22 April, 2022

Gideon launches autonomous loading forklift

Posted on 22 April, 2022 by David Priestman

Gideon, the robotics and AI solutions company, has announced a pioneering new solution – Trey, an autonomous forklift for truck trailer loading and unloading operations.

Trey loads and unloads pallets entirely autonomously, saving more than 80% of a worker’s time. It operates safely, consistently, and reliably in dynamic environments, working side by side with people.

“We at Gideon believe that we can help exponentially grow humanity’s ability to move goods by automating the most complex material handling workflows,” said Matija Kopić, Gideon CEO and co-founder. “The world needs new ways of solving challenges. Our new way is to give superpowers to the millions of essential workers who keep our supply chains running. With the help of our customers, partners, and investors, we’ve built an AMR specifically for the task of loading and unloading truck trailers, augmenting human talent,” Matija Kopić said.

“The new solution from Gideon brings us an exciting potential for optimization, creating new efficiencies, and new ways to work,” Annant Patel, director at Koch Disruptive Technologies, an investment unit of Koch Industries, and Gideon Board Member. “As new technologies become available, the supply chain challenges act as a catalyst to spur companies to innovate – Gideon being one of them. We may face uncertainties, but innovators like Gideon prove that the future is here and now.”

Xavier Garijo, Member of the Board of Management for Contract Logistics at DB Schenker, also highlights the importance of innovation. DB Schenker, the global logistics leader, is one of the early Gideon customers and Series A investor.

“Here at DB Schenker, we draw on 150 years of logistic experience, and we’ve always focused on bringing innovation to deliver the efficiency and excellence expected by our clients. This is why we are excited to see new solutions from Gideon. Our projects so far are promising demonstrated, real-potential use cases that help us transform inbound and outbound logistic operations,” said Xavier Garijo, who is also a Gideon Board Member.

The new trailer (un)loading solution combines Gideon’s proprietary autonomy technology powered by AI and 3D vision, user-friendly software for smart workflow orchestration, and a robust, purpose-made chassis by Infinity Machine & Engineering Corp.

Trey helps companies relieve labour shortages, increase throughput, and raise process stability and efficiency. It significantly increases loading dock safety, reducing incidents and damages. Thanks to the flexibility and adaptability of Gideon’s technology, Trey is easy to use, deploy, and scale, with minimal impact on existing infrastructure, further improving the bottom line.

Gideon launches autonomous loading forklift

Posted on 22 April, 202225 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Gideon, the robotics and AI solutions company, has announced a pioneering new solution – Trey, an autonomous forklift for truck trailer loading and unloading operations.

WOF Summit promises latest market trends

Posted on 22 April, 2022 by David Priestman

Ahead of the WOF SUMMIT, which takes place in Vienna on 4^th-5^th May, we caught up with Chief Commercial Officer of the WOF Group Christoph Grasl and asked him about this inaugural event.

Christoph Grasl has more than 25 years of experience in freight and logistics. He started his carrier in freight forwarding at Vienna Airport in 1996. In the year 2000, he switched from Austria to Hungary and developed an SMB forwarding company within nine years to one of the top players in the Hungarian logistics market. During this period he also finished his MBA in logistics and supply chain at Danube University.

From 2009 he became MD of one of the leading air and sea cargo forwarders in Austria and had the Regional Director role for Central Eastern Europe. Finally, he was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer on the global corporate level. In a short break from the logistics industry, he did his second master’s studies in real estate management and started a property development company. From 2022 he is back in the logistics industry as Chief Commercial Officer of the WOF Group following his passion to connect people.

Logistics Business (LB): Tell us about the WOF SUMMIT and the whole idea behind it.

Christoph Grasl (CG): It all started with the vision of a handful of logistics experts from all over the world to create a new innovative platform for the logistics and supply chain industry. Our slogan ‘Explore The World Of Freight In The Heart Of Europe’ is a perfect description of what we create and where our focus lies. With the WOF EXPO in Bratislava last year, we set our first milestone and out of this experience and the valuable customer feedback we designed the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022.

Even that is not just another logistics congress in Austria, but the first-ever with a truly regional approach for Central Eastern Europe. We have top industry speakers not only from Austria, Germany and the CEE countries but even from overseas like India and the United States. Furthermore, the optimal networking atmosphere for all our visitors is essential for us.

LB: What is innovative about your event and how does it differ from rivals?

CG: At WOF SUMMIT, networking is not just having a coffee with another interesting participant but is powered by the innovative 1to1 Meeting Scheduler. So, all our visitors can pre-arrange their most valuable networking meetings already online two weeks before the event. As we set it up as a hybrid event, this is also valid for our virtual guests from all over the world.

Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 is the only logistics and supply chain event in Austria with a truly regional approach and covers the whole Central Eastern Europe. This combined with an exclusive exhibition area, a VIP networking area, the top keynotes and panel discussions and the evening gala WOF Connect & Charity, make our summit a unique experience for all logistics and supply chain friends.

LB: Why should companies come to WOF SUMMIT? How will WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 help businesses to thrive in current unpredictable times?

CG: Everybody who deals with transport, logistics and supply chain will find personal value at the WOF SUMMIT. We have the latest market insights, trends and best practice examples in digitalisation, e-commerce and green deals. You can touch base with sustainability trends in logistics real estate, be part of the digital air cargo revolution and feel the resilience of global supply chains in the actual shaky ocean freight markets. We have a deep dive in e-commerce also for business start-ups and offer solutions in the last mile distribution.

Last but not least, logistics is still a people’s business, so we teamed up with leading Universities in CEE and discuss with high potential the logistics leadership roles of the future. This and much more you can experience at the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022.

LB: The inevitable part of WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 will be the gala night WOF Connect & Charity, please tell us more about it.

CG: WOF Connect & Charity festive evening will be an absolute highlight of the two days of inspiration, learning, and knowledge sharing at the event. The importance of this unique evening stems not only from the strong focus on networking as WOF Connect & Charity is also about giving. Building on the success of the first charitable event during the WOF EXPO 2021 in Bratislava last year, this year we will look beyond our fundraising borders with Österreichische Krebshilfe.

The Austrian Cancer Aid, founded in 1910 under the personal auspices of the Emperor, supports approx. 30,000 cancer patients and relatives in their 66 cancer centres in Austria. Österreichische Krebshilfe will be an important part of this special evening. You will experience a combination of networking, good music and dance, inspirational people and stories, and of course an ultimate foodie experience. An evening from which you will emerge inspired and energised.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022!

To find out more in information and get your ticket, CLICK HERE

WOF Summit promises latest market trends

Posted on 22 April, 2022 by Keith McKinley

Ahead of the WOF SUMMIT, which takes place in Vienna on 4^th-5^th May, we caught up with Chief Commercial Officer of the WOF Group Christoph Grasl and asked him about this inaugural event.

Logistics Business (LB): Tell us about the WOF SUMMIT and the whole idea behind it.

LB: What is innovative about your event and how does it differ from rivals?

LB: Why should companies come to WOF SUMMIT? How will WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 help businesses to thrive in current unpredictable times?

LB: The inevitable part of WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 will be the gala night WOF Connect & Charity, please tell us more about it.

We are looking forward to seeing you all at the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022!

To find out more in information and get your ticket, CLICK HERE

Samsara publishes inaugural ESG report

Posted on 22 April, 2022 by Keith McKinley

Samsara Inc., a pioneer of the Connected Operations Cloud, has published its inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report titled Building a Safer and More Sustainable World. Samsara’s report details its progress to date and the principles that will guide the company’s ESG commitments, including transparency and accountability, data-driven solutions, and empowering its people and communities.

Samsara’s ESG report describes how Samsara governs and operates the company with integrity and ethics, and how it supports, empowers, and keeps employees safe. It shares how Samsara measures the environmental impact of its own operations, and the impact its Connected Operations Cloud is having on the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of its customers’ operations.

“Our customers are vitally important to the global economy, and even small shifts in their operations can dramatically reduce their environmental impact and improve the lives of employees,” said Sanjit Biswas, co-founder and CEO of Samsara. “Everything we do is in support of the people serving the world. Building technology-based solutions that make the world’s operations safer and more sustainable is one of the most important things we can do for society.”

Key highlights from the ESG report include:

Transforming customer operations: With Samsara, customers have reduced safety incidents, saved hundreds of thousands of gallons in fuel, and reduced their emissions through improved fuel efficiency and vehicle electrification. In a recent survey of customers, 90% agreed that Samsara has helped improve employee safety within their organization. In the last fiscal year alone, approximately 240 million cumulative hybrid and electric miles were logged on Samsara’s Connected Operations Cloud.

Commitment to carbon neutrality: Samsara has committed to staying carbon neutral. Over two years ago, the company started tracking its carbon footprint and made investments to remove and offset emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. Samsara invested in several innovative carbon offset projects to help ensure that its customers can immediately rely on a carbon-neutral Connected Operations Cloud to help better meet their sustainability goals.

Sustainable operations and a net-zero carbon footprint by 2040: Samsara’s long-term goal is to reach net-zero for its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by 2040. To reach that goal, the company has committed to set near- and long-term company-wide emission reductions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Samsara’s upcoming new headquarters will be the first cross-laminated timber (CLT) building in San Francisco, and the first multi-story CLT building in California. CLT structural panels offer dimensional stability that is superior to conventional framing, with a significantly smaller carbon footprint. The building has been awarded LEED Gold certification, and all improvements made by Samsara will meet LEED Gold standards or higher.

Supporting and empowering employees: Samsara offers a wide range of programmes to support its employees and ensure they have a safe and healthy work environment, as well as avenues to serve their communities. Samsara’s employee resource groups empower diverse communities within the company and provide a venue to develop new ideas with unique perspectives. In 2021, Samsara published its inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) report and will continue bringing a diversity of skills, backgrounds, and perspectives to the company. In addition, the Samsara for Good program matches employee cash donations to non-profit organizations to support the broader community.

Upholding strong and sound corporate governance: Samsara structures its Board of Directors and supporting committees to ensure ethical decision making and clear accountability. Samsara is committed to responsible innovation and applies its guiding principles to its decision-making processes and product development. The company reviews and discusses sustainability, ethics, and privacy issues in light of broader changes to technology and society, and fosters informed discussion across stakeholders.

“Improving sustainability, making a positive social impact, and running our company with integrity will continue to guide our path forward,” said Adam Eltoukhy, general counsel of Samsara. “This year’s ESG report marks our next step in transparency, and puts a stake in the ground on our journey to build a safer and more sustainable world.”

Samsara has a growing opportunity to support ESG progress for physical operations companies, as its solutions further the safety and sustainability of their operations. Samsara customers span mission-critical industries, including transportation, wholesale and retail trade, construction, field services, logistics, utilities and energy, government, healthcare, education, manufacturing, food and beverage, and more.

The ESG report can be found at www.samsara.com/company/esg.

MiTek Mezzanine Systems appoints new MD

Posted on 22 April, 202231 July, 2025 by Keith McKinley

Having sold the company he helped create to MiTek in 2017, Scott Chambers, Managing Director of MiTek Mezzanine Systems, has taken the decision to retire.

“It was always my intention to step down when the time was right,” said Chambers, “and, with the company at the top of its game, that time has come. We have just had our best year ever, with turnover double that of our nearest competitor.”

Taking the reins as Managing Director is Matt Loveday (pictured), formerly Operations Director and a member of the MiTek team since 2005. “In collaboration with our MiTek colleagues in North America, I’m delighted to hand over to Matt Loveday,” said Chambers. “Everyone in the industry who knows him will know that he’s the right man for the position. He’s driven in upholding our reputation for excellent quality, continuous innovation and business integrity.”

Loveday, who began his new role after the Easter break, commented: “I’m thrilled to be leading the company in what is an exciting period of growth for us. With the support of our strong team, I’m confident we can capitalise on the fantastic opportunities we face. Scott’s shoes are difficult to fill,” he continued, “as everyone at MiTek and many people across the industry know that he’s been a fantastic leader for this company over several decades.”

MiTek Mezzanine Systems, which has been a UK market leader for mezzanine floors for the past six years, began life as Mezzanine International in 1991. Chambers worked with fellow partners Keith Loveday (Matt’s father) and John Porter to grow the business and became Managing Director in 2014. The company set up a German operation, Mezzanine Europe GmbH, in 2016. Both the UK and European businesses were acquired by MiTek, a Berkshire Hathaway company, in 2017.

Having worked in the mezzanine sector since the age of 24, Chambers admits that he will miss the buzz of fast-paced business. “I have genuinely loved working in the mezzanine floor industry. Anyone who knows me knows the passion and love I have for this business and I will miss it hugely.”

Chambers, who served as President of AMHSA (the Automated Material Handling Systems Association) from 2019 to 2021, plans to buy a second racehorse, play more golf and spend time with his new granddaughter.

“We are sad to bid farewell to Scott,” said Loveday, “and we are so grateful for his contribution to the success of the company. We are in such a great position, with the rise in both e-commerce and logistics automation driving our growth and strong support from MiTek underpinning global expansion. With our order size last year averaging £1m, our aim to dominate in Europe is credible and the future is only positive.”

MAFI partners with Wajax in Canada

Posted on 22 April, 2022 by David Priestman

German logistics equipment manufacturer MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH will work exclusively with Wajax to distribute its state-of-the-art terminal tractors, trucks, and trailers in Canada.

MAFI, based in Baden-Württemberg, is the original pioneer of the now famous RoRo (roll-on roll-off) technology used at seaports, and remain a leading terminal tractor provider that specialises in equipment for logistical tasks.

MAFI’s diverse terminal tractor line and container industrial trailers provide the ultimate convenience and safety and can be configured for off-road use at shipping terminals, railyards, container facilities, and satellite yards.

A new exclusive relationship in Canada with equipment provider Wajax will see MAFI increase its presence in Canadian markets. Wajax has been at the heart of Canadian industry for over 160 years and is one of the country’s premier material handling equipment providers.

“I am very pleased to announce that Wajax is the exclusive MAFI dealer for all of Canada,” said Brian Kolthof, Vice President of Material Handling at Wajax. “We have been searching for a world-class manufacturer and MAFI’s line up of high-quality terminal tractors and trailers fits well with our other lines of equipment.”

Wajax will add a comprehensive range of MAFI equipment next to an already extensive product offering from the likes of such brands as PowerBoss, Columbia, Bulmor, Hyster, and Yale. In addition, Wajax will also be able to assist MAFI customers in Canada with any after-sales support they might require.

MAFI partners with Wajax in Canada

Posted on 22 April, 202225 July, 2025 by David Priestman

German logistics equipment manufacturer MAFI Transport-Systeme GmbH will work exclusively with Wajax to distribute its state-of-the-art terminal tractors, trucks, and trailers in Canada.

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