Logistics Experience in XXL Format

On June 20, Linde Material Handling literally laid out the red carpet for its customers and other interested parties for nine event days. On an area of 17,000 square meters at the Mannheim Maimarkt site, the intralogistics specialist is presenting its extensive portfolio of products, solutions and services – for example, using the case of a bottle manufacturer to demonstrate the process from goods receipt to the last mile in the store. In addition, the vast expertise of the company’s product experts and consultants is available to visitors. Several thousand guests are expected at the World of Material Handling (WoMH), mainly from Europe.

“Over the past two years, the overall economic environment has changed noticeably, and with it the demands on in-house material flow,” said Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management Linde Material Handling, at the start of the event. “Increased energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers, higher demands on operational safety and the search for solutions that ensure greater sustainability – these are just some of the challenges facing our customers. At the same time, it’s important to tap the optimization potential offered by digitization and networking.” According to the chief brand manager, customer requirements can no longer be met with forklifts and warehouse technology equipment alone. “Over the last few years, Linde Material Handling has developed into a very broad-based solution provider that, in addition to its growing product range, offers an ever-increasing number of software solutions, assistance systems, consulting tools and service offerings such as battery leasing or predictive maintenance,” Prokosch explained. “In doing so, we are always close to our customers – in line with the WoMH 2022 motto: YOUR WAY IS OUR WAY.”

The WoMH is an event that is second to none in the material handling industry. The idea behind this customer event is that guests do not just come to the exhibitors’ stands for a brief flying visit, as is usual at trade shows. Instead, they can experience the products and solutions live and in motion for an entire day in realistic application scenarios. At the same time, they have the opportunity to discuss their individual challenges and wishes with product experts and consultants and find suitable solutions. The international event created by Linde MH for this purpose sets an example in this regard.

In the large exhibition hall on the Maimarkt site, a complete flow of goods for the production of glass bottles was recreated. From goods receipt to storage, picking, production and last mile delivery, the demonstration shows how the transport and handling of loads can be solved efficiently and safely in an ergonomic and sustainable manner. In the “control center”, visitors can explicitly see the benefits that can be achieved through the digitalization and networking of warehouse processes. Other themed areas show the extensive portfolio of safety solutions, the various available energy concepts, the fleet management solution “connect” and possibilities for automation. What’s more, guests are able to do more than just see and touch the over 100 vehicles on display: In a large outdoor area, a multitude of vehicles is waiting to completely convince operators of their worth during a test drive.

The products and solutions of the numerous partner companies are integrated in the exhibition at various appropriate locations. For example, the safety guard rails from A-Safe can be found in the “Goods Receipt” area, a heavy-duty rack from Bito and the automatic small parts warehouse “AutoStore” from Dematic are on display in the “Warehouse” section, a mobile weighing device from Ravas is located in the “Order Picking” area, and a lifting platform from Palfinger can be found in the “Last Mile” area. Additional partner booths are located in various other areas, grouped together according to product type. EnerSys, Fronius, Hoppecke and Plug Power are expanding the “Energy” area, while Dematic is found in the “Intralogistics” area, showing how automatic solutions can be combined with manual and automated industrial trucks.

Logistics Experience in XXL Format

On June 20, Linde Material Handling literally laid out the red carpet for its customers and other interested parties for nine event days. On an area of 17,000 square meters at the Mannheim Maimarkt site, the intralogistics specialist is presenting its extensive portfolio of products, solutions and services – for example, using the case of a bottle manufacturer to demonstrate the process from goods receipt to the last mile in the store. In addition, the vast expertise of the company’s product experts and consultants is available to visitors. Several thousand guests are expected at the World of Material Handling (WoMH), mainly from Europe.

“Over the past two years, the overall economic environment has changed noticeably, and with it the demands on in-house material flow,” said Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management Linde Material Handling, at the start of the event. “Increased energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers, higher demands on operational safety and the search for solutions that ensure greater sustainability – these are just some of the challenges facing our customers. At the same time, it’s important to tap the optimization potential offered by digitization and networking.” According to the chief brand manager, customer requirements can no longer be met with forklifts and warehouse technology equipment alone. “Over the last few years, Linde Material Handling has developed into a very broad-based solution provider that, in addition to its growing product range, offers an ever-increasing number of software solutions, assistance systems, consulting tools and service offerings such as battery leasing or predictive maintenance,” Prokosch explained. “In doing so, we are always close to our customers – in line with the WoMH 2022 motto: YOUR WAY IS OUR WAY.”

The WoMH is an event that is second to none in the material handling industry. The idea behind this customer event is that guests do not just come to the exhibitors’ stands for a brief flying visit, as is usual at trade shows. Instead, they can experience the products and solutions live and in motion for an entire day in realistic application scenarios. At the same time, they have the opportunity to discuss their individual challenges and wishes with product experts and consultants and find suitable solutions. The international event created by Linde MH for this purpose sets an example in this regard.

In the large exhibition hall on the Maimarkt site, a complete flow of goods for the production of glass bottles was recreated. From goods receipt to storage, picking, production and last mile delivery, the demonstration shows how the transport and handling of loads can be solved efficiently and safely in an ergonomic and sustainable manner. In the “control center”, visitors can explicitly see the benefits that can be achieved through the digitalization and networking of warehouse processes. Other themed areas show the extensive portfolio of safety solutions, the various available energy concepts, the fleet management solution “connect” and possibilities for automation. What’s more, guests are able to do more than just see and touch the over 100 vehicles on display: In a large outdoor area, a multitude of vehicles is waiting to completely convince operators of their worth during a test drive.

The products and solutions of the numerous partner companies are integrated in the exhibition at various appropriate locations. For example, the safety guard rails from A-Safe can be found in the “Goods Receipt” area, a heavy-duty rack from Bito and the automatic small parts warehouse “AutoStore” from Dematic are on display in the “Warehouse” section, a mobile weighing device from Ravas is located in the “Order Picking” area, and a lifting platform from Palfinger can be found in the “Last Mile” area. Additional partner booths are located in various other areas, grouped together according to product type. EnerSys, Fronius, Hoppecke and Plug Power are expanding the “Energy” area, while Dematic is found in the “Intralogistics” area, showing how automatic solutions can be combined with manual and automated industrial trucks.

World Premiere of Hydrogen-powered Truck in Hamburg

Clean Logistics has presented its first hydrogen-powered zero-emission truck to the public, in Hamburg. With ‘fyuriant’, Clean Logistics is heralding a new era in the field of environmentally friendly solutions for road freight transport and reaching another important milestone in its corporate history. Last summer, the company handed over the first converted bus with fuel cell hydrogen drive in public transportation in Europe. This is now also possible for heavy semi-trailer tractors of 40 tons.

The trucks boast ground-breaking technology. The first fyuriant is equipped, among other things, with two hydrogen fuel cells with 2×120 kW output and hydrogen tanks with a volume of 43 kg. This ensures a sufficiently high range of over 400 km and short refuelling times of less than 15 minutes. The rear axle, which is equipped with wheel hub motors, has a maximum torque of 17,000 Nm, which provides the truck with the appropriate power in any driving situation. The intelligent control system developed in- house by Clean Logistics enables an efficient control of the overall system in every driving situation. The energy recovered during braking, for instance, is temporarily stored in a battery and made available again for the next acceleration.

Dirk Graszt, CEO of Clean Logistics: “We are very excited to present our fyuriant today. The truck is an important milestone in the decarbonization of the transport sector in Germany and Europe. With our trucks and buses, we meet with a high response in the industry. This is because we are now already able to make zero-emission vehicles available to the market. Thanks to the conversion of classic diesel vehicles to zero- emission hydrogen vehicles, this is, moreover, being done in a resource-friendly manner. In this way, we will rapidly drive the transformation of mobility into a sustainable future.”

The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of the implementation of the Federal Government’s Mobility and Fuel Strategy (MFS) with a total of around EUR 3.3 million. The funding measure is coordinated by NOW GmbH. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry for its support – without the funding, the prototype development, which represents the cornerstone for our further growth, would not have been possible,” emphasizes Dirk Graszt.

As part of the fyuriant world premiere, with its extraordinary visual design, Clean Logistics also unveiled its new corporate identity. This visual realignment is accompanied amongst other things by a new corporate design, a revised web presence and a new corporate logo. Clean Logistics thus underlines its positioning as a visionary and sustainable company with the ambition to lead heavy goods vehicle traffic into an emission-free future.

“By sharpening the purpose and the vision of Clean Logistics, the future viability of the company is underscored. This is the next logical step in the development of the entire Clean Logistics Group,” says Tom George, COO of Clean Logistics SE.

World Premiere of Hydrogen-powered Truck in Hamburg

Clean Logistics has presented its first hydrogen-powered zero-emission truck to the public, in Hamburg. With ‘fyuriant’, Clean Logistics is heralding a new era in the field of environmentally friendly solutions for road freight transport and reaching another important milestone in its corporate history. Last summer, the company handed over the first converted bus with fuel cell hydrogen drive in public transportation in Europe. This is now also possible for heavy semi-trailer tractors of 40 tons.

The trucks boast ground-breaking technology. The first fyuriant is equipped, among other things, with two hydrogen fuel cells with 2×120 kW output and hydrogen tanks with a volume of 43 kg. This ensures a sufficiently high range of over 400 km and short refuelling times of less than 15 minutes. The rear axle, which is equipped with wheel hub motors, has a maximum torque of 17,000 Nm, which provides the truck with the appropriate power in any driving situation. The intelligent control system developed in- house by Clean Logistics enables an efficient control of the overall system in every driving situation. The energy recovered during braking, for instance, is temporarily stored in a battery and made available again for the next acceleration.

Dirk Graszt, CEO of Clean Logistics: “We are very excited to present our fyuriant today. The truck is an important milestone in the decarbonization of the transport sector in Germany and Europe. With our trucks and buses, we meet with a high response in the industry. This is because we are now already able to make zero-emission vehicles available to the market. Thanks to the conversion of classic diesel vehicles to zero- emission hydrogen vehicles, this is, moreover, being done in a resource-friendly manner. In this way, we will rapidly drive the transformation of mobility into a sustainable future.”

The project is being funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of the implementation of the Federal Government’s Mobility and Fuel Strategy (MFS) with a total of around EUR 3.3 million. The funding measure is coordinated by NOW GmbH. “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ministry for its support – without the funding, the prototype development, which represents the cornerstone for our further growth, would not have been possible,” emphasizes Dirk Graszt.

As part of the fyuriant world premiere, with its extraordinary visual design, Clean Logistics also unveiled its new corporate identity. This visual realignment is accompanied amongst other things by a new corporate design, a revised web presence and a new corporate logo. Clean Logistics thus underlines its positioning as a visionary and sustainable company with the ambition to lead heavy goods vehicle traffic into an emission-free future.

“By sharpening the purpose and the vision of Clean Logistics, the future viability of the company is underscored. This is the next logical step in the development of the entire Clean Logistics Group,” says Tom George, COO of Clean Logistics SE.

Leading Food Manufacturer Updates Line Marking

High-quality floor marking installations and RFID and barcode labels specialist inotec recently completed another impressive line marking project for a leading British food manufacturer.

The large food manufacturer employs over 9,500 staff and selected inotec for the project due to the quality of previous projects inotec had successfully undertaken for the company. The two-week external line marking scheme involved laying 1900 metres of line marking at the company’s lorry yard and staff site car park to cater for its employees.

To mark the lines, inotec used the Spectrum ViaLine external line marking paint. This is a long-lasting, hard-wearing, highly visible solvent-based line marking paint ideal for use on roads, car parks, distribution centres and docks. It’s toluene-free, which means it is less harmful to the environment and safer for the user. Inotec delivered the project within the required timescale in June 2022 on budget.

Established in 1999, inotec UK is a wholly owned subsidiary of inotec GmbH. It is a provider of warehouse finishing solutions including durable barcode labels, in-mould labels, internal and external line marking, RFID solutions and warehouse signage. inotec specialises in providing bespoke solutions for a variety of environments from ambient to cold stores. The company offers a complete service, working with clients throughout the process from design to installation to achieve solutions that work the first time and every time.

Timber Firm Invests in Sustainable Electric Trucks

Crendon Timber, specialists in the design and manufacture of engineered timber products, have taken delivery of electric Combilift-CBE Multi Directional Forklifts from Briggs Equipment.

The new machines signal the start of a sustainability drive for Crendon to help meet their own sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact through investment in green technology and processes. These machines are already having a positive impact on-site and have fitted seamlessly into Crendon’s operations.

Ed Kirk, Crendon Timber’s Operations, Innovation and Sustainability Director, commented: “As two leading firms in their respective fields, Crendon Timber and Briggs have worked in partnership for several years, Briggs manage our fleet of sideloaders, multi-directional and forklift trucks.

“As part of our cleaner environment sustainability programme to reduce emissions and lower running costs, Crendon Timber are introducing electric trucks. We have already taken delivery of electric multi directional forklifts in East Harling and Glastonbury, whist we are trialling electric sideloaders and multidirectional trucks on two of our sites. There is an ongoing programme to replace our existing fleet of trucks over the next few years and make the switch to an all-electric fleet.”

Chris Tustain, Briggs Equipment’s Key Account Manager, commented: “We have established a fantastic partnership with Crendon Timber and we are delighted to support their move towards electric equipment. Given the diversity of our fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly product range, we have been able to propose a phased implementation programme that fits their budget and requirements.

“We look forward to continuing the roll-out of this new electric equipment and ensuring Crendon can continue to get the most out of their machines.”

Timber Firm Invests in Sustainable Electric Trucks

Crendon Timber, specialists in the design and manufacture of engineered timber products, have taken delivery of electric Combilift-CBE Multi Directional Forklifts from Briggs Equipment.

The new machines signal the start of a sustainability drive for Crendon to help meet their own sustainability targets and reduce environmental impact through investment in green technology and processes. These machines are already having a positive impact on-site and have fitted seamlessly into Crendon’s operations.

Ed Kirk, Crendon Timber’s Operations, Innovation and Sustainability Director, commented: “As two leading firms in their respective fields, Crendon Timber and Briggs have worked in partnership for several years, Briggs manage our fleet of sideloaders, multi-directional and forklift trucks.

“As part of our cleaner environment sustainability programme to reduce emissions and lower running costs, Crendon Timber are introducing electric trucks. We have already taken delivery of electric multi directional forklifts in East Harling and Glastonbury, whist we are trialling electric sideloaders and multidirectional trucks on two of our sites. There is an ongoing programme to replace our existing fleet of trucks over the next few years and make the switch to an all-electric fleet.”

Chris Tustain, Briggs Equipment’s Key Account Manager, commented: “We have established a fantastic partnership with Crendon Timber and we are delighted to support their move towards electric equipment. Given the diversity of our fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly product range, we have been able to propose a phased implementation programme that fits their budget and requirements.

“We look forward to continuing the roll-out of this new electric equipment and ensuring Crendon can continue to get the most out of their machines.”

Prologis Adds 4 Properties to Dutch Portfolio

Prologis, Inc., the global leader in logistics real estate, announced today it has acquired four new distribution centres in the Netherlands from KKR, a leading global investment firm, and Mirastar, a leading pan-European developer, investor, and property manager. The properties are located in the prime logistics locations Bleiswijk, Roosendaal and Hoofddorp (Schiphol), in the Netherlands and cover a total of 127,000 square meters of rentable floor area. Built with a strong environmental focus, these modern facilities are accredited BREEAM Excellent and Very Good, featuring LED lighting, solar panels, and EV charging points.

Sander Breugelmans, Senior Vice President Prologis: “These acquisitions highlight our focus on creating logistics hubs in the core European markets that our customers need to be in. We are excited to add these four buildings to our portfolio and continue to serve our customer growth needs with strategically located and highly sustainable properties in the Netherlands.”

Bleiswijk DC3
Built in 2021, this facility covers 48,498 square meters, is already 100% occupied and rated BREEAM Very Good. This acquisition further expands Prologis’ presence in the Rotterdam market and underscores the company’s ability to continue to offer new logistics solutions in core locations across Europe.

Roosendaal DC2 and DC3
Prologis adds these two newly built (2021) properties to its portfolio in the extended gateway market of Roosendaal, in the south of the Netherlands, which links inland Europe to the coast. Fully leased, Roosendaal DC2 (33,317 square meters) and DC3 (10,168 square meters) are certified BREEAM Excellent and significantly expand Prologis’ presence in the heart of one of Europe’s busiest logistics corridors.

Schiphol DC5, Amsterdam
The Amsterdam portfolio will be complemented with the recently built (2022) Schiphol DC5 facility, which is certified BREEAM Excellent. With its location next to Schiphol airport, an international hub for logistics and distribution, the 34,509 square metre warehouse is already leased for 50%.

GXO Uses AI Solution to Boost Warehouse Efficiency

Körber has joined forces with GXO Logistics, Inc., a large ‘pure play’ contract logistics provider, to develop the pioneering Operator Eye – an AI-based solution that tracks error patterns and autonomously minimises downtime and human intervention in the picking process.

In 2021, GXO approached Körber for a camera-monitoring solution for the Körber K. Handle Layer Picker to help staff resolve slip-sheet and plastic wrapping errors. Drawing on GXO staff feedback, Körber developed and tested an innovative add-on solution called Operator Eye. This AI-based device uses a camera system to continuously capture errors in real time during picking and creates algorithms to learn the actions of the operator. It then applies these learnings to detect issues, adapt the operation, and make decisions about when to stop or continue — just like an autonomous car.

“Collaborating with GXO has made this project possible,” said Hans-Henrik Jensen, CEO for Körber Supply Chain DK. “They have continuous improvement and digital innovation at the top of their strategic agenda, which has enabled fast development and created value for both parties.”

One of the key benefits of Operator Eye is that it enhances the efficiency of running machinery without the operator having to change behaviour. When the Eye has learned enough from the operator, it resets the machinery automatically, improving availability and performance. Although Operator Eye was developed for the Layer Picker, it can also be built into any machinery that operators have to reset after a visual check — for example, pallet cranes, where loose plastic foil often causes stoppages.

Gavin Williams, GXO Managing Director, UK and Ireland, said, “We were delighted to work with Körber to develop Operator Eye, which is another example of our commitment to using innovative technology to make the warehouse safer, more efficient and more productive for our team members. Along with our other technologies, it makes work for our colleagues more fulfilling by freeing them to focus on adding greater value in their roles through activities such as identifying compatibility issues and troubleshooting equipment.”

GXO also uses Operator Eye’s data-capture element to scrutinise and improve operations and services to customers — for example, by identifying problematic package designs and helping suppliers revise them for faster handling.

 

GXO Uses AI Solution to Boost Warehouse Efficiency

Körber has joined forces with GXO Logistics, Inc., a large ‘pure play’ contract logistics provider, to develop the pioneering Operator Eye – an AI-based solution that tracks error patterns and autonomously minimises downtime and human intervention in the picking process.

In 2021, GXO approached Körber for a camera-monitoring solution for the Körber K. Handle Layer Picker to help staff resolve slip-sheet and plastic wrapping errors. Drawing on GXO staff feedback, Körber developed and tested an innovative add-on solution called Operator Eye. This AI-based device uses a camera system to continuously capture errors in real time during picking and creates algorithms to learn the actions of the operator. It then applies these learnings to detect issues, adapt the operation, and make decisions about when to stop or continue — just like an autonomous car.

“Collaborating with GXO has made this project possible,” said Hans-Henrik Jensen, CEO for Körber Supply Chain DK. “They have continuous improvement and digital innovation at the top of their strategic agenda, which has enabled fast development and created value for both parties.”

One of the key benefits of Operator Eye is that it enhances the efficiency of running machinery without the operator having to change behaviour. When the Eye has learned enough from the operator, it resets the machinery automatically, improving availability and performance. Although Operator Eye was developed for the Layer Picker, it can also be built into any machinery that operators have to reset after a visual check — for example, pallet cranes, where loose plastic foil often causes stoppages.

Gavin Williams, GXO Managing Director, UK and Ireland, said, “We were delighted to work with Körber to develop Operator Eye, which is another example of our commitment to using innovative technology to make the warehouse safer, more efficient and more productive for our team members. Along with our other technologies, it makes work for our colleagues more fulfilling by freeing them to focus on adding greater value in their roles through activities such as identifying compatibility issues and troubleshooting equipment.”

GXO also uses Operator Eye’s data-capture element to scrutinise and improve operations and services to customers — for example, by identifying problematic package designs and helping suppliers revise them for faster handling.

 

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