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Month: July 2022

Swedish sawmill orders electric forklift

Posted on by David Priestman

Moelven Edanesågen AB, a sawmill based in Edane, in western Sweden is looking to reduce emissions and has ordered its first fully electric lift truck, the Konecranes E-VER electric forklift. The order was made in December 2021 and it arrived in May 2022.

Established in 1899, Moelven Group produces building products and systems in Norway and Sweden for the construction industry around the world. Its sawmill in Edane, central west Sweden, is one of its biggest facilities. As part of its operations, Moelven is using forklifts to move raw wood, equipment and products as they offer outstanding efficiency, safety and flexibility. Moelven wanted to expand its forklift fleet for more site capacity, and it has chosen Konecranes again.

“Moelven likes the new Konecranes E-VER electric forklift because its battery technology and zero emissions perfectly align with their sustainability goals,” says Håkan Lorén, District Manager for local dealer N.C. Nielsen. “In addition, its high quality, durability and eco-efficiency underline our own long-term commitment to the environment in the machines we offer to our customers.”

“Moelven bought their first lift truck from Konecranes in the 90s and have been with us ever since,” says Daniel Sjöstrand, Sales Director for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “Now, including the Konecranes E-VER electric forklift, they have 34 Konecranes lift trucks across their Scandinavian operations. N.C. Nielsen has been essential in this relationship, always providing excellent support when needed. We’re proud that Moelven is now ready to experience our next generation of lift trucks.”

The new lift truck at the Moelven site is a Konecranes E-VER 13.6-600C forklift, a sturdy lifting machine with a capacity of 13,600kg and a fully electric drivetrain, powered by lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries for energy efficiency and fast charging.

“A battery management system ensures the power source is optimised for performance and safety,” says Lisa Martinsson, Senior Project Manager for Electric Program for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “Smart systems integrate the E-VER with TRUCONNECT Remote Monitoring, a data collection system providing an almost real-time view of truck usage, for easier operations and maintenance planning.”

A range of special features maximise ergonomics, stability and safe handling in a sawmill environment, including an OPTIMA cabin for comfort and visibility, with mini-wheel steering and an air-cushion seat, mud flaps, a cross log bracket, fork levelling, central greasing, and extra external lights.

This new order is part of Ecolifting, Konecranes’ vision to increase its handprint – meaning the beneficial environmental impact that can be achieved with our product and service portfolio – while reducing customers’ carbon footprints. From eco-optimising diesel drives to hybridisation and fully electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.

 

Swedish sawmill orders electric forklift

Posted on by David Priestman

Moelven Edanesågen AB, a sawmill based in Edane, in western Sweden is looking to reduce emissions and has ordered its first fully electric lift truck, the Konecranes E-VER electric forklift. The order was made in December 2021 and it arrived in May 2022.

Established in 1899, Moelven Group produces building products and systems in Norway and Sweden for the construction industry around the world. Its sawmill in Edane, central west Sweden, is one of its biggest facilities. As part of its operations, Moelven is using forklifts to move raw wood, equipment and products as they offer outstanding efficiency, safety and flexibility. Moelven wanted to expand its forklift fleet for more site capacity, and it has chosen Konecranes again.

“Moelven likes the new Konecranes E-VER electric forklift because its battery technology and zero emissions perfectly align with their sustainability goals,” says Håkan Lorén, District Manager for local dealer N.C. Nielsen. “In addition, its high quality, durability and eco-efficiency underline our own long-term commitment to the environment in the machines we offer to our customers.”

“Moelven bought their first lift truck from Konecranes in the 90s and have been with us ever since,” says Daniel Sjöstrand, Sales Director for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “Now, including the Konecranes E-VER electric forklift, they have 34 Konecranes lift trucks across their Scandinavian operations. N.C. Nielsen has been essential in this relationship, always providing excellent support when needed. We’re proud that Moelven is now ready to experience our next generation of lift trucks.”

The new lift truck at the Moelven site is a Konecranes E-VER 13.6-600C forklift, a sturdy lifting machine with a capacity of 13,600kg and a fully electric drivetrain, powered by lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries for energy efficiency and fast charging.

“A battery management system ensures the power source is optimised for performance and safety,” says Lisa Martinsson, Senior Project Manager for Electric Program for Konecranes Lift Trucks. “Smart systems integrate the E-VER with TRUCONNECT Remote Monitoring, a data collection system providing an almost real-time view of truck usage, for easier operations and maintenance planning.”

A range of special features maximise ergonomics, stability and safe handling in a sawmill environment, including an OPTIMA cabin for comfort and visibility, with mini-wheel steering and an air-cushion seat, mud flaps, a cross log bracket, fork levelling, central greasing, and extra external lights.

This new order is part of Ecolifting, Konecranes’ vision to increase its handprint – meaning the beneficial environmental impact that can be achieved with our product and service portfolio – while reducing customers’ carbon footprints. From eco-optimising diesel drives to hybridisation and fully electrified fleets, we will continue to do more with less.

 

Kite launches large letter postal boxes

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Slim corrugated boxes offer rigid protection to small items while fitting into the Royal Mail’s PiP Large Letter specification. This minimises and regulates postal costs, enabling a business to maximise their overall profits.

Kite Packaging is now offering its brown large letter boxes in five different sizes to cater toward everything from gift cards and small jewellery items to A4 documents or certificates. The sturdy construction provides greater resistance to the normal knocks and bumps that occur during transit when compared to bubble mailers or envelopes.

Additionally, the cardboard boxes are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic mailers and can be kerbside recycled by a customer. The flaps fold inwards and can be secured with a small portion of paper tape to form a fully plastic-free, sustainable and recyclable packaging solution.

Green credentials are attractive to a modern-day eco-conscious customer. The ease and efficiency of the order also enhances the customer experience since the slim letterbox design allows the package to be safely posted even if the recipient is not in.

Kite says the compact and lightweight boxes with hinged lids are an aesthetic way of displaying products, making them highly appropriate for the ecommerce gift industry. The eco-friendly composition and economic benefits confirm their suitability for growing businesses seeking professional packaging.

 

 

 

 

Kite launches large letter postal boxes

Posted on by David Priestman

Slim corrugated boxes offer rigid protection to small items while fitting into the Royal Mail’s PiP Large Letter specification. This minimises and regulates postal costs, enabling a business to maximise their overall profits.

Kite Packaging is now offering its brown large letter boxes in five different sizes to cater toward everything from gift cards and small jewellery items to A4 documents or certificates. The sturdy construction provides greater resistance to the normal knocks and bumps that occur during transit when compared to bubble mailers or envelopes.

Additionally, the cardboard boxes are an eco-friendly alternative to plastic mailers and can be kerbside recycled by a customer. The flaps fold inwards and can be secured with a small portion of paper tape to form a fully plastic-free, sustainable and recyclable packaging solution.

Green credentials are attractive to a modern-day eco-conscious customer. The ease and efficiency of the order also enhances the customer experience since the slim letterbox design allows the package to be safely posted even if the recipient is not in.

Kite says the compact and lightweight boxes with hinged lids are an aesthetic way of displaying products, making them highly appropriate for the ecommerce gift industry. The eco-friendly composition and economic benefits confirm their suitability for growing businesses seeking professional packaging.

 

 

 

 

BITO enjoys “most successful” year

Posted on by David Priestman

Achieving a turnover of €303m, 2021 was strongest year in BITO-Lagertechnik Bittmann GmbH’s history, and a year when BITO received a climate-neutral certificate.

BITO storage and logistics solutions are in high demand. The past two years have presented enormous challenges for many companies, especially in the field of logistics. Border closures and supply chain disruptions as a result of the pandemic have demonstrated the fragility of supply networks from one moment to the next. Delivery delays have resulted in production stops or disruptions in trade chains.

“We have noticed that the circumstances have led to a change of mind in many companies. After the market had recovered from the initial shock, both internationally and nationally, the trend was clearly towards more stockpiling in order to cope with times like those caused by the pandemic. Companies were expanding their storage capacities, and many new logistics centres have been established,” says Winfried Schmuck, Chief Executive Officer at BITO-Lagertechnik.

In addition, some sectors, such as the online retail business, which has been booming for years anyway, continue to see enormous growth. This is a challenge that the companies concerned have to cope with, especially in their logistics. As a result, the demand for BITO storage and logistics solutions has also increased significantly. After a difficult year in 2020, 2021 became the strongest year in the BITO history with a turnover of €303m.

“We had the highest order intake since the company was founded, with full capacity utilisation in all areas,” says Schmuck. “Tonnages were moved through the production halls that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. A great success that we were only able to achieve together in a well-functioning team.”

BITO awarded climate-neutral certificate

There has been a positive development in implementing even more sustainable practices. In 2021, BITO-Lagertechnik was certified as a climate-neutral company.

Schmuck says: “Sustainability has always been a priority for us. We are proud of our quality products, which are designed to last. To name just a few aspects: BITO multi-trip bins and containers help to avoid tons of packaging waste. When selecting our raw materials and auxiliaries, we always opt for materials that are not harmful to health and that allow environmentally friendly processing.

“Our production process is based on a commitment to sustainability and a resource-saving, energy-efficient approach in order to minimise the impact on our environment while saving raw materials. We have been operating a plastic bin recycling process in our own facility for many years. Acting with economic, environmental and social responsibility should not be viewed as an obligation. We see sustainability as a great opportunity for all of us.”

 

BITO enjoys “most successful” year

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Achieving a turnover of €303m, 2021 was strongest year in BITO-Lagertechnik Bittmann GmbH’s history, and a year when BITO received a climate-neutral certificate.

BITO storage and logistics solutions are in high demand. The past two years have presented enormous challenges for many companies, especially in the field of logistics. Border closures and supply chain disruptions as a result of the pandemic have demonstrated the fragility of supply networks from one moment to the next. Delivery delays have resulted in production stops or disruptions in trade chains.

“We have noticed that the circumstances have led to a change of mind in many companies. After the market had recovered from the initial shock, both internationally and nationally, the trend was clearly towards more stockpiling in order to cope with times like those caused by the pandemic. Companies were expanding their storage capacities, and many new logistics centres have been established,” says Winfried Schmuck, Chief Executive Officer at BITO-Lagertechnik.

In addition, some sectors, such as the online retail business, which has been booming for years anyway, continue to see enormous growth. This is a challenge that the companies concerned have to cope with, especially in their logistics. As a result, the demand for BITO storage and logistics solutions has also increased significantly. After a difficult year in 2020, 2021 became the strongest year in the BITO history with a turnover of €303m.

“We had the highest order intake since the company was founded, with full capacity utilisation in all areas,” says Schmuck. “Tonnages were moved through the production halls that would have been unimaginable a few years ago. A great success that we were only able to achieve together in a well-functioning team.”

BITO awarded climate-neutral certificate

There has been a positive development in implementing even more sustainable practices. In 2021, BITO-Lagertechnik was certified as a climate-neutral company.

Schmuck says: “Sustainability has always been a priority for us. We are proud of our quality products, which are designed to last. To name just a few aspects: BITO multi-trip bins and containers help to avoid tons of packaging waste. When selecting our raw materials and auxiliaries, we always opt for materials that are not harmful to health and that allow environmentally friendly processing.

“Our production process is based on a commitment to sustainability and a resource-saving, energy-efficient approach in order to minimise the impact on our environment while saving raw materials. We have been operating a plastic bin recycling process in our own facility for many years. Acting with economic, environmental and social responsibility should not be viewed as an obligation. We see sustainability as a great opportunity for all of us.”

 

US warehouse workers demand better technology 

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouse workers in the US value technology so much that they are willing to take a pay cut and switch jobs to use tech to help them do their jobs better, according to market study insights by Lucas Systems.

The study polled 500 US on-floor warehouse workers during May 2022 and is the first of its kind to examine workers’ relationships with technology as well as their fears, expectations, and perceptions about their daily jobs. Developed as the ‘Voice of the Warehouse Worker’, the study was conducted by Wakefield Research for Lucas Systems, a pioneer in providing software for warehouse workers and supervisors over the last 24 years.

In the study, nearly 3 out of 4 (74%) on-floor workers said they would consider a pay cut at another company for an opportunity to use technology if it helps them in their job. Workers also said they are physically spent, spending over a third of their day walking and would welcome tech’s help in the form of robots or other tech tools.

“Having pioneered software used by tens of thousands of on-floor warehouse workers, we’re always seeking input. We’re interested in how to make on-floor worker jobs easier and better and what keeps them at their employers or encourages them to look elsewhere,” says Lucas Systems Chief Marketing Officer Ken Ramoutar.

Other market study insights:

  • Workers want to stay with their employer but feel improvements are necessary to make their jobs easier. Workers generally anticipate staying at their current employer for at least three years (74%) with 35% anticipating a tenure longer than five years.
  • 75% of workers say physical strain in their jobs takes a larger toll on them than the mental strain. The leading cause of physical strain is carrying and/or lifting followed by walking and/or traveling.
  • Top causes of mental strain include meeting performance or incentive goals and objectives (25%) and safely manoeuvring around the warehouse (20%).
  • Workers see robots as productive allies but fear increased quotas. More than 2 in 5 believe robots will reduce physical stress (46%) or help them achieve better speed in item picking (44%) or better accuracy (40%).

In the study, workers perceived their company’s technology as an investment in them. Lucas Systems says this is meaningful  in an industry already facing a labour shortage.

“If workers equate tech investments with the company’s willingness to help them, it shows us that tech for on-floor warehouse workers plays a vital role in attracting and retaining employees in addition to its role in improving warehouse operations and performance,” says Ramoutar.

CLICK HERE to see more market study insights.

 

US warehouse workers demand better technology 

Posted on by David Priestman

Warehouse workers in the US value technology so much that they are willing to take a pay cut and switch jobs to use tech to help them do their jobs better, according to market study insights by Lucas Systems.

The study polled 500 US on-floor warehouse workers during May 2022 and is the first of its kind to examine workers’ relationships with technology as well as their fears, expectations, and perceptions about their daily jobs. Developed as the ‘Voice of the Warehouse Worker’, the study was conducted by Wakefield Research for Lucas Systems, a pioneer in providing software for warehouse workers and supervisors over the last 24 years.

In the study, nearly 3 out of 4 (74%) on-floor workers said they would consider a pay cut at another company for an opportunity to use technology if it helps them in their job. Workers also said they are physically spent, spending over a third of their day walking and would welcome tech’s help in the form of robots or other tech tools.

“Having pioneered software used by tens of thousands of on-floor warehouse workers, we’re always seeking input. We’re interested in how to make on-floor worker jobs easier and better and what keeps them at their employers or encourages them to look elsewhere,” says Lucas Systems Chief Marketing Officer Ken Ramoutar.

Other market study insights:

  • Workers want to stay with their employer but feel improvements are necessary to make their jobs easier. Workers generally anticipate staying at their current employer for at least three years (74%) with 35% anticipating a tenure longer than five years.
  • 75% of workers say physical strain in their jobs takes a larger toll on them than the mental strain. The leading cause of physical strain is carrying and/or lifting followed by walking and/or traveling.
  • Top causes of mental strain include meeting performance or incentive goals and objectives (25%) and safely manoeuvring around the warehouse (20%).
  • Workers see robots as productive allies but fear increased quotas. More than 2 in 5 believe robots will reduce physical stress (46%) or help them achieve better speed in item picking (44%) or better accuracy (40%).

In the study, workers perceived their company’s technology as an investment in them. Lucas Systems says this is meaningful  in an industry already facing a labour shortage.

“If workers equate tech investments with the company’s willingness to help them, it shows us that tech for on-floor warehouse workers plays a vital role in attracting and retaining employees in addition to its role in improving warehouse operations and performance,” says Ramoutar.

CLICK HERE to see more market study insights.

 

Active Ants increases Autostore capacity

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Active Ants, a subsidiary of the bpost group, has increased the capacity of the Autostore in its fulfilment centre in Roosendaal, Netherlands to over 98,000 storage bins. At the opening of this warehouse at the end of December 2020, the Autostore still consisted of 51,000 storage bins.

“At the beginning of this year, we started with the installation of the large extension of the Autostore,” says Marcel Spruijt, sales manager of Dematic, which is also responsible for the box-conveyors of the packaging lines.

The installation of this Autostore extension in Roosendaal went almost without any problems, just like the commissioning. At the beginning of March, the first batch with 22,000 storage bins could be loaded. After Easter, from the second half of April, the second batch with 25,000 storage bins was loaded into the Autostore. After that, the filling of the first new bins started. This was completed at the end of May. Meanwhile, the new part has been taken into use.

“We are very happy with this expansion,” says Jeroen Reedijk, director of Active Ants Netherlands. Dematic has done everything to realise this as soon as possible. These 47,000 new storage bins are badly needed to facilitate the expected growth in the near future.

The E-fulfilment centre in Roosendaal has an area of 20,000 sq m. It is a state-of-the-art innovative centre thanks to the deployment of 100 storage robots and 65 carrier robots to assist employees. In this ultra-modern warehouse with Autostore, thousands of products are packed for web shops. The storage, order-picking, packaging and sorting of goods are fully automated.

 

Active Ants increases Autostore capacity

Posted on by David Priestman

Active Ants, a subsidiary of the bpost group, has increased the capacity of the Autostore in its fulfilment centre in Roosendaal, Netherlands to over 98,000 storage bins. At the opening of this warehouse at the end of December 2020, the Autostore still consisted of 51,000 storage bins.

“At the beginning of this year, we started with the installation of the large extension of the Autostore,” says Marcel Spruijt, sales manager of Dematic, which is also responsible for the box-conveyors of the packaging lines.

The installation of this Autostore extension in Roosendaal went almost without any problems, just like the commissioning. At the beginning of March, the first batch with 22,000 storage bins could be loaded. After Easter, from the second half of April, the second batch with 25,000 storage bins was loaded into the Autostore. After that, the filling of the first new bins started. This was completed at the end of May. Meanwhile, the new part has been taken into use.

“We are very happy with this expansion,” says Jeroen Reedijk, director of Active Ants Netherlands. Dematic has done everything to realise this as soon as possible. These 47,000 new storage bins are badly needed to facilitate the expected growth in the near future.

The E-fulfilment centre in Roosendaal has an area of 20,000 sq m. It is a state-of-the-art innovative centre thanks to the deployment of 100 storage robots and 65 carrier robots to assist employees. In this ultra-modern warehouse with Autostore, thousands of products are packed for web shops. The storage, order-picking, packaging and sorting of goods are fully automated.

 

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