Invar website walks businesses through digitalisation

Invar Group, a leading independent software developer and integrator of advanced warehouse automation, has launched a new website to help guide businesses through the complexities associated with warehouse upgrades and digitalisation projects, highlighting potential areas where advanced technologies can transform operational performance within the fulfilment or distribution centre.

The new format brings together valuable independent insights and technical information on the latest innovative technologies available to the market. As an independent integrator of warehouse technologies Invar Group is well positioned to offer an unbiased approach to finding the optimum solution.

Craig Whitehouse, Managing Director of Invar Group, says: “We are witnessing a technological revolution in the warehouse – AI and robotics is transforming operational performance, particularly around dense storage, order assembly and packing. Our new website aims to help businesses explore the full range of technologies and options available to them – without fear of being limited to choices from a single manufacturer. And our ability to provide clients with the software, integration and controls elements of a project, all in-house and from within the UK, puts us in a strong position to bring together best of breed technologies in a seamless solution.”

Invar Group, headquartered in Cranfield UK, is focused on delivering complete turnkey warehouse automation solutions using advanced technologies such as industrial robotics, AMR goods-to-person solutions, pick-to-light technology, sortation systems, as well as conventional warehouse automation. The Group comprises: Invar Systems, a developer of warehouse control and management systems; Invar Integration, a front runner in solutions design, hardware integration and project management; and Invar Controls, specialists in the design, implementation and maintenance of PLC software and hardware.

Invar Group has supplied systems to many of the world’s leading brands, such as: SuperDry, Games Workshop, Bentley, Coca Cola, and Nike. Examples of case studies on the new website include work carried out by Invar Group for major international brands SuperDry and Pets at Home – with further case studies in the pipeline.

Invar website walks businesses through digitalisation

Invar Group, a leading independent software developer and integrator of advanced warehouse automation, has launched a new website to help guide businesses through the complexities associated with warehouse upgrades and digitalisation projects, highlighting potential areas where advanced technologies can transform operational performance within the fulfilment or distribution centre.

The new format brings together valuable independent insights and technical information on the latest innovative technologies available to the market. As an independent integrator of warehouse technologies Invar Group is well positioned to offer an unbiased approach to finding the optimum solution.

Craig Whitehouse, Managing Director of Invar Group, says: “We are witnessing a technological revolution in the warehouse – AI and robotics is transforming operational performance, particularly around dense storage, order assembly and packing. Our new website aims to help businesses explore the full range of technologies and options available to them – without fear of being limited to choices from a single manufacturer. And our ability to provide clients with the software, integration and controls elements of a project, all in-house and from within the UK, puts us in a strong position to bring together best of breed technologies in a seamless solution.”

Invar Group, headquartered in Cranfield UK, is focused on delivering complete turnkey warehouse automation solutions using advanced technologies such as industrial robotics, AMR goods-to-person solutions, pick-to-light technology, sortation systems, as well as conventional warehouse automation. The Group comprises: Invar Systems, a developer of warehouse control and management systems; Invar Integration, a front runner in solutions design, hardware integration and project management; and Invar Controls, specialists in the design, implementation and maintenance of PLC software and hardware.

Invar Group has supplied systems to many of the world’s leading brands, such as: SuperDry, Games Workshop, Bentley, Coca Cola, and Nike. Examples of case studies on the new website include work carried out by Invar Group for major international brands SuperDry and Pets at Home – with further case studies in the pipeline.

Trent Gateway logistics units snapped up

Demand for logistics real estate in the UK’s East Midlands region is showing no signs of slowing, according to the leasing agents of Trent Gateway which is now fully let.

Due to the especially high demand for industrial properties, particularly those that possess green credentials, the property’s landlord Northwood Urban Logistics has seen five units let in five months.

The final deals, brokered by JLL and FHP, have included MMC Materials UK Ltd which manufactures sustainable and compositable packaging and has taken 10,488 sq ft, and Upperton Pharma Solutions (Upperton), a UK-based specialist contract development and manufacturing organisation. Confident in the location, Upperton is investing circa. £15m in the design and bespoke build of its new 50,000 sq ft facility on the estate.

MMC Materials UK and Upperton join a range of other established businesses based on the 18-unit industrial site, including BW Flexible Systems, RSK Group and SRL Traffic Systems Ltd.

Northwood’s success is reflective of the high demand for space in the region. JLL’s own research has revealed that prime headline rents have risen by an average of 25.5% across the Midlands. The multi-let and mid box industrial market Spring 2022 report revealed that, in the East Midlands specifically, there remains eight months’ supply of space available, but is seeing comparatively little new speculative development. Regional demand for small units is particularly strong in the 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft and 10,000 to 20,000 sq ft range, with local and regional occupiers driving the majority of demand.

Trent Gateway’s sought-after green credentials include the likes of electric vehicle charging points; low air permeability design; warehouse skylights making up 15% of roof surface area increasing natural lighting; high performance insulated cladding and roof materials; and secure cycle parking all provided as standard.

Iain Taylor, Director at Northwood Urban Logistics said: ‘’We are very pleased to welcome our latest occupiers to the scheme. Trent Gateway has been proven to accommodate a wide range of occupiers who have been able to adapt the units for a variety of uses.”

Gemma Constantinou, industrial director at JLL East Midlands, said: “Trent Gateway has benefited from having high-quality units in a market that is increasingly calling for more space. Crucially, though, this market also understands that the need to make greener choices, in the push towards Net Zero, is only intensifying.

“The speed in which the entirety of Trent Gateway has been snapped up should be a clear, green light for developers to invest further in the East Midlands. We expect take-up to remain at a consistently high level for the next few years while the battle for availability continues at such a pace.”

Mark Tomlinson, Director at FHP, commented: “We are delighted to have delivered fully occupancy and such a strong tenant line-up at Trent Gateway, which was delivered to service a pent-up demand from occupiers who have been hampered by an undersupply of industrial property in the region. The East Midlands still has one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country, so we were not surprised to have brought forward such strong demand for the scheme.”

Located within Beeston Business Park and just one mile outside of the town centre, Trent Gateway is a 40-acre hub providing a mix of industrial and office space, all overlooking the Attenborough Nature Reserve.

 

Trent Gateway logistics units snapped up

Demand for logistics real estate in the UK’s East Midlands region is showing no signs of slowing, according to the leasing agents of Trent Gateway which is now fully let.

Due to the especially high demand for industrial properties, particularly those that possess green credentials, the property’s landlord Northwood Urban Logistics has seen five units let in five months.

The final deals, brokered by JLL and FHP, have included MMC Materials UK Ltd which manufactures sustainable and compositable packaging and has taken 10,488 sq ft, and Upperton Pharma Solutions (Upperton), a UK-based specialist contract development and manufacturing organisation. Confident in the location, Upperton is investing circa. £15m in the design and bespoke build of its new 50,000 sq ft facility on the estate.

MMC Materials UK and Upperton join a range of other established businesses based on the 18-unit industrial site, including BW Flexible Systems, RSK Group and SRL Traffic Systems Ltd.

Northwood’s success is reflective of the high demand for space in the region. JLL’s own research has revealed that prime headline rents have risen by an average of 25.5% across the Midlands. The multi-let and mid box industrial market Spring 2022 report revealed that, in the East Midlands specifically, there remains eight months’ supply of space available, but is seeing comparatively little new speculative development. Regional demand for small units is particularly strong in the 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft and 10,000 to 20,000 sq ft range, with local and regional occupiers driving the majority of demand.

Trent Gateway’s sought-after green credentials include the likes of electric vehicle charging points; low air permeability design; warehouse skylights making up 15% of roof surface area increasing natural lighting; high performance insulated cladding and roof materials; and secure cycle parking all provided as standard.

Iain Taylor, Director at Northwood Urban Logistics said: ‘’We are very pleased to welcome our latest occupiers to the scheme. Trent Gateway has been proven to accommodate a wide range of occupiers who have been able to adapt the units for a variety of uses.”

Gemma Constantinou, industrial director at JLL East Midlands, said: “Trent Gateway has benefited from having high-quality units in a market that is increasingly calling for more space. Crucially, though, this market also understands that the need to make greener choices, in the push towards Net Zero, is only intensifying.

“The speed in which the entirety of Trent Gateway has been snapped up should be a clear, green light for developers to invest further in the East Midlands. We expect take-up to remain at a consistently high level for the next few years while the battle for availability continues at such a pace.”

Mark Tomlinson, Director at FHP, commented: “We are delighted to have delivered fully occupancy and such a strong tenant line-up at Trent Gateway, which was delivered to service a pent-up demand from occupiers who have been hampered by an undersupply of industrial property in the region. The East Midlands still has one of the lowest vacancy rates in the country, so we were not surprised to have brought forward such strong demand for the scheme.”

Located within Beeston Business Park and just one mile outside of the town centre, Trent Gateway is a 40-acre hub providing a mix of industrial and office space, all overlooking the Attenborough Nature Reserve.

 

Nord expands LogiDrive system

Nord Drivesystems has expanded its successful LogiDrive concept with new markets and products to give additional applications access to the benefits of standardised, industry-optimised geared motor versions. With the new LogiDrive product family, the North German company offers a wide portfolio of perfectly matched drive solutions, which meet many different requirements and purposes – be it energy efficiency, version reduction, cost-effectiveness or flexibility.

LogiDrive is an energy-efficient, service-friendly and standardised modular system. Depending on the industry and objective, different Nord products are combined into one drive solution, which is 100% tailored to the respective industry standards and application requirements. The new extended LogiDrive solution space is intended for conveyor applications in the fields of post & parcel, airport and warehouse, and comprises one advanced version with IE5+ synchronous motor technology and a basic version with IE3 asynchronous motors.

While the LogiDrive advanced drives address issues such as energy efficiency, version reduction and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the basic LogiDrive’s main focus is on cost efficiency.

Nord says all LogiDrive systems are efficient and extremely easy to maintain and install thanks to plug-and-play technology. The entire system has a modular design, so that all components of the drive technology can be individually serviced. This minimises maintenance and repair costs. All connections are made using simple plug connections while integrated maintenance switches and manual control switches ensure a high level of user-friendliness.

Nord also supplies the cables. Potential sources of error are thus eliminated, and commissioning is facilitated. The compact design saves space and is light in weight thanks to the aluminium housing. Thanks to the design of the motors used and the operation on the frequency inverter, the same motor variant can be universally used worldwide.

The new LogiDrive solution space comprises the following geared motor versions:

LogiDrive for post & parcel and airport

  • Advanced: IE5+ synchronous motor and two-stage helical bevel gear unit or DuoDrive plus NORDAC LINK frequency inverter installed close to the motor.
  • Basic: IE3 asynchronous motor, two-stage helical bevel gear unit and NORDAC FLEX frequency inverter

LogiDrive for warehouse

  • Advanced: IE5+ synchronous motor (ventilated or unventilated), two-stage helical bevel gear unit and NORDAC ON+ frequency inverter with integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface
  • Basic: Fixed motor-inverter combinations consisting of IE3 asynchronous motor (87 Hz) and NORDAC ON frequency inverter with integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface plus worm gear unit

The whole concept is designed for optimum performance, highest efficiency and best possible user-friendliness. Utilising the high overload capacity of the motors and the system’s wide adjustment range, all solutions are individually tailored to each customer and specifically designed for the system’s individual load range.

Labour-saving technology on display at IMHX

With the high cost of human labour prompting more and more logistics companies to seek ways of working that rely less on people, interest in automation is greater than ever at this year’s IMHX, says Event Director, Rob Fisher.

The shrinking labour pool is certainly hitting the logistics sector hard with HGV drivers, warehouse order pickers and forklift operators all in short supply.

Indeed, it was at a recent event organised by the Institute for Government, that the chief executive of Food and Drink Federation announced that the UK food supply chain is around half a million workers short. This represents some 12.5% of the total workforce required.

Meanwhile, a recent survey conducted by the trade association, Logistics UK, noted 13% of respondents report severe warehouse staff shortages, with a substantial decline in the availability of forklift drivers cited as a major problem.

The worker shortage is forcing many warehouse operators to offer higher wages, and in some cases a signing on fee, in an attempt to attract the personnel needed. In November 2020, a leading online job search-engine reported the average forklift driver’s salary was advertised as £21,972, while warehouse staff positions typically paid £19,995 per annum. By November 2021, the remuneration for both forklift drivers and order pickers were up 8% year-on-year.

UKWA – the United Kingdom Warehousing Association – has warned that many logistics service providers will be unable to absorb these increases and will have little option but to pass these on to their customers.

Although it’s natural to assume that the most effective way to be competitive is on price, warehouse robot technology company, Autostore, believes that by offering additional benefits that add greater value for customers, logistics service companies can widen the conversation.

Autostore goes on to explain that by employing data-rich analytics to repurpose the space within the store, warehouse operators can deploy automation to streamline their operating processes without compromising efficiency.

Autostore is among a host of pioneering, industry-leading providers of automation solutions – including Swisslog, Gebhardt, Daifuku and Knapp – who will be demonstrating their latest innovations at IMHX 2022.

For example, IMHX exhibitor Swisslog’s automated warehousing technologies range from traditional high-bay warehouses to innovative robot-based materials handling solutions that provide quality, flexibility and efficiency and every application is customised to deliver the lowest cost per pick.

Meanwhile Gebhardt – who celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2022 – will show examples of the kind of customised and innovative intralogistics solutions that they have been supplying to customers throughout the world for more than seven decades.

The automated storage, transport, sorting and picking systems supplied by Daifuku include flexible automated guided vehicle (AGV) transport technology as well as rail-guided sorting transfer vehicle (STR) systems, while Knapp’s smart solutions and automated storage systems support the logistics processes of leading companies’ worldwide.

The current lack of warehouse operatives coupled with the increasing cost of labour is prompting more and more logistics companies to seek ways of operating that rely less on people and it is clear that automating those warehousing functions that follow a predictable pattern makes a lot of sense.

And, with much of today’s sophisticated artificial intelligence, robotics and automated handling technology within financial reach of SMEs as well as the biggest players, it’s easy to understand why the way warehouses operate is changing.

IMHX 2022 will provide an essential platform for logistics professionals to discover the very latest technological advances and gain insights that will enable them to ensure that their own operations are capable of meeting today’s increasingly complex global supply chain challenges in the most cost-efficient way.

IMHX 2022 takes place from 6th-8th September at the NEC, Birmingham.

Labour-saving technology on display at IMHX

With the high cost of human labour prompting more and more logistics companies to seek ways of working that rely less on people, interest in automation is greater than ever at this year’s IMHX, says Event Director, Rob Fisher.

The shrinking labour pool is certainly hitting the logistics sector hard with HGV drivers, warehouse order pickers and forklift operators all in short supply.

Indeed, it was at a recent event organised by the Institute for Government, that the chief executive of Food and Drink Federation announced that the UK food supply chain is around half a million workers short. This represents some 12.5% of the total workforce required.

Meanwhile, a recent survey conducted by the trade association, Logistics UK, noted 13% of respondents report severe warehouse staff shortages, with a substantial decline in the availability of forklift drivers cited as a major problem.

The worker shortage is forcing many warehouse operators to offer higher wages, and in some cases a signing on fee, in an attempt to attract the personnel needed. In November 2020, a leading online job search-engine reported the average forklift driver’s salary was advertised as £21,972, while warehouse staff positions typically paid £19,995 per annum. By November 2021, the remuneration for both forklift drivers and order pickers were up 8% year-on-year.

UKWA – the United Kingdom Warehousing Association – has warned that many logistics service providers will be unable to absorb these increases and will have little option but to pass these on to their customers.

Although it’s natural to assume that the most effective way to be competitive is on price, warehouse robot technology company, Autostore, believes that by offering additional benefits that add greater value for customers, logistics service companies can widen the conversation.

Autostore goes on to explain that by employing data-rich analytics to repurpose the space within the store, warehouse operators can deploy automation to streamline their operating processes without compromising efficiency.

Autostore is among a host of pioneering, industry-leading providers of automation solutions – including Swisslog, Gebhardt, Daifuku and Knapp – who will be demonstrating their latest innovations at IMHX 2022.

For example, IMHX exhibitor Swisslog’s automated warehousing technologies range from traditional high-bay warehouses to innovative robot-based materials handling solutions that provide quality, flexibility and efficiency and every application is customised to deliver the lowest cost per pick.

Meanwhile Gebhardt – who celebrate their 70th anniversary in 2022 – will show examples of the kind of customised and innovative intralogistics solutions that they have been supplying to customers throughout the world for more than seven decades.

The automated storage, transport, sorting and picking systems supplied by Daifuku include flexible automated guided vehicle (AGV) transport technology as well as rail-guided sorting transfer vehicle (STR) systems, while Knapp’s smart solutions and automated storage systems support the logistics processes of leading companies’ worldwide.

The current lack of warehouse operatives coupled with the increasing cost of labour is prompting more and more logistics companies to seek ways of operating that rely less on people and it is clear that automating those warehousing functions that follow a predictable pattern makes a lot of sense.

And, with much of today’s sophisticated artificial intelligence, robotics and automated handling technology within financial reach of SMEs as well as the biggest players, it’s easy to understand why the way warehouses operate is changing.

IMHX 2022 will provide an essential platform for logistics professionals to discover the very latest technological advances and gain insights that will enable them to ensure that their own operations are capable of meeting today’s increasingly complex global supply chain challenges in the most cost-efficient way.

IMHX 2022 takes place from 6th-8th September at the NEC, Birmingham.

Fiege to manage logistics for Beam Suntory

Fiege has become the new logistics partner of Beam Suntory Deutschland GmbH with effect from 1st July 2022. The logistics company, based in Greven in Westphalia, will take charge of warehouse logistics, value-added services, and transportation within Germany, but also to Austria as well as parts of France for Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits.

The global beverage manufacturer Beam Suntory enjoys international esteem for its diverse portfolio of high-class bourbons, Japanese whiskies, single malt scotches, gins and cognac that includes such world-renowned brands as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Courvoisier, Yamazaki, Laphroaig and Bowmore.

“We have chosen Fiege as our logistics partner because we are convinced that we are a great fit on more than one level,” says Sebastian Schmitt, Senior Director International Sales & Operation Planning at Beam Suntory. “Fiege has years of experience in warehouse and distribution logistics for spirits to show for. Moreover, Fiege – just like Beam Suntory – greatly values sustainability. Here too, we wish to take crucial steps and pursue our goals together in the future.”

Fiege processes the logistical operations for Beam Suntory on an area of roughly 10,000 sq m at its logistics centre in Bocholt, Münsterland which specialises in the handling of spirits.

Hannes Streeck, Managing Director at Fiege for Fast Moving Consumer Goods, explains: “Our location in Bocholt is ideal not only because it is conveniently situated in the centre of Europe – and therefore perfectly for Beam Suntory – but also because it is here that we operate one of Europe’s largest excise warehouses.

“We are extremely pleased to have won over Beam Suntory as a customer from the premium spirits segment of world renown. We very much look forward to the path ahead of us that we will be sharing.”

 

 

 

Fiege to manage logistics for Beam Suntory

Fiege has become the new logistics partner of Beam Suntory Deutschland GmbH with effect from 1st July 2022. The logistics company, based in Greven in Westphalia, will take charge of warehouse logistics, value-added services, and transportation within Germany, but also to Austria as well as parts of France for Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits.

The global beverage manufacturer Beam Suntory enjoys international esteem for its diverse portfolio of high-class bourbons, Japanese whiskies, single malt scotches, gins and cognac that includes such world-renowned brands as Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Courvoisier, Yamazaki, Laphroaig and Bowmore.

“We have chosen Fiege as our logistics partner because we are convinced that we are a great fit on more than one level,” says Sebastian Schmitt, Senior Director International Sales & Operation Planning at Beam Suntory. “Fiege has years of experience in warehouse and distribution logistics for spirits to show for. Moreover, Fiege – just like Beam Suntory – greatly values sustainability. Here too, we wish to take crucial steps and pursue our goals together in the future.”

Fiege processes the logistical operations for Beam Suntory on an area of roughly 10,000 sq m at its logistics centre in Bocholt, Münsterland which specialises in the handling of spirits.

Hannes Streeck, Managing Director at Fiege for Fast Moving Consumer Goods, explains: “Our location in Bocholt is ideal not only because it is conveniently situated in the centre of Europe – and therefore perfectly for Beam Suntory – but also because it is here that we operate one of Europe’s largest excise warehouses.

“We are extremely pleased to have won over Beam Suntory as a customer from the premium spirits segment of world renown. We very much look forward to the path ahead of us that we will be sharing.”

 

 

 

Exporta launches new technologies

Exporta has installed two new pieces of technology at its Kinross manufacturing facility in the UK, which it says will be of huge benefit to its customer base.

Digital Printing Machine

Exporta says product branding is key to its customers – this could be five Euro Containers with a logo on the side or thousands of pallets with a logo and sequential numbering. Exporta has long been offering this service, but has installed a new digital printing machine in-house, meaning it can provide product printing quicker and to a higher standard.

Head of technology and product development, John Wilkin, has been involved with this project from the start and is delighted to see his plans come to fruition: “We know how important branding can be, so to make it easier for customers to get this from Exporta has been an important goal. This investment is something that will immediately add value to our offering.”

The new machine, installed at the end of June 2022, is up and running and ready to go. It’s designed to work on any plastic product with a large enough surface area to print on, meaning it will work with the majority of products in the Exporta range.

The benefit of branding goods include brand exposure, identification, and the prevention of lost or stolen goods. Sending out goods within branded containers or pallets provides a strong opportunity for additional advertising and brand exposure. Details such as a phone number and a web address can also be added. This also helps to ensure goods aren’t lost or stolen as they are clearly marked. In terms of identification, printing can be used to add things like sequential numbering or colour coding to products to aid in picking and general warehouse operations.

Pallet Load Testing

How often have you been on the cusp of purchasing a new pallet for your system, but you’ve been unsure how the pallet will perform with your standard goods load? This no longer needs to be a concern, as Exporta has installed a load testing machine to test your load on a potential pallet.

Exporta claims that this is a unique offering to the UK market and something that has taken months of planning. The system allows Exporta to measure the performance of a pallet on racking and on a forklift. The width of the racking can be tailored to match the racking the pallet will be used on. Exporta can test both racking pallets as well as testing nestable pallets for their dynamic load and it can then provide an approved report on the results to give you confidence when you’re purchasing a pallet for your warehouse or shipping system.

Exporta measures the deflection of the pallet with your load over a 24-hour period, and then measures the time it takes to return to its original form once the load has been removed. It can then ensure that the pallet meets the regulation deflection tolerance as required by ISO8611.

 

 

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