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Month: March 2022

Copal efficiently serves coffee for Tramar

Posted on by David Priestman

Tramar SRC, from Le Havre, France, is a logistics company that unloads green coffee from containers which can store up to 160,000 bags of coffee beans. It handles about 50,000 tonnes of green coffee annually.

In 2019, Tramar was facing difficulties to find personnel to manually unload its containers. To mitigate the labour shortage problem, Tramar purchased an automatic container unloader & palletiser from Copal Handling Systems of The Netherlands. Since June 2020, this machine has been in operation to the full satisfaction of Laurent Gouédard, director of Tramar SRC.

The labour shortage, however, is not diminishing; to the contrary, it has been increasing year after year. So, in mid-2021, Laurent Gouédard went to Copal again to find a solution for restacking coffee bags from large harbour pallets to smaller euro pallets.

In February 2022, Copal commissioned an automatic re-palletising robot at Tramar. An advanced camera system recognises the position of each individual bag and sends its coordinates to the robot. The bags can therefore be accurately picked up and re stacked on a different pallet size.

Different coffee bags on one pallet is possible as well. The Copal re-palletising robot will make mixed pallets with no effort at all.

Instead of three people plus a forklift driver to re-palletise, one forklift driver is now enough to get the job done.

Laurent Gouédard says: “Copal has succeeded in developing this re-palletising system in line with our technical constraints and needs. The system is efficient and exceeds our expectations in terms of output. The simplicity of its use requires very little training time.

We are delighted with this continuing partnership between Copal and Tramar SRC.”

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

Copal efficiently serves coffee for Tramar

Posted on by David Priestman

Tramar SRC, from Le Havre, France, is a logistics company that unloads green coffee from containers which can store up to 160,000 bags of coffee beans. It handles about 50,000 tonnes of green coffee annually.

In 2019, Tramar was facing difficulties to find personnel to manually unload its containers. To mitigate the labour shortage problem, Tramar purchased an automatic container unloader & palletiser from Copal Handling Systems of The Netherlands. Since June 2020, this machine has been in operation to the full satisfaction of Laurent Gouédard, director of Tramar SRC.

The labour shortage, however, is not diminishing; to the contrary, it has been increasing year after year. So, in mid-2021, Laurent Gouédard went to Copal again to find a solution for restacking coffee bags from large harbour pallets to smaller euro pallets.

In February 2022, Copal commissioned an automatic re-palletising robot at Tramar. An advanced camera system recognises the position of each individual bag and sends its coordinates to the robot. The bags can therefore be accurately picked up and re stacked on a different pallet size.

Different coffee bags on one pallet is possible as well. The Copal re-palletising robot will make mixed pallets with no effort at all.

Instead of three people plus a forklift driver to re-palletise, one forklift driver is now enough to get the job done.

Laurent Gouédard says: “Copal has succeeded in developing this re-palletising system in line with our technical constraints and needs. The system is efficient and exceeds our expectations in terms of output. The simplicity of its use requires very little training time.

We are delighted with this continuing partnership between Copal and Tramar SRC.”

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

Flash Battery celebrates strong 2021 revenue

Posted on by David Priestman

Flash Battery’s revenues for 2021 amounted to €17.3m, up 25% on the previous year, meaning that the company has consolidated its leadership role in the production of lithium batteries for industrial machines and electric vehicles.

With 2020 having seen a 5% growth in revenues despite a slowdown in production in the first half of the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2021 the company, based in Sant’Ilario d’Enza (Emilia-Romagna, Italy), also registered a significant increase of 16% in new hires, bringing the total number of employees to 65, more than a third of whom are involved in R&D activities.

Marco Righi, CEO of Flash Battery, SAID: “2021 was a very important year for us. While results include a significant increase of 25% in foreign revenues, what stands out above all is a series of factors that have enabled us to reinforce our development strategies on the domestic front, but also on international markets, where we are already present in 54 countries.”

Among the elements underlined by Righi are the opening of the new headquarters (150 workstations, investment of €7.5m), significant investments in research, participation in major European Union electrification projects, and the forging of new commercial partnerships in several European countries characterised by the highest levels of dynamism in their approach to electric power conversion.

“Last year,” explains Righi, “we joined BEPA (the Batteries European Partnership Association), an entity that brings together more than 170 industrial companies, universities and research institutes committed to attaining the goals set out at the end of 2020 by the European Commission in the context of the Horizon Europe Programme. This grouping will pour more than €925m into research and innovation projects in the battery sector. At the same time, Flash Battery has established several prestigious partnerships with highly experienced powertrain system integrators active in the main markets.”

Primary among these are Atech in Germany, Efa France in France and Q-Tronic in Benelux. “Along with Italy,” says Righi, “these three markets are fundamental to the progress of the industrial electric transition, especially considering that together they account for more than 80% of the entire European market for the electrification of industrial machinery and electric vehicles.”

“Our prospects for development,” continues the CEO, “are very much linked to foreign markets, both directly and indirectly. Indeed, 35% of our output is currently directed abroad. However, if we consider that the batteries supplied to Italian customers are installed in machines and vehicles that will be exported all over the world, we can say that more than 80% of Flash Battery’s production is internationally oriented.”

Flash Battery was recognised as the best under-40 enterprise in Emilia-Romagna in 2021. But looking to the future, 2022 is of particular importance, as the company will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its founding by Marco Righi and Alan Pastorelli, now Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

“The electrification market is constantly evolving,” says the CEO. “In recent years we have seen an increasing number of industries willing to take the decisive step towards the electrification of vehicles, machines and processes. Up till five years ago, we would never even have dreamed of electrifying an excavator or an agricultural machine, whereas today, in conjunction with the broad field of logistics, we have developed several electric prototypes in the construction and agricultural sectors, to name but a few.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary,” concludes Righi, “we are committed to developing new prototypes of lithium batteries for the electrification of increasingly larger vehicles and machines, combining high performance with a reduction in the environmental footprint of high-powered engines.”

Flash Battery celebrates strong 2021 revenue

Posted on by David Priestman

Flash Battery’s revenues for 2021 amounted to €17.3m, up 25% on the previous year, meaning that the company has consolidated its leadership role in the production of lithium batteries for industrial machines and electric vehicles.

With 2020 having seen a 5% growth in revenues despite a slowdown in production in the first half of the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in 2021 the company, based in Sant’Ilario d’Enza (Emilia-Romagna, Italy), also registered a significant increase of 16% in new hires, bringing the total number of employees to 65, more than a third of whom are involved in R&D activities.

Marco Righi, CEO of Flash Battery, SAID: “2021 was a very important year for us. While results include a significant increase of 25% in foreign revenues, what stands out above all is a series of factors that have enabled us to reinforce our development strategies on the domestic front, but also on international markets, where we are already present in 54 countries.”

Among the elements underlined by Righi are the opening of the new headquarters (150 workstations, investment of €7.5m), significant investments in research, participation in major European Union electrification projects, and the forging of new commercial partnerships in several European countries characterised by the highest levels of dynamism in their approach to electric power conversion.

“Last year,” explains Righi, “we joined BEPA (the Batteries European Partnership Association), an entity that brings together more than 170 industrial companies, universities and research institutes committed to attaining the goals set out at the end of 2020 by the European Commission in the context of the Horizon Europe Programme. This grouping will pour more than €925m into research and innovation projects in the battery sector. At the same time, Flash Battery has established several prestigious partnerships with highly experienced powertrain system integrators active in the main markets.”

Primary among these are Atech in Germany, Efa France in France and Q-Tronic in Benelux. “Along with Italy,” says Righi, “these three markets are fundamental to the progress of the industrial electric transition, especially considering that together they account for more than 80% of the entire European market for the electrification of industrial machinery and electric vehicles.”

“Our prospects for development,” continues the CEO, “are very much linked to foreign markets, both directly and indirectly. Indeed, 35% of our output is currently directed abroad. However, if we consider that the batteries supplied to Italian customers are installed in machines and vehicles that will be exported all over the world, we can say that more than 80% of Flash Battery’s production is internationally oriented.”

Flash Battery was recognised as the best under-40 enterprise in Emilia-Romagna in 2021. But looking to the future, 2022 is of particular importance, as the company will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its founding by Marco Righi and Alan Pastorelli, now Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

“The electrification market is constantly evolving,” says the CEO. “In recent years we have seen an increasing number of industries willing to take the decisive step towards the electrification of vehicles, machines and processes. Up till five years ago, we would never even have dreamed of electrifying an excavator or an agricultural machine, whereas today, in conjunction with the broad field of logistics, we have developed several electric prototypes in the construction and agricultural sectors, to name but a few.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary,” concludes Righi, “we are committed to developing new prototypes of lithium batteries for the electrification of increasingly larger vehicles and machines, combining high performance with a reduction in the environmental footprint of high-powered engines.”

Miniclipper founder passes away

Posted on by David Priestman

Miniclipper Logistics’ founder Mick Masters has passed away at the age of 83 in the UK company’s 51st year. His death follows a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Masters founded the business in 1971 by responding to a newspaper advert in the Leighton Buzzard Observer for someone to develop their own parcel delivery service doing daily runs between Bedfordshire and London.

He bought a VW van and Miniclipper was born. The business and fleet grew steadily during the 1970s and 80s built on a foundation of strong customer service led by Mick supported by his wife Janet, who managed the administration as well as driving one of the company’s vans.

The business has remained in the area ever since and now has 450,000 sq ft of storage and over 38,000 pallet spaces across five sites in Leighton Buzzard, Houghton Regis, and Dunstable.

Mick’s son, Peter, took over as MD in 1995, and his daughter-in-law Jayne was appointed as sales director with Mick officially retiring in 2005. They are pictured either side of him. Mick was proud to see Miniclipper reach its 50th birthday in 2021 still as a family business just as the third generation of Masters joined the team.

In 2020/21 Miniclipper celebrated a record turnover through the provision of a range of transport, storage, and warehousing solutions for the medical, construction, print, retail, and food sectors. The business now has 40 trucks and 30 trailers, employs 140 people and is a shareholder member of the Palletline network.

Logistics Business passes its condolences on their loss to Mick’s family, colleagues and friends.

Miniclipper founder passes away

Posted on by David Priestman

Miniclipper Logistics’ founder Mick Masters has passed away at the age of 83 in the UK company’s 51st year. His death follows a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Masters founded the business in 1971 by responding to a newspaper advert in the Leighton Buzzard Observer for someone to develop their own parcel delivery service doing daily runs between Bedfordshire and London.

He bought a VW van and Miniclipper was born. The business and fleet grew steadily during the 1970s and 80s built on a foundation of strong customer service led by Mick supported by his wife Janet, who managed the administration as well as driving one of the company’s vans.

The business has remained in the area ever since and now has 450,000 sq ft of storage and over 38,000 pallet spaces across five sites in Leighton Buzzard, Houghton Regis, and Dunstable.

Mick’s son, Peter, took over as MD in 1995, and his daughter-in-law Jayne was appointed as sales director with Mick officially retiring in 2005. They are pictured either side of him. Mick was proud to see Miniclipper reach its 50th birthday in 2021 still as a family business just as the third generation of Masters joined the team.

In 2020/21 Miniclipper celebrated a record turnover through the provision of a range of transport, storage, and warehousing solutions for the medical, construction, print, retail, and food sectors. The business now has 40 trucks and 30 trailers, employs 140 people and is a shareholder member of the Palletline network.

Logistics Business passes its condolences on their loss to Mick’s family, colleagues and friends.

TGW presents new digital services at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

The TGW Logistics Group is equipped with modern technology for the digital age. The systems integrator will be presenting the full spectrum of its digital services at the LogiMAT intralogistics trade fair (31 May to 2 June) in Stuttgart. Those services cover the entire lifecycle of a system, including everything from planning to implementation to live operation. The spotlight will be on innovations that help companies boost their competitiveness.

“TGW can look back on more than 50 years of experience in the development of mechatronic modules and has successfully implemented hundreds of projects worldwide as a systems integrator. Thanks to our ever-expanding range of digital services, our customers are in an excellent position to face the demands of tomorrow,” emphasises Matthias Stötzner, Director Sales at TGW Systems Integration. “TGW combines expertise in software and systems to offer customised, state-of-the-art end-to-end solutions.”

The TGW booth at LogiMAT applies an open communication concept. In addition to modules, systems and solutions, reference projects for notable customers such as Coop, PUMA, Fource and Engelbert Strauss will also be highlighted.

The TGW Digital Lifecycle’s services and products cover the three phases of planning, realisation and Lifetime Services. More than 600 IT specialists look after over 500 systems around the globe. They develop new applications, implement tools and maintain logistics centres during live operation.

The topics of efficiency, transparency and a short return on investment take centre stage in this context. An integration project’s lifecycle takes place digitally, from the first data analysis all the way to final acceptance. Digital services also ensure optimum performance during live operation. Thus, TGW offers maximum availability and reliability, in keeping with the motto “We keep your business running”.

To that end, TGW uses a variety of both well-established and newly-developed resources. Examples of digital tools for system design include 3D layouts, simulations and intelligent data analyses. In the realisation phase, TGW employs agile implementation, emulation and performance checks. In regard to operation, customers profit from virtual testing environments, remote services, proactive monitoring and more. The multi-award-winning picking robot Rovolution boasts a digital twin: a complete digital representation that grows alongside the physical installation and is connected to it in real time.

Companies that put their trust in TGW also have the advantage of receiving everything from a single source. Unlike software providers, the systems integrator plans and implements systems, produces the mechatronic components and also handles the complex software integration. This enables TGW to gather data from all applications, products and solutions and evaluate, visualise and optimise them in a uniform system.

The use of modern technology such as artificial intelligence is becoming more and more important in this context. Future scenarios can be modelled with the help of self-learning algorithms. “Interconnected intra-logistics systems that are capable of learning and self-optimisation will play a huge role in the very near future. Our customers profit greatly from these advantages,” affirms Johann Steinkellner, CEO Central Europe at TGW.

TGW presents new digital services at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

The TGW Logistics Group is equipped with modern technology for the digital age. The systems integrator will be presenting the full spectrum of its digital services at the LogiMAT intralogistics trade fair (31 May to 2 June) in Stuttgart. Those services cover the entire lifecycle of a system, including everything from planning to implementation to live operation. The spotlight will be on innovations that help companies boost their competitiveness.

“TGW can look back on more than 50 years of experience in the development of mechatronic modules and has successfully implemented hundreds of projects worldwide as a systems integrator. Thanks to our ever-expanding range of digital services, our customers are in an excellent position to face the demands of tomorrow,” emphasises Matthias Stötzner, Director Sales at TGW Systems Integration. “TGW combines expertise in software and systems to offer customised, state-of-the-art end-to-end solutions.”

The TGW booth at LogiMAT applies an open communication concept. In addition to modules, systems and solutions, reference projects for notable customers such as Coop, PUMA, Fource and Engelbert Strauss will also be highlighted.

The TGW Digital Lifecycle’s services and products cover the three phases of planning, realisation and Lifetime Services. More than 600 IT specialists look after over 500 systems around the globe. They develop new applications, implement tools and maintain logistics centres during live operation.

The topics of efficiency, transparency and a short return on investment take centre stage in this context. An integration project’s lifecycle takes place digitally, from the first data analysis all the way to final acceptance. Digital services also ensure optimum performance during live operation. Thus, TGW offers maximum availability and reliability, in keeping with the motto “We keep your business running”.

To that end, TGW uses a variety of both well-established and newly-developed resources. Examples of digital tools for system design include 3D layouts, simulations and intelligent data analyses. In the realisation phase, TGW employs agile implementation, emulation and performance checks. In regard to operation, customers profit from virtual testing environments, remote services, proactive monitoring and more. The multi-award-winning picking robot Rovolution boasts a digital twin: a complete digital representation that grows alongside the physical installation and is connected to it in real time.

Companies that put their trust in TGW also have the advantage of receiving everything from a single source. Unlike software providers, the systems integrator plans and implements systems, produces the mechatronic components and also handles the complex software integration. This enables TGW to gather data from all applications, products and solutions and evaluate, visualise and optimise them in a uniform system.

The use of modern technology such as artificial intelligence is becoming more and more important in this context. Future scenarios can be modelled with the help of self-learning algorithms. “Interconnected intra-logistics systems that are capable of learning and self-optimisation will play a huge role in the very near future. Our customers profit greatly from these advantages,” affirms Johann Steinkellner, CEO Central Europe at TGW.

New Combi-MR4 features Dynamic 360° steering

Posted on by David Priestman

The Combi-MR4 is a 4-wheel electric powered multidirectional reach-truck, which incorporates Combilift’s new Dynamic 360° steering, which provides rotation on each wheel, enabling seamless directional change of the truck while on the move. The system allows this extremely agile forklift to work in forward, sideward and crab steer mode, guaranteeing swift operation and excellent manoeuvrability. Hence the full name of the new model: the Combi-MR4 Dynamic 360.

Since Combilift launched its first C4000 model in 1998, multidirectional capability has been one of the major hallmarks of the company’s wide range of handling solutions. Twenty-four years and thousands of R&D hours later, its latest product takes multidirectional capability to the next level.

The impetus for the development of this latest addition to Combilift’s portfolio was to develop a multi-directional truck, with a very low platform to maximise storage density within racking. The Combi-MR4 is available in two unique models, with capacity ranges of 2,500kg-3,000kg and 3,500kg-4,500kg respectively, and can operate in aisles as narrow as 2,265mm when guided (based on 1200mm deep material). To maximise all storage space in racking systems the wheel configuration of two drive wheels at the rear and two sets of smaller dual front wheels provides a platform height as low as 380mm, allowing otherwise redundant areas towards the floor to be used.

In keeping with Combilift’s common overall design ethos, the highly versatile Combi-MR4 can handle long loads as well as palletised goods with ease, and can load and offload from delivery trucks. Driver comfort and safety are also major considerations, and this new truck definitely delivers the goods from an ergonomic point of view: a high visibility operator cabin, multi-function control joystick, AC-electric power steering and joystick operated hydraulic mast functions all make for a smooth ride and straightforward operation. The articulated rear axle with two rear rubber drive wheels provides optimum traction for outdoor use, while still ensuring nimble and accurate truck placement.

To achieve this level of manoeuvrability, Combilift utilised its newly developed-in-house Dynamic 360° steering. This novel steering concept enables operators to manipulate the truck’s positioning and orientation without the need to stop and change driving mode. Intuitive and easy-to-operate, this is achieved by simply twisting the control joystick right or left to adjust the wheel positions simultaneously – providing crab steering and allowing direction change on-the-go.

Combilift always likes to ensure that any new product has been thoroughly tried and tested in the field to make certain that it is 100% fit for purpose. Following the initial operation of 3,000kg Combi-MR4 units, a 4,500kg model was developed after receiving a request from Combilift’s dealer in the BeNeLux region – Mabo BeNeLux, for a larger capacity unit for their customer TABS (Timber and Building Supplies Holland).  One of the Netherlands’ leading suppliers of timber products and building materials, with 104 outlets across the country, TABS has partnered with Combilift and operated its multidirectional trucks for more than 15 years. It now has MR4 trucks at several locations in the Netherlands and is about to take delivery of its 15th and 16th trucks, which will work at its distribution centres in Zaandam and Bleiswijk.

Combilift CEO Martin McVicar: “TABS are delighted with the ongoing successful implementation of their Combi-MR4s and the improved levels of efficiency thanks to the overall design and features such as low platform height as well as the advanced Dynamic 360° steering system. I have no doubt that this new additional electric model will grow Combilift’s customer base. We are looking forward to showcasing the Combi-MR4 to our existing dealers, and potential new customers during the LogiMAT Intralogistics exhibition in Stuttgart at the end of May.”

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

New Combi-MR4 features Dynamic 360° steering

Posted on by David Priestman

The Combi-MR4 is a 4-wheel electric powered multidirectional reach-truck, which incorporates Combilift’s new Dynamic 360° steering, which provides rotation on each wheel, enabling seamless directional change of the truck while on the move. The system allows this extremely agile forklift to work in forward, sideward and crab steer mode, guaranteeing swift operation and excellent manoeuvrability. Hence the full name of the new model: the Combi-MR4 Dynamic 360.

Since Combilift launched its first C4000 model in 1998, multidirectional capability has been one of the major hallmarks of the company’s wide range of handling solutions. Twenty-four years and thousands of R&D hours later, its latest product takes multidirectional capability to the next level.

The impetus for the development of this latest addition to Combilift’s portfolio was to develop a multi-directional truck, with a very low platform to maximise storage density within racking. The Combi-MR4 is available in two unique models, with capacity ranges of 2,500kg-3,000kg and 3,500kg-4,500kg respectively, and can operate in aisles as narrow as 2,265mm when guided (based on 1200mm deep material). To maximise all storage space in racking systems the wheel configuration of two drive wheels at the rear and two sets of smaller dual front wheels provides a platform height as low as 380mm, allowing otherwise redundant areas towards the floor to be used.

In keeping with Combilift’s common overall design ethos, the highly versatile Combi-MR4 can handle long loads as well as palletised goods with ease, and can load and offload from delivery trucks. Driver comfort and safety are also major considerations, and this new truck definitely delivers the goods from an ergonomic point of view: a high visibility operator cabin, multi-function control joystick, AC-electric power steering and joystick operated hydraulic mast functions all make for a smooth ride and straightforward operation. The articulated rear axle with two rear rubber drive wheels provides optimum traction for outdoor use, while still ensuring nimble and accurate truck placement.

To achieve this level of manoeuvrability, Combilift utilised its newly developed-in-house Dynamic 360° steering. This novel steering concept enables operators to manipulate the truck’s positioning and orientation without the need to stop and change driving mode. Intuitive and easy-to-operate, this is achieved by simply twisting the control joystick right or left to adjust the wheel positions simultaneously – providing crab steering and allowing direction change on-the-go.

Combilift always likes to ensure that any new product has been thoroughly tried and tested in the field to make certain that it is 100% fit for purpose. Following the initial operation of 3,000kg Combi-MR4 units, a 4,500kg model was developed after receiving a request from Combilift’s dealer in the BeNeLux region – Mabo BeNeLux, for a larger capacity unit for their customer TABS (Timber and Building Supplies Holland).  One of the Netherlands’ leading suppliers of timber products and building materials, with 104 outlets across the country, TABS has partnered with Combilift and operated its multidirectional trucks for more than 15 years. It now has MR4 trucks at several locations in the Netherlands and is about to take delivery of its 15th and 16th trucks, which will work at its distribution centres in Zaandam and Bleiswijk.

Combilift CEO Martin McVicar: “TABS are delighted with the ongoing successful implementation of their Combi-MR4s and the improved levels of efficiency thanks to the overall design and features such as low platform height as well as the advanced Dynamic 360° steering system. I have no doubt that this new additional electric model will grow Combilift’s customer base. We are looking forward to showcasing the Combi-MR4 to our existing dealers, and potential new customers during the LogiMAT Intralogistics exhibition in Stuttgart at the end of May.”

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

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