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Day: 10 May 2022

Fast modular flow sorting system from FATH

Posted on by Keith McKinley

FATH Components has announced the arrival of its Flowsort automated diverting units, said to herald a new era of affordable, flexible sorting in conveying, handling and logistics

As the intralogistics industry continues to expand at pace, one of the challenges faced by conveyor line designers and systems integrators – never mind the customers themselves – is where to pitch a plant design or upgrade in terms of its capacity. Overly ambitious predictions can cost lots of money with valuable equipment purchased, installed and maintained whether it is used or not and overly cautious planning can strangle a rapidly growing business at a critically early point in its growth. With the arrival of its new Flowsort products, FATH states that it can help customers solve the dilemma by offering a new solution which is affordable, simple to install and set up, and can grow easily as a business expands.

Flowsort is a modular sorting and diverting product that has been designed from the outset to provide users in the intralogistics business with that most elusive combination of advantages – the benefits of speed, low investment cost, low running costs and scaleability.

“Some think of Flowsort as a ‘Pay as you go’ solution for users who need to invest in greater throughput only when the demand actually increases,” says FATH UK Managing Director David Hayes. “Flowsort helps obviate the need to second guess growth rates by allowing users to purchase and install additional conveying and diverting capacity only when they actually need it. And when they do, Flowsort installation is swift and straightforward.”

The company, based in Aldershot, UK reckons that for every mammoth intralogisitics centre in the UK there are many smaller, more localised or specialised sorting centres that are much more difficult to design processing and handling systems for. It is these users that FATH says it is targeting with Flowsort because put simply, it allows an intralogistics business to start sensibly and grow smoothly with an affordable, flexible solution that is fully modular and is also – critically – a simple ‘Plug and play’ system too.

Unlike many alternative solutions, Flowsort is an open platform in terms of both software and hardware integration: it means that Flowsort modules can be seamlessly incorporated into a wide range of belt or roller conveying systems. They can be added swiftly and effortlessly says FATH, thanks to the simplicity and range of units offered. Further, the fact that Flowsort can be retrofitted and introduced into existing lines at almost any point (and without interrupting productivity) is cited as another key advantage.

Designed and manufactured in Holland, Flowsort modules can be combined in a variety of ways to offer gentle package diverting in conveyor systems with widths between 400mm and 1050mm. FATH states that the footprint of the Flowsort modules is minimal, so users benefit from higher performance conveying and sorting without taking up significant floorspace. Further, because the Flowsort units run on 24V, energy efficiency is also high, helping users be more productive whilst using less power.

Three types of standard Flowsort diverting units are offered, Single Line Diverters (SLD), Double Line Diverters (DLD) and ZigZag Diverters (ZZ). Because the units are modular, users can expand throughput capacity quickly, easily and cost efficiently by simply adding extra modules as demand increases. The Flowsort rollers can rotate through 180° in just 0.3/sec, allowing a completely customisable outfeed direction. FATH claims a sorting rate of up to 6,000 PPH for the units, which can safely handle boxes, packages or envelopes of between 50g and 35kg.

Fast modular flow sorting system from FATH

Posted on by David Priestman

FATH Components has announced the arrival of its Flowsort automated diverting units, said to herald a new era of affordable, flexible sorting in conveying, handling and logistics

As the intralogistics industry continues to expand at pace, one of the challenges faced by conveyor line designers and systems integrators – never mind the customers themselves – is where to pitch a plant design or upgrade in terms of its capacity. Overly ambitious predictions can cost lots of money with valuable equipment purchased, installed and maintained whether it is used or not and overly cautious planning can strangle a rapidly growing business at a critically early point in its growth. With the arrival of its new Flowsort products, FATH states that it can help customers solve the dilemma by offering a new solution which is affordable, simple to install and set up, and can grow easily as a business expands.

Flowsort is a modular sorting and diverting product that has been designed from the outset to provide users in the intralogistics business with that most elusive combination of advantages – the benefits of speed, low investment cost, low running costs and scaleability.

“Some think of Flowsort as a ‘Pay as you go’ solution for users who need to invest in greater throughput only when the demand actually increases,” says FATH UK Managing Director David Hayes. “Flowsort helps obviate the need to second guess growth rates by allowing users to purchase and install additional conveying and diverting capacity only when they actually need it. And when they do, Flowsort installation is swift and straightforward.”

The company, based in Aldershot, UK reckons that for every mammoth intralogisitics centre in the UK there are many smaller, more localised or specialised sorting centres that are much more difficult to design processing and handling systems for. It is these users that FATH says it is targeting with Flowsort because put simply, it allows an intralogistics business to start sensibly and grow smoothly with an affordable, flexible solution that is fully modular and is also – critically – a simple ‘Plug and play’ system too.

Unlike many alternative solutions, Flowsort is an open platform in terms of both software and hardware integration: it means that Flowsort modules can be seamlessly incorporated into a wide range of belt or roller conveying systems. They can be added swiftly and effortlessly says FATH, thanks to the simplicity and range of units offered. Further, the fact that Flowsort can be retrofitted and introduced into existing lines at almost any point (and without interrupting productivity) is cited as another key advantage.

Designed and manufactured in Holland, Flowsort modules can be combined in a variety of ways to offer gentle package diverting in conveyor systems with widths between 400mm and 1050mm. FATH states that the footprint of the Flowsort modules is minimal, so users benefit from higher performance conveying and sorting without taking up significant floorspace. Further, because the Flowsort units run on 24V, energy efficiency is also high, helping users be more productive whilst using less power.

Three types of standard Flowsort diverting units are offered, Single Line Diverters (SLD), Double Line Diverters (DLD) and ZigZag Diverters (ZZ). Because the units are modular, users can expand throughput capacity quickly, easily and cost efficiently by simply adding extra modules as demand increases. The Flowsort rollers can rotate through 180° in just 0.3/sec, allowing a completely customisable outfeed direction. FATH claims a sorting rate of up to 6,000 PPH for the units, which can safely handle boxes, packages or envelopes of between 50g and 35kg.

Retrofit dock leveller offers fastest solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Nordock, Inc. has introduced a unique dock leveller aimed squarely at the retrofit market. The Nordock TLH Retrofit is a horizontal-storing, telescoping-lip dock leveller that is ideal for docks that need an immediate solution to eliminate end-loading problems and a complete seal. It also happens to be the only retrofit telescoping-lip dock leveller offered in North America.

Perfectly suited for docks that need to upgrade their operations without major installation hassles, the TLH Retrofit offers all the advantages of a horizontal, telescoping-lip leveller in a convenient retrofit package. Sized perfectly for the most common pit size (with other sizes available), this leveller can usually be installed in existing pits without the need for cutting or extensive concrete work.

The list of advantages is long, and the benefits are obvious for any warehouse manager who needs to level up their operations:

  • Retrofit Capability: The TLH easily retrofits into a standard pit, which means you don’t have to cut a new pit anywhere you have standard-size pit leveller rusting in place.
  • Eliminate End-Loading Issues: Precisely position and extend the telescoping lip to the truck to keep it from damaging goods on end loaded trailers. Precious cargo is better protected, and shippers will notice.
  • A Better Seal: Docks will seal better in loading position (great for cold storage!) and an optional bumper to bumper foam seal under leveller provides a full 360° seal. Lost energy is lost profit.
  • Safety First & Foremost: Eliminate the dock-to-truck gap preventing injuries and reducing forklift damage or getting stuck, taking care of your people and equipment.
  • Eliminate Vehicle Restraint Issues: Traditional hinged-lip levellers can interfere with the vehicle restraint in a low-dock situation when the lip is down. Our telescoping lip eliminates that.
  • Cost Savings: The telescoping lip lets you extend the lip onto a truck that is “end loaded” or “cubed out” without damaging the goods. This means you don’t lose time or labour cost to manually unload the first pallet before a forklift can be used.
  • Faster Flow of Freight: All these advantages help the pace of dock operations and your dock’s throughput, increasing revenues.

End-loading issues plague lots of older docks, with lost energy and wasted time leading the way. As a fast install with a lifetime of savings ahead of it, Nordock says its TLH Retrofit 8’ offers a major lifetime return on investment upgrade.

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

Retrofit dock leveller offers fastest solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Nordock, Inc. has introduced a unique dock leveller aimed squarely at the retrofit market. The Nordock TLH Retrofit is a horizontal-storing, telescoping-lip dock leveller that is ideal for docks that need an immediate solution to eliminate end-loading problems and a complete seal. It also happens to be the only retrofit telescoping-lip dock leveller offered in North America.

Perfectly suited for docks that need to upgrade their operations without major installation hassles, the TLH Retrofit offers all the advantages of a horizontal, telescoping-lip leveller in a convenient retrofit package. Sized perfectly for the most common pit size (with other sizes available), this leveller can usually be installed in existing pits without the need for cutting or extensive concrete work.

The list of advantages is long, and the benefits are obvious for any warehouse manager who needs to level up their operations:

  • Retrofit Capability: The TLH easily retrofits into a standard pit, which means you don’t have to cut a new pit anywhere you have standard-size pit leveller rusting in place.
  • Eliminate End-Loading Issues: Precisely position and extend the telescoping lip to the truck to keep it from damaging goods on end loaded trailers. Precious cargo is better protected, and shippers will notice.
  • A Better Seal: Docks will seal better in loading position (great for cold storage!) and an optional bumper to bumper foam seal under leveller provides a full 360° seal. Lost energy is lost profit.
  • Safety First & Foremost: Eliminate the dock-to-truck gap preventing injuries and reducing forklift damage or getting stuck, taking care of your people and equipment.
  • Eliminate Vehicle Restraint Issues: Traditional hinged-lip levellers can interfere with the vehicle restraint in a low-dock situation when the lip is down. Our telescoping lip eliminates that.
  • Cost Savings: The telescoping lip lets you extend the lip onto a truck that is “end loaded” or “cubed out” without damaging the goods. This means you don’t lose time or labour cost to manually unload the first pallet before a forklift can be used.
  • Faster Flow of Freight: All these advantages help the pace of dock operations and your dock’s throughput, increasing revenues.

End-loading issues plague lots of older docks, with lost energy and wasted time leading the way. As a fast install with a lifetime of savings ahead of it, Nordock says its TLH Retrofit 8’ offers a major lifetime return on investment upgrade.

CLICK HERE to watch a video.

TIMCON head welcomes collaborative approach

Posted on by David Priestman

John Dye (pictured), President of the Timber Packaging & Pallet Association (TIMCON) has commended the increasing trend for wood-based organisations representing different parts of the industry to work closer together, with the shared goals of tackling challenges and improving the position of the sector overall.

TIMCON has developed increasingly close relationships with wood sector associations in the UK and Ireland, as well as government bodies including DEFRA, DAERA and Coillte, during the past decade.

“For several years, TIMCON has sought to work in partnership with a cross-section of the wood industry’s leading associations and spokespeople,” said Dye. “This has formed an extremely strong foundation for progressing our work during the pandemic. It can also now play a central role in tackling the wood industry’s latest challenges, with joined up, collaborative solutions.

“With crises affecting availability and price of raw materials, severe delays and price hikes impacting on international shipping, and staff shortages threatening the viability of many industries, it is more important than ever that we put our heads together across the wood-based sector to find mutually beneficial solutions to these and other issues.”

At its latest general meeting, held in Manchester in March, the organisation welcomed speakers from Coillte; Wood Recyclers Association (WRA); Wood Panel Industries Federation (WPIF); and Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the organisation formed by the recent merger of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA).

At the meeting, Clodagh O’Reilly, Sales and Supply Director of Irish state-owned forestry business Coillte spoke about the organisation’s consultation to achieve goals including encouraging the development of Ireland’s forest estate and supplies of sustainable timber and supporting the promotion of timber and forest-based businesses. This, she said, is against the current industry challenges including regulation, price inflation, labour shortages, and political and economic uncertainty.

Charlie Law, Sustainability Director at TDUK gave a presentation on the importance of reuse in the circular economy for wood-based industries. Driven by the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (2024), the UK 2050 net zero target and interim target of a 78% reduction (on 1990 levels) by 2035, pressure on sustainable sources of timber is increasing, compounded by the fact that major sources Russia and Belarus are currently not viable, he said.

Reuse is an important part of mitigating this challenge, said Law. “If we could get to a point where all pallets are part of a reusable system, this could save more than 1.1 million m3 of timber a year,” he said. “This is enough timber to build around 60,000 timber-framed houses, which will store 780,000 tonnes of CO2.”

The general meeting was attended by more than 50 delegates.

“It was great to see so many TIMCON members and colleagues from other wood-based organisations at our first face-to-face meeting this year,” said Dye. “It has always been useful to come together and share information and ideas and it’s now essential that we put our heads together to works on the unprecedented challenges and great opportunities our industry faces in the months ahead.”

TIMCON retained close to 100% of its membership during the past year and it expects further members to join, particularly from the packaging segment of the industry.

 

TIMCON head welcomes collaborative approach

Posted on by David Priestman

John Dye (pictured), President of the Timber Packaging & Pallet Association (TIMCON) has commended the increasing trend for wood-based organisations representing different parts of the industry to work closer together, with the shared goals of tackling challenges and improving the position of the sector overall.

TIMCON has developed increasingly close relationships with wood sector associations in the UK and Ireland, as well as government bodies including DEFRA, DAERA and Coillte, during the past decade.

“For several years, TIMCON has sought to work in partnership with a cross-section of the wood industry’s leading associations and spokespeople,” said Dye. “This has formed an extremely strong foundation for progressing our work during the pandemic. It can also now play a central role in tackling the wood industry’s latest challenges, with joined up, collaborative solutions.

“With crises affecting availability and price of raw materials, severe delays and price hikes impacting on international shipping, and staff shortages threatening the viability of many industries, it is more important than ever that we put our heads together across the wood-based sector to find mutually beneficial solutions to these and other issues.”

At its latest general meeting, held in Manchester in March, the organisation welcomed speakers from Coillte; Wood Recyclers Association (WRA); Wood Panel Industries Federation (WPIF); and Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the organisation formed by the recent merger of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA).

At the meeting, Clodagh O’Reilly, Sales and Supply Director of Irish state-owned forestry business Coillte spoke about the organisation’s consultation to achieve goals including encouraging the development of Ireland’s forest estate and supplies of sustainable timber and supporting the promotion of timber and forest-based businesses. This, she said, is against the current industry challenges including regulation, price inflation, labour shortages, and political and economic uncertainty.

Charlie Law, Sustainability Director at TDUK gave a presentation on the importance of reuse in the circular economy for wood-based industries. Driven by the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (2024), the UK 2050 net zero target and interim target of a 78% reduction (on 1990 levels) by 2035, pressure on sustainable sources of timber is increasing, compounded by the fact that major sources Russia and Belarus are currently not viable, he said.

Reuse is an important part of mitigating this challenge, said Law. “If we could get to a point where all pallets are part of a reusable system, this could save more than 1.1 million m3 of timber a year,” he said. “This is enough timber to build around 60,000 timber-framed houses, which will store 780,000 tonnes of CO2.”

The general meeting was attended by more than 50 delegates.

“It was great to see so many TIMCON members and colleagues from other wood-based organisations at our first face-to-face meeting this year,” said Dye. “It has always been useful to come together and share information and ideas and it’s now essential that we put our heads together to works on the unprecedented challenges and great opportunities our industry faces in the months ahead.”

TIMCON retained close to 100% of its membership during the past year and it expects further members to join, particularly from the packaging segment of the industry.

 

DB Schenker opens sustainable terminal in Finland

Posted on by David Priestman

DB Schenker has opened a new, highly sustainable cargo terminal in Finland for the Tampere region. With this terminal, which is located in nearby Lempäälä, DB Schenker is significantly expanding its green distribution services in Finland. Five fully electric trucks will soon begin operating in Lempäälä and serve Tampere’s city centre. Except in winter, the energy needed to recharge the vehicles in the fleet will be provided by the company’s own solar power plant.

“The new Tampere terminal underscores our leadership role in making logistics more and more environmentally friendly,” says Cyrille Bonjean, Head of Land Transportation for DB Schenker Region Europe. “The fact that we actually produce our own solar energy for the fleet in Lempäälä makes our case even more compelling.”

The solar power plant at the terminal has a surface area of 1,750 sq m, a rated output of 250kWp, and an estimated annual yield of 200MWh. The terminal building will also use geothermal energy and other sustainable solutions such as green asphalt, LED lighting, and airtight loading docks. In addition, DB Schenker has become a climate partner of the Tampere region for the establishment of a carbon-neutral Tampere.

“Pirkanmaa is the second largest region in Finland and home to one out of every ten Finns,” says Petteri Nurmi, CEO of Schenker Oy. “With this larger terminal, the regional capital Tampere will now play an increasingly important role in DB Schenker’s network, as we will be able to grow with our customers and offer more versatile logistics solutions. Pirkanmaa has long been a strong region for us in terms of warehousing, and we are now exploring a hub-type operating model for domestic and European transport at the terminal in Lempäälä.”

The terminal will combine operations from Tampere and Hämeenlinna. It has a total area of nearly 18,000 sq m, with 12,000 sq m of heated space and 3,900 sq m of unheated loading space in an outdoor hall. The new facility employs approximately 340 people, including those who work for the carriers.

 

DB Schenker opens sustainable terminal in Finland

Posted on by Keith McKinley

DB Schenker has opened a new, highly sustainable cargo terminal in Finland for the Tampere region. With this terminal, which is located in nearby Lempäälä, DB Schenker is significantly expanding its green distribution services in Finland. Five fully electric trucks will soon begin operating in Lempäälä and serve Tampere’s city centre. Except in winter, the energy needed to recharge the vehicles in the fleet will be provided by the company’s own solar power plant.

“The new Tampere terminal underscores our leadership role in making logistics more and more environmentally friendly,” says Cyrille Bonjean, Head of Land Transportation for DB Schenker Region Europe. “The fact that we actually produce our own solar energy for the fleet in Lempäälä makes our case even more compelling.”

The solar power plant at the terminal has a surface area of 1,750 sq m, a rated output of 250kWp, and an estimated annual yield of 200MWh. The terminal building will also use geothermal energy and other sustainable solutions such as green asphalt, LED lighting, and airtight loading docks. In addition, DB Schenker has become a climate partner of the Tampere region for the establishment of a carbon-neutral Tampere.

“Pirkanmaa is the second largest region in Finland and home to one out of every ten Finns,” says Petteri Nurmi, CEO of Schenker Oy. “With this larger terminal, the regional capital Tampere will now play an increasingly important role in DB Schenker’s network, as we will be able to grow with our customers and offer more versatile logistics solutions. Pirkanmaa has long been a strong region for us in terms of warehousing, and we are now exploring a hub-type operating model for domestic and European transport at the terminal in Lempäälä.”

The terminal will combine operations from Tampere and Hämeenlinna. It has a total area of nearly 18,000 sq m, with 12,000 sq m of heated space and 3,900 sq m of unheated loading space in an outdoor hall. The new facility employs approximately 340 people, including those who work for the carriers.

 

Berkshire Grey and Logistex partner to deliver robotic solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Berkshire Grey Inc., a leader in AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, is partnering with Logistex, a leading system integrator and warehouse management system provider, to help companies grow despite the labour shortages and logistics challenges that are straining global supply chains.

This partnership combines proven AI-enabled robotic automation from Berkshire Grey with experienced system design and integration services from Logistex to deliver world-class warehouse robotics to Europe’s premier pure-play eCommerce companies, retailers, and 3PL providers.

“Berkshire Grey’s robotic solution portfolio is incredibly robust.  By addressing some of the most labour-intensive warehouse processes and handling the broadest range of SKUs, their systems can solve operational challenges across our customer base,” said Andy Branch, COO at Logistex. “Logistex has a long history of delivering transformative solutions, and across industries we are seeing more customers ready to leverage intelligent robotic automation. That’s why we’re partnering with Berkshire Grey – to solve real challenges with robotic solutions that deliver value at our customers’ warehouses and facilities today.”

As more companies feel the pressures of eCommerce growth, enhanced consumer expectations, and the evolving labour shortage, Berkshire Grey’s AI-powered robotic solutions fill the gap. The company offers a wide range of robotic automation solutions that can increase fulfilment throughput by up to 3X and improve labour efficiency by up to 70%. Logistex, an established leader in traditional material handling and warehouse management systems, is evolving their innovation portfolio through this partnership to help companies streamline processes, improve employee productivity, and deliver flexible solutions that scale.

“The demand for innovation to address operational challenges plaguing supply chains brought on by new connected consumer buying behaviours for eCommerce and omnichannel purchasing is very strong in the UK, and Berkshire Grey has the solutions the market needs to compete,” said Neil Berry, SVP and General Manager for EMEA at Berkshire Grey. “Partnering with Logistex allows us to deliver a comprehensive robotic automation portfolio to more customers faster, accelerate the adoption of AI and robotics across the UK market, and enable joint customers to rapidly realise the value of robotic automation.”

Berkshire Grey’s Partner Alliance programme works with a select group of strategic partners to provide customers across Retail, eCommerce, 3PL, Grocery and Package Handling industries with scalable robotic solutions developed to improve fulfilment throughput while driving down operational costs. Berkshire Grey solutions deliver faster ROI than other providers in the industry and their partner programme enables them to team up with the best consultants, integrators, technology providers, and material handling leaders to extend its value-added solutions to customers.

 

Berkshire Grey and Logistex partner to deliver robotic solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Berkshire Grey Inc., a leader in AI-enabled robotic solutions that automate supply chain processes, is partnering with Logistex, a leading system integrator and warehouse management system provider, to help companies grow despite the labour shortages and logistics challenges that are straining global supply chains.

This partnership combines proven AI-enabled robotic automation from Berkshire Grey with experienced system design and integration services from Logistex to deliver world-class warehouse robotics to Europe’s premier pure-play eCommerce companies, retailers, and 3PL providers.

“Berkshire Grey’s robotic solution portfolio is incredibly robust.  By addressing some of the most labour-intensive warehouse processes and handling the broadest range of SKUs, their systems can solve operational challenges across our customer base,” said Andy Branch, COO at Logistex. “Logistex has a long history of delivering transformative solutions, and across industries we are seeing more customers ready to leverage intelligent robotic automation. That’s why we’re partnering with Berkshire Grey – to solve real challenges with robotic solutions that deliver value at our customers’ warehouses and facilities today.”

As more companies feel the pressures of eCommerce growth, enhanced consumer expectations, and the evolving labour shortage, Berkshire Grey’s AI-powered robotic solutions fill the gap. The company offers a wide range of robotic automation solutions that can increase fulfilment throughput by up to 3X and improve labour efficiency by up to 70%. Logistex, an established leader in traditional material handling and warehouse management systems, is evolving their innovation portfolio through this partnership to help companies streamline processes, improve employee productivity, and deliver flexible solutions that scale.

“The demand for innovation to address operational challenges plaguing supply chains brought on by new connected consumer buying behaviours for eCommerce and omnichannel purchasing is very strong in the UK, and Berkshire Grey has the solutions the market needs to compete,” said Neil Berry, SVP and General Manager for EMEA at Berkshire Grey. “Partnering with Logistex allows us to deliver a comprehensive robotic automation portfolio to more customers faster, accelerate the adoption of AI and robotics across the UK market, and enable joint customers to rapidly realise the value of robotic automation.”

Berkshire Grey’s Partner Alliance programme works with a select group of strategic partners to provide customers across Retail, eCommerce, 3PL, Grocery and Package Handling industries with scalable robotic solutions developed to improve fulfilment throughput while driving down operational costs. Berkshire Grey solutions deliver faster ROI than other providers in the industry and their partner programme enables them to team up with the best consultants, integrators, technology providers, and material handling leaders to extend its value-added solutions to customers.

 

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