client base that includes some 13,500 licensed establishments across both the on-and off-trade.

The Oldham site also features a dedicated area for Click N Drink, LWC’s DTC division, which it launched in 2020 when the majority of its trade customers had been forced to shut down to comply with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown restrictions that were having such a devastating impact on swathes of the hospitality and leisure sectors.

With a relentlessly demanding delivery schedule and a product range comprised of more than 8,000 lines – including over 1,200 draughts, 500 bottled beers, 200 ciders, 2,800 spirits, 1,500 wines and 1,300 soft drinks – efficient and cost-effective storage systems and reliable materials handling equipment are essential for LWC.

Long-standing advocate

“LWC has long been an advocate of Flexi Truck space saving technology across its business and the intralogistics systems in operation throughout LWC’s national depot network have been based on Flexi Truck technology for many years,” said John Maguire, managing director of Narrow Aisle Ltd – the West Midlands-based designer and manufacturer of the Flexi Truck range.

“By providing a highly cost-effective format that is reproduced by LWC at all of its sites, Flexi Trucks deliver tremendous space savings within the stores as well as synergies with the company’s other handling equipment that enables LWC’s truck operators’ existing skills to be utilised – an important consideration in the current climate when qualified lift truck drivers are in short supply.”

The new very narrow aisle FLEXI Truck articulated forklifts supplied to LWC, are the latest ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models to be developed by Narrow Aisle Ltd. ‘Digital’ Flexis require minimal maintenance, which means that they ensure optimum ‘up time’ while the trucks’ ultra-efficient battery system allows sustained levels of performance to be achieved so that even the most demanding pallet throughput targets can be met.

Ease of operation and, therefore, pallet put-away and picking speed, is further enhanced by the trucks’ unique independent digital power-steering which makes Flexi Trucks particularly easy to manoeuvre within aisleways.

Articulated ‘over rotation’ and smooth digital steering combine to ensure that one turn of a Flexi Truck’s steering wheel is all that is required to enter or de-stack a pallet.

IT investment

The drinks wholesaler has introduced a new warehouse management system (WMS) and duty management system at the Oldham site. The IT investment will help standardise LWC’s operations across its distribution network and ensure that the company continues to perform as efficiently and effectively as possible.

The data capture devices that link the materials handling equipment to the WMS are mounted on the Flexi Truck’s unique ‘Halo Bar’ – an innovative accessory option that acts as a mounting for RDTs, hands-free order picking screens, label printers etc and delivers unobstructed operator forward vision so that Flexi Truck drivers can perform productively and safely at all times.

The Flexi Trucks undertake a wide range of duties. For example, LWC’s new machines will be used both outside the Oldham unit and other sites to unload incoming curtain sided trailers and inside the store to deliver pallets directly to the pallet racking system – eliminating the need for the traditional double handling that is often required at facilities where a mix of counterbalance forklifts and reach trucks are deployed.

Because LWC is committed to running its business as sustainably as possible, energy efficiency was an important influence on the company’s MHE purchasing decision. The new ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models provide extended shift life from a single battery that has not only cut energy consumption and brought about a considerable reduction in fleet operating costs at the new Oldham site as well as LWC’s other depot facilities, but has also delivered an upgrade in productivity efficiency due to the reduction in truck downtime required to change or charge batteries.

Battery charging technology

Furthermore, the trucks’ operational efficiency is given an extra boost thanks to an integrated battery charging and changing solution designed and delivered by Narrow Aisle’s Warehouse Systems team.

Featuring operator ‘call-forward’ alert technology to identify the most appropriate fully charged battery when a change is due, the advanced fast charge system will dramatically reduce LWC’s overall mains electricity consumption and, therefore, minimise truck fleet running costs across its properties. The unique 6 hour battery charging time will allow the company to operate with only two batteries per truck on a three-shift usage pattern as required.

Maguire commented: “LWC Drinks Ltd has operated Flexi Truck articulated forklift truck technology across its business for many years. The company recognises the space saving and operational benefits of Flexi Truck technology and we are delighted that we will continue to enjoy such a successful relationship.

“The ‘Digital’ Flexi Trucks supplied to LWC represent the next phase of the iconic Flexi Truck articulated forklift’s development. Designed to minimise the use of battery energy in every work cycle by using digital lift drive and steering systems that are integrated with the latest rapid low energy charging technologies, ‘Digital’ Flexi Truck models provide a sustainable and efficient long term solution to users.”

Narrow Aisle is providing fleet management and maintenance support services across the LWC national depot network.

Sitma named “outstanding company” by Kotler

Posted on by David Priestman

Sitma, a specialist in designing and producing solutions for automation in the logistics industry, has been chosen as a case study for the book Essentials of Modern Marketing by Philip Kotler together with Weevo, which looked at more than 30 examples of outstanding Italian companies in different fields of production.

Philip Kotler, the father of modern marketing, chose to focus his study on such criteria as the propensity to innovate and the ability to respond to the needs of the market in a sustainable way.

The book was previewed on 26th November and contains over 30 case studies of exceptional Italian companies, making it the world’s first publication about marketing to focus on success stories in a specific country.

The SME Journal described the work as “the bible of modern marketing”, while the Daily Times defined it “the 21st century book about business, marketing and management”.

The book will be on sale on Amazon, but to avoid wasted paper and long-haul deliveries the printed version will only be available on request, for collection as near as possible to the shipping address. The presentation of the book took place at the H-Farm campus in Treviso, home to many successful companies, and among those present were Orsola Cavina and Denise Gibbin from Sitma’s Marketing department.

They offered the following comments: “Sitma was both honoured and delighted to play a role in Philip’s project. It’s a major recognition of the strategies the company has implemented in recent years. We’re convinced that Sitma’s opportunities for business are only just beginning, and that we’ll have a revolutionary and very considerable impact on the logistics market.”

Sitma says the reasons for its success (and so for its inclusion in Philip Kotler’s project) go far beyond just figures. Sitma’s main accolades have come from the market, which has recognised its inherent capacity to innovate over the years.

The company’s great strength has been its ability to reposition itself in just a few years, achieving excellent results in a totally new and constantly changing market: the field of e-commerce and logistics. It has also managed to find an effective way of relating to the various sectors in which it operates, anticipating trends and constantly supporting its customers, indeed becoming their real partner.

Sitma’s move into the world of logistics began in 2016 when it became the official supplier for Viapost, then went on to be a supplier for Poste Italiane in 2018. Sitma is now is a leading brand in the logistics sector, supplying flexible packaging and sorting systems to the world’s main e-commerce companies, 3PLs, logistics operators, and many national post offices in both Europe and North America.

People and ideas

The changes made by the company did not only concern its approach to the market. First and foremost, Sitma took a good look at itself. The business changed from an entrepreneurial to a managerial structure, introducing new job titles and new company departments, including the Operations Management team, the Marketing Department and the Project Management Department.

A new brand identity was gradually created alongside the process of company renewal, with the recruitment of new young professionals, keen to be part of the transformations in the market and in the company itself.

Sitma is actively pursuing its goal of becoming an increasingly green company. It has introduced processes for calculating its carbon footprint, updating them regularly in line with the latest regulations. The company has introduced improvements and reduced its CO2 emissions, and has also offset emissions by financing well-organised and accredited sustainability projects.

Sitma named “outstanding company” by Kotler

Posted on by David Priestman

Sitma, a specialist in designing and producing solutions for automation in the logistics industry, has been chosen as a case study for the book Essentials of Modern Marketing by Philip Kotler together with Weevo, which looked at more than 30 examples of outstanding Italian companies in different fields of production.

Philip Kotler, the father of modern marketing, chose to focus his study on such criteria as the propensity to innovate and the ability to respond to the needs of the market in a sustainable way.

The book was previewed on 26th November and contains over 30 case studies of exceptional Italian companies, making it the world’s first publication about marketing to focus on success stories in a specific country.

The SME Journal described the work as “the bible of modern marketing”, while the Daily Times defined it “the 21st century book about business, marketing and management”.

The book will be on sale on Amazon, but to avoid wasted paper and long-haul deliveries the printed version will only be available on request, for collection as near as possible to the shipping address. The presentation of the book took place at the H-Farm campus in Treviso, home to many successful companies, and among those present were Orsola Cavina and Denise Gibbin from Sitma’s Marketing department.

They offered the following comments: “Sitma was both honoured and delighted to play a role in Philip’s project. It’s a major recognition of the strategies the company has implemented in recent years. We’re convinced that Sitma’s opportunities for business are only just beginning, and that we’ll have a revolutionary and very considerable impact on the logistics market.”

Sitma says the reasons for its success (and so for its inclusion in Philip Kotler’s project) go far beyond just figures. Sitma’s main accolades have come from the market, which has recognised its inherent capacity to innovate over the years.

The company’s great strength has been its ability to reposition itself in just a few years, achieving excellent results in a totally new and constantly changing market: the field of e-commerce and logistics. It has also managed to find an effective way of relating to the various sectors in which it operates, anticipating trends and constantly supporting its customers, indeed becoming their real partner.

Sitma’s move into the world of logistics began in 2016 when it became the official supplier for Viapost, then went on to be a supplier for Poste Italiane in 2018. Sitma is now is a leading brand in the logistics sector, supplying flexible packaging and sorting systems to the world’s main e-commerce companies, 3PLs, logistics operators, and many national post offices in both Europe and North America.

People and ideas

The changes made by the company did not only concern its approach to the market. First and foremost, Sitma took a good look at itself. The business changed from an entrepreneurial to a managerial structure, introducing new job titles and new company departments, including the Operations Management team, the Marketing Department and the Project Management Department.

A new brand identity was gradually created alongside the process of company renewal, with the recruitment of new young professionals, keen to be part of the transformations in the market and in the company itself.

Sitma is actively pursuing its goal of becoming an increasingly green company. It has introduced processes for calculating its carbon footprint, updating them regularly in line with the latest regulations. The company has introduced improvements and reduced its CO2 emissions, and has also offset emissions by financing well-organised and accredited sustainability projects.

Caja Robotics makes significant appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Caja Robotics, a leader in flexible robotic goods-to-person solutions for order fulfilment, has appointed Dr. Christian E. Baur, formerly CEO of Swisslog, as Senior Advisor. Following a successful rollout of Caja’s warehouse robotic solution in the US and responding to a growing demand for automation in the EU, Baur will support building a strong network of clients and partners to fortify the company’s presence in Europe.

Baur is a software- and robotic-driven automated solutions expert with an entrepreneurial mind for solutions that shape the future of automation and create exceptional customer value. Coming from KUKA and Swisslog, he leverages deep expertise in project-based global businesses, operational excellence, M&A and leadership experience from various companies, including top management consulting. With passionate and dedicated leadership in the software and robotics space, Baur will bring his innovative thinking in digitised logistics solutions to Caja Robotics.

“I am a believer in software, automation and robotics solutions. With Caja’s technology, the future of logistics is here,” said Baur. “Caja is taking all of these and providing a perfect solution to the current logistics market needs, especially for businesses and warehouses that need scalable solutions. I see an epic potential for the future.

“There are only a few mature companies that offer innovative robotic driven goods-to-person solutions, but none like Caja, who really focuses on creating top of the line cloud-based software optimisation of order fulfilment – accomplishing high fulfilment rates, with efficient use of resources. I am very impressed with how flexible and scalable their solution is, making quick ROI feasible.”

Ilan Cohen, CEO at Caja Robotics, said: “We are excited to welcome Chris as Senior Advisor. His vast knowledge and experience are invaluable to Caja, and will serve as a pillar for building our European presence. We look forward to his creative approach and leadership.”

Baur holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Munich and received a doctoral degree from the Technical University of Karlsruhe.

Caja Robotics makes significant appointment

Posted on by David Priestman

Caja Robotics, a leader in flexible robotic goods-to-person solutions for order fulfilment, has appointed Dr. Christian E. Baur, formerly CEO of Swisslog, as Senior Advisor. Following a successful rollout of Caja’s warehouse robotic solution in the US and responding to a growing demand for automation in the EU, Baur will support building a strong network of clients and partners to fortify the company’s presence in Europe.

Baur is a software- and robotic-driven automated solutions expert with an entrepreneurial mind for solutions that shape the future of automation and create exceptional customer value. Coming from KUKA and Swisslog, he leverages deep expertise in project-based global businesses, operational excellence, M&A and leadership experience from various companies, including top management consulting. With passionate and dedicated leadership in the software and robotics space, Baur will bring his innovative thinking in digitised logistics solutions to Caja Robotics.

“I am a believer in software, automation and robotics solutions. With Caja’s technology, the future of logistics is here,” said Baur. “Caja is taking all of these and providing a perfect solution to the current logistics market needs, especially for businesses and warehouses that need scalable solutions. I see an epic potential for the future.

“There are only a few mature companies that offer innovative robotic driven goods-to-person solutions, but none like Caja, who really focuses on creating top of the line cloud-based software optimisation of order fulfilment – accomplishing high fulfilment rates, with efficient use of resources. I am very impressed with how flexible and scalable their solution is, making quick ROI feasible.”

Ilan Cohen, CEO at Caja Robotics, said: “We are excited to welcome Chris as Senior Advisor. His vast knowledge and experience are invaluable to Caja, and will serve as a pillar for building our European presence. We look forward to his creative approach and leadership.”

Baur holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Munich and received a doctoral degree from the Technical University of Karlsruhe.

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