Gebhardt expands management

The Gebhardt Intralogistics Group, headquartered in Sinsheim, Germany has welcomed two new members to the management team. This change is necessary to maintain strong company growth and meet the challenges of the market, optimally positioning the company for the future. Volker Nicolai has been appointed the new Managing Director of Sales and Service. Kevin Stadler will be responsible for Human Resources and Finances as Managing Director. With these positions, Gebhardt strengthens its current management consisting of Fritz and Marco Gebhardt and Reinhold Himmelhan.

Gebhardt Intralogistics Group has been on the market for 70 years and is proud of the many years of continuous growth. Fritz and Marco Gebhardt and Reinhold Himmelhan reflect happily on the successful past and made the company a reliable and innovative intralogistics provider.

Fritz and Marco Gebhardt explain the motivation behind the expansion: It was an important step “to ensure this development continues and to best position the company for the future, as well as to expand the market position further.”

Nicolai is no stranger to the company. He began his Gebhardt career in 1993, taking a short hiatus as Head of Project Management at ICM Airport Technics GmbH from 2005 – 2012. Since then, he has led the International Sales team.

“Gebhardt is more than just an employer to me. It is a long-standing connection, both professionally and personally. I am looking forward to the new task and am thankful for the trust they have put in me,” explains Nicolai, pleased about the new position as Managing Director of Sales and Service.

In December 2006, Stadler started his professional career at Gebhardt after successfully completing his industrial engineering degree at the University of Applied Sciences in Mannheim. Over the years, he has gained professional experience in many areas, primarily in controlling, finance, and human resources, and he looks forward to bringing his expertise to the management team. “In this position, I will do my part to ensure that Gebhardt continues to be at the forefront of intralogistics providers and remains an interesting, sought-after employer in the region and other locations,” comments Stadler.

“With Volker Nicolai and Kevin Stadler, we welcome two skilled professionals in their field and long-time employees to the management team. With this step, we are focusing on continuity and continued positive development. Intralogistics is facing great challenges, whose solutions we want to actively shape with the expanded management and the entire Gebhardt team,” Marco Gebhardt concludes.

Gebhardt expands management

The Gebhardt Intralogistics Group, headquartered in Sinsheim, Germany has welcomed two new members to the management team. This change is necessary to maintain strong company growth and meet the challenges of the market, optimally positioning the company for the future. Volker Nicolai has been appointed the new Managing Director of Sales and Service. Kevin Stadler will be responsible for Human Resources and Finances as Managing Director. With these positions, Gebhardt strengthens its current management consisting of Fritz and Marco Gebhardt and Reinhold Himmelhan.

Gebhardt Intralogistics Group has been on the market for 70 years and is proud of the many years of continuous growth. Fritz and Marco Gebhardt and Reinhold Himmelhan reflect happily on the successful past and made the company a reliable and innovative intralogistics provider.

Fritz and Marco Gebhardt explain the motivation behind the expansion: It was an important step “to ensure this development continues and to best position the company for the future, as well as to expand the market position further.”

Nicolai is no stranger to the company. He began his Gebhardt career in 1993, taking a short hiatus as Head of Project Management at ICM Airport Technics GmbH from 2005 – 2012. Since then, he has led the International Sales team.

“Gebhardt is more than just an employer to me. It is a long-standing connection, both professionally and personally. I am looking forward to the new task and am thankful for the trust they have put in me,” explains Nicolai, pleased about the new position as Managing Director of Sales and Service.

In December 2006, Stadler started his professional career at Gebhardt after successfully completing his industrial engineering degree at the University of Applied Sciences in Mannheim. Over the years, he has gained professional experience in many areas, primarily in controlling, finance, and human resources, and he looks forward to bringing his expertise to the management team. “In this position, I will do my part to ensure that Gebhardt continues to be at the forefront of intralogistics providers and remains an interesting, sought-after employer in the region and other locations,” comments Stadler.

“With Volker Nicolai and Kevin Stadler, we welcome two skilled professionals in their field and long-time employees to the management team. With this step, we are focusing on continuity and continued positive development. Intralogistics is facing great challenges, whose solutions we want to actively shape with the expanded management and the entire Gebhardt team,” Marco Gebhardt concludes.

European Pallet Association appoints co-presidents

The General Assembly of the European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL), held on 24 June 2022 in Zurich, has elected Dirk Hoferer and Jarek Maciążek as the new Presidents of EPAL. They will lead EPAL for the next three years as Co-Presidents. They have both been Vice Presidents of EPAL and have been active on behalf of EPAL Deutschland and EPAL Polska on the Board in recent years and contributed to the steady growth of the EPAL European pallet pool through their considerable personal commitment.

“I am looking forward to take on the responsibility for the continued positive development of EPAL with my Co-President Jarek Maciążek,” says Dirk Hoferer. “We have been involved with all of EPAL’s key projects for over ten years on the EPAL Board and Presidium and will continue our close collaboration as Presidents of EPAL. One of the key areas of our work will be to extend and further improve the significance of the open EPAL exchange pool for the circular economy, climate protection and the sustainability goals of retail and industry.”

With Maciążek and Hoferer, EPAL now has two highly experienced representatives of the pallet industry at the helm. For many years, Maciążek was on the board of the Polish company PalettenWerk, one of the largest pallet producers in Europe. Hoferer is the owner and Managing Director of the German company Treyer Paletten GmbH, one of the first EPAL licensees.

“EPAL’s strength lies in the direct involvement of companies who, as licensees, are active producers and repairers of EPAL pallets and EPAL box pallets,” explains Maciążek. “This allows us to ensure that every decision EPAL takes on the organisation of the EPAL European pallet pool is in line with the interests of our customers from the retail and industrial sectors who rely on the EPAL European pallet pool for goods and transport logistics. This will be the yardstick for the work of Dirk Hoferer and myself during our time as Presidents of EPAL.“

Hoferer and Maciążek are following Robert Holliger who led EPAL as its President from 2010 to 2022 over four terms in office. During this time, the number of EPAL Euro pallets produced rose from approximately 65 million per annum to more than 100 million in 2021.

“The EPAL Euro pallet pool developed into the largest open pallet exchange pool in the world while Robert Hollinger was in office,” say Hoferer and Maciążek. “Our aim is to follow this successful path and to establish EPAL as a modern association and an essential element of sustainable goods and transport logistics. On behalf of the EPAL Board and members of EPAL, we would like to thank Robert Holliger for his generous commitment to EPAL over many years.”

As EPAL Vice-Presidents, Maciążek and Hoferer had a close and confidential working relationship with Holliger over the years. The election of Hoferer and Maciążek thus ensures continuity in both EPAL’s work and the organisation of the EPAL Euro pallet pool. Holliger has been appointed as an honorary member and honorary president of EPAL by the EPAL General Assembly.

European Pallet Association appoints co-presidents

The General Assembly of the European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL), held on 24 June 2022 in Zurich, has elected Dirk Hoferer and Jarek Maciążek as the new Presidents of EPAL. They will lead EPAL for the next three years as Co-Presidents. They have both been Vice Presidents of EPAL and have been active on behalf of EPAL Deutschland and EPAL Polska on the Board in recent years and contributed to the steady growth of the EPAL European pallet pool through their considerable personal commitment.

“I am looking forward to take on the responsibility for the continued positive development of EPAL with my Co-President Jarek Maciążek,” says Dirk Hoferer. “We have been involved with all of EPAL’s key projects for over ten years on the EPAL Board and Presidium and will continue our close collaboration as Presidents of EPAL. One of the key areas of our work will be to extend and further improve the significance of the open EPAL exchange pool for the circular economy, climate protection and the sustainability goals of retail and industry.”

With Maciążek and Hoferer, EPAL now has two highly experienced representatives of the pallet industry at the helm. For many years, Maciążek was on the board of the Polish company PalettenWerk, one of the largest pallet producers in Europe. Hoferer is the owner and Managing Director of the German company Treyer Paletten GmbH, one of the first EPAL licensees.

“EPAL’s strength lies in the direct involvement of companies who, as licensees, are active producers and repairers of EPAL pallets and EPAL box pallets,” explains Maciążek. “This allows us to ensure that every decision EPAL takes on the organisation of the EPAL European pallet pool is in line with the interests of our customers from the retail and industrial sectors who rely on the EPAL European pallet pool for goods and transport logistics. This will be the yardstick for the work of Dirk Hoferer and myself during our time as Presidents of EPAL.“

Hoferer and Maciążek are following Robert Holliger who led EPAL as its President from 2010 to 2022 over four terms in office. During this time, the number of EPAL Euro pallets produced rose from approximately 65 million per annum to more than 100 million in 2021.

“The EPAL Euro pallet pool developed into the largest open pallet exchange pool in the world while Robert Hollinger was in office,” say Hoferer and Maciążek. “Our aim is to follow this successful path and to establish EPAL as a modern association and an essential element of sustainable goods and transport logistics. On behalf of the EPAL Board and members of EPAL, we would like to thank Robert Holliger for his generous commitment to EPAL over many years.”

As EPAL Vice-Presidents, Maciążek and Hoferer had a close and confidential working relationship with Holliger over the years. The election of Hoferer and Maciążek thus ensures continuity in both EPAL’s work and the organisation of the EPAL Euro pallet pool. Holliger has been appointed as an honorary member and honorary president of EPAL by the EPAL General Assembly.

Randex VR gains first user

Vertical storage lift company Randex has won the first user for its new ‘Randex VR’ virtual reality system, which uses digital models to simulate vertical storage space and performance. Global welding and cutting company WB Alloys, which works across the oil and gas, nuclear, marine, renewables, power generation and construction industries has used Randex VR to create a virtual twin of its new warehouse, populating it with virtual racking, office space and a ‘Randex Compact Twin’ vertical storage system, located in the company’s 5,000 SKU storage area. Randex VR has enabled WB Alloys to plan for best machine fit and optimum picking speeds.

Following go-live, Randex Compact Twin is now providing higher storage capacity with a smaller footprint and faster component retrieval from AB Alloys’ pick face – speeding the picking process and allowing inventory to be fine-tuned using Randex ‘Compact Store’ software, according to the company.

Commenting on its first sale of Randex VR, Randex director James Roberts says: “Planning with VR- and BIM-based digital models saves time and money by testing the space and performance of warehouse configurations before installation. This is especially true of vertical storage, whose proven space-saving and performance-boosting benefits can then be fully realised.”

Compact vertical storage lifts save up to 90% of floor space compared to standard shelving and pallet racking, says Randex. They can manage loads of up to 1.5 tonnes per storage tray and allow warehouse operatives to complete up to four times more picks than in a conventional warehouse environment, with goods automatically presented to the picker.

Compact vertical storage lifts can now be integrated with over 20 leading enterprise systems including IBM Maximo, SAP, JDA, Red Prairie and Blue Yonder.

Randex Ltd is the sole UK distributor for Compact Vertical Storage Lifts, manufactured in Sweden by Weland Solutions, a member of the privately owned, global group Weland AB. Randex customers include Bombardier, DHL, Fujifilm, Howdens, Hutchison Ports, Jaguar Land Rover, Ministry of Defence, P&G, Pfizer, Rolls Royce and Specsavers.

 

Randex VR gains first user

Vertical storage lift company Randex has won the first user for its new ‘Randex VR’ virtual reality system, which uses digital models to simulate vertical storage space and performance. Global welding and cutting company WB Alloys, which works across the oil and gas, nuclear, marine, renewables, power generation and construction industries has used Randex VR to create a virtual twin of its new warehouse, populating it with virtual racking, office space and a ‘Randex Compact Twin’ vertical storage system, located in the company’s 5,000 SKU storage area. Randex VR has enabled WB Alloys to plan for best machine fit and optimum picking speeds.

Following go-live, Randex Compact Twin is now providing higher storage capacity with a smaller footprint and faster component retrieval from AB Alloys’ pick face – speeding the picking process and allowing inventory to be fine-tuned using Randex ‘Compact Store’ software, according to the company.

Commenting on its first sale of Randex VR, Randex director James Roberts says: “Planning with VR- and BIM-based digital models saves time and money by testing the space and performance of warehouse configurations before installation. This is especially true of vertical storage, whose proven space-saving and performance-boosting benefits can then be fully realised.”

Compact vertical storage lifts save up to 90% of floor space compared to standard shelving and pallet racking, says Randex. They can manage loads of up to 1.5 tonnes per storage tray and allow warehouse operatives to complete up to four times more picks than in a conventional warehouse environment, with goods automatically presented to the picker.

Compact vertical storage lifts can now be integrated with over 20 leading enterprise systems including IBM Maximo, SAP, JDA, Red Prairie and Blue Yonder.

Randex Ltd is the sole UK distributor for Compact Vertical Storage Lifts, manufactured in Sweden by Weland Solutions, a member of the privately owned, global group Weland AB. Randex customers include Bombardier, DHL, Fujifilm, Howdens, Hutchison Ports, Jaguar Land Rover, Ministry of Defence, P&G, Pfizer, Rolls Royce and Specsavers.

 

Face Consultants boosts presence in Spain with acquisition

Face Consultants Ltd and Qualidal have acquired Eurostick S.L., Spain’s market leader in the testing, consulting, and on-site supervision of industrial floors for the logistics sector. Face Consultants, part of the CoGri Group of companies, is a global flooring consultant providing design, surveying, and testing for industrial and commercial concrete flooring. Qualidal, part of Flat Ingenierie, is the market leader in France for independent control and consulting in industrial slabs.

Face Consultants and Qualidal’s joint venture, through their respective group companies, will bring an extended range of flooring services under the Eurostick name. Based in Madrid, the new partnership will provide extended floor flatness testing, design, and consultancy services. Also, floor repairs, and upgrading flatness of very narrow aisle and automated warehouses for the latest robotics systems.

“We are delighted to be establishing an even stronger presence in Spain, collaborating with Qualidal to bring a full range of flooring services, from floor design through to the upgrading of existing floors,” said Kevin Dare (pictured, second left), Face Consultants Managing Director. “I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Beth and Ignacio Sánchez Salinero of Eurostick, S.L., for their partnership with us over the previous 20-plus years. Beth and Ignacio will retain the functions of director at Eurostick and ensure the continuity of the projects.

“E-commerce in Spain remains one of the key drivers of logistics. The purchase and leasing of warehouse space across Spain have increased considerably compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. Market surveys suggest that a higher level of quality logistics facilities is now being built.

“However, floor flatness is often something that many do not consider until they explore automated systems or sophisticated materials handling equipment, and sometimes not until after they have acquired it. Just because your building is newly built or refurbished doesn’t mean the floor is ‘fit for purpose’.”

Dare concludes: “Face Consultants and Qualidal have many years of experience in testing and upgrading concrete floors to ensure they are suitable for your warehouse operations. We are delighted to provide these services throughout Spain and beyond.”

Eurostick’s head office will remain in Madrid, but the address will be changing in the next few weeks. Ignacio and Beth’s roles and responsibilities will devolve over the next 12 to 24 months. A new General Manager has been engaged to head up Eurostick and an announcement regarding this will be made soon.

The incoming General Manager has stated: “I am excited to be working with Kevin Dare at Face Consultants and Marc Pestel-Debord at Qualidal under the Eurostick name. Also, to be able to tap into the wealth of knowledge gained over many years by these highly regarded companies. It means that we can provide an extended range of flooring services to the Spanish warehouse marketplace during a time of considerable retail and e-Commerce change.”

Face Consultants boosts presence in Spain with acquisition

Face Consultants Ltd and Qualidal have acquired Eurostick S.L., Spain’s market leader in the testing, consulting, and on-site supervision of industrial floors for the logistics sector. Face Consultants, part of the CoGri Group of companies, is a global flooring consultant providing design, surveying, and testing for industrial and commercial concrete flooring. Qualidal, part of Flat Ingenierie, is the market leader in France for independent control and consulting in industrial slabs.

Face Consultants and Qualidal’s joint venture, through their respective group companies, will bring an extended range of flooring services under the Eurostick name. Based in Madrid, the new partnership will provide extended floor flatness testing, design, and consultancy services. Also, floor repairs, and upgrading flatness of very narrow aisle and automated warehouses for the latest robotics systems.

“We are delighted to be establishing an even stronger presence in Spain, collaborating with Qualidal to bring a full range of flooring services, from floor design through to the upgrading of existing floors,” said Kevin Dare (pictured, second left), Face Consultants Managing Director. “I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Beth and Ignacio Sánchez Salinero of Eurostick, S.L., for their partnership with us over the previous 20-plus years. Beth and Ignacio will retain the functions of director at Eurostick and ensure the continuity of the projects.

“E-commerce in Spain remains one of the key drivers of logistics. The purchase and leasing of warehouse space across Spain have increased considerably compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019. Market surveys suggest that a higher level of quality logistics facilities is now being built.

“However, floor flatness is often something that many do not consider until they explore automated systems or sophisticated materials handling equipment, and sometimes not until after they have acquired it. Just because your building is newly built or refurbished doesn’t mean the floor is ‘fit for purpose’.”

Dare concludes: “Face Consultants and Qualidal have many years of experience in testing and upgrading concrete floors to ensure they are suitable for your warehouse operations. We are delighted to provide these services throughout Spain and beyond.”

Eurostick’s head office will remain in Madrid, but the address will be changing in the next few weeks. Ignacio and Beth’s roles and responsibilities will devolve over the next 12 to 24 months. A new General Manager has been engaged to head up Eurostick and an announcement regarding this will be made soon.

The incoming General Manager has stated: “I am excited to be working with Kevin Dare at Face Consultants and Marc Pestel-Debord at Qualidal under the Eurostick name. Also, to be able to tap into the wealth of knowledge gained over many years by these highly regarded companies. It means that we can provide an extended range of flooring services to the Spanish warehouse marketplace during a time of considerable retail and e-Commerce change.”

DHL to invest £482m in UK E-commerce operation

DHL is planning to invest £482m across its UK E-commerce operation, DHL Parcel UK. The investment follows a 40% volume uplift since the start of 2020 amid soaring demand for its E-commerce and B2B services.

The expansion project is designed to deliver the right infrastructure to facilitate growth as well as putting the business at the forefront of sustainable and digital logistics.

Nearly half of the investment will be in a brand new 25,000 sq m hub in SEGRO Park Coventry Gateway, located south of Coventry Airport. The new facility will have the capacity to handle over 500,000 items per day and is expected to create over 600 new jobs including warehouse, driver, administration and management positions.

The new hub will feature secure bonded storage and customs capabilities to support international E-commerce, a 48-door cross-dock facility and state-of-the-art mechanisation, allowing automatic sortation of mixed sized and weight items through high-speed sortation equipment.

The building has been designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status to minimise its environmental impact through design features such as 7,000 sq m of solar panels, LED lighting and landscaping to protect the natural biodiversity of the area. As well as incorporating EV charging points for cars, the site will also be equipped with LGV electric charging points throughout and sustainable fuel capabilities to pre-empt technology developments in larger vehicles over the coming years.

An initial £64m will be invested in upgrading the company’s fleet with a major focus on alternative fuel vehicles. The fleet investment includes six fully electric 18-tonne trucks, 30 Liquified Natural Gas (bio-LNG) trucks, and 18 electric tugs. This roll-out will be followed by further sustainable fleet investment going forward.

The investment in sustainable infrastructure and vehicles supports Deutsche Post DHL Group’s sustainability strategy which is in line with the Paris Agreement through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In total, Deutsche Post DHL Group will spend €7bn in sustainable fuel and clean technologies by 2030.

Finally, the business will also invest over £190m to create 10 brand new collection and delivery depots across the UK, and 20 more existing sites will be expanded. The new and expanded depots will create an additional 3,500 jobs across the country. The locations of the new sites have been strategically chosen to reduce the distance required to serve customers, enabling further roll-out of electric vans and improving speed of service.

Peter Fuller, CEO of DHL Parcel UK, says: “This investment is a real demonstration of the excellent work our people and partners have delivered over the past two years to get us to the level of growth where major expansion is required to meet customer demand. E-commerce is going to continue to shape the world around us. This investment, along with the strength of the DHL brand and our leading approach to digitalisation and sustainability, will put us in a strong position to take advantage of market growth.”

Minister for Investment, Lord Grimstone, says: “DHL’s investment into the heart of the Midlands is testament to the success of inward investors in the UK, and is the latest example of our investment strategy and the Government’s levelling-up agenda delivering results.

“With investment comes jobs and a boost to local economies, so I look forward to seeing the Midlands continue to flourish and promoting our commitment for a cleaner and greener future.”

 

DHL to invest £482m in UK E-commerce operation

DHL is planning to invest £482m across its UK E-commerce operation, DHL Parcel UK. The investment follows a 40% volume uplift since the start of 2020 amid soaring demand for its E-commerce and B2B services.

The expansion project is designed to deliver the right infrastructure to facilitate growth as well as putting the business at the forefront of sustainable and digital logistics.

Nearly half of the investment will be in a brand new 25,000 sq m hub in SEGRO Park Coventry Gateway, located south of Coventry Airport. The new facility will have the capacity to handle over 500,000 items per day and is expected to create over 600 new jobs including warehouse, driver, administration and management positions.

The new hub will feature secure bonded storage and customs capabilities to support international E-commerce, a 48-door cross-dock facility and state-of-the-art mechanisation, allowing automatic sortation of mixed sized and weight items through high-speed sortation equipment.

The building has been designed to achieve BREEAM ‘Excellent’ status to minimise its environmental impact through design features such as 7,000 sq m of solar panels, LED lighting and landscaping to protect the natural biodiversity of the area. As well as incorporating EV charging points for cars, the site will also be equipped with LGV electric charging points throughout and sustainable fuel capabilities to pre-empt technology developments in larger vehicles over the coming years.

An initial £64m will be invested in upgrading the company’s fleet with a major focus on alternative fuel vehicles. The fleet investment includes six fully electric 18-tonne trucks, 30 Liquified Natural Gas (bio-LNG) trucks, and 18 electric tugs. This roll-out will be followed by further sustainable fleet investment going forward.

The investment in sustainable infrastructure and vehicles supports Deutsche Post DHL Group’s sustainability strategy which is in line with the Paris Agreement through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In total, Deutsche Post DHL Group will spend €7bn in sustainable fuel and clean technologies by 2030.

Finally, the business will also invest over £190m to create 10 brand new collection and delivery depots across the UK, and 20 more existing sites will be expanded. The new and expanded depots will create an additional 3,500 jobs across the country. The locations of the new sites have been strategically chosen to reduce the distance required to serve customers, enabling further roll-out of electric vans and improving speed of service.

Peter Fuller, CEO of DHL Parcel UK, says: “This investment is a real demonstration of the excellent work our people and partners have delivered over the past two years to get us to the level of growth where major expansion is required to meet customer demand. E-commerce is going to continue to shape the world around us. This investment, along with the strength of the DHL brand and our leading approach to digitalisation and sustainability, will put us in a strong position to take advantage of market growth.”

Minister for Investment, Lord Grimstone, says: “DHL’s investment into the heart of the Midlands is testament to the success of inward investors in the UK, and is the latest example of our investment strategy and the Government’s levelling-up agenda delivering results.

“With investment comes jobs and a boost to local economies, so I look forward to seeing the Midlands continue to flourish and promoting our commitment for a cleaner and greener future.”

 

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