September 2022

Verdion completes iPort speculative phase

Posted on 9 September, 2022 by David Priestman

Pan-European logistics real estate specialist Verdion has completed a further facility at iPort, the multimodal logistics hub just outside Doncaster, bringing new Grade A space to the undersupplied Yorkshire market.

iP10 offers 259,266 sq ft of high-quality distribution space in a steel portal framed warehouse unit with double-storey offices, HGV and car parking and a secure 53-metre-deep yard.

It is the final completion in Verdion’s latest round of speculative development, which also included two buildings leased to Woodland Group and Euro Pool Systems respectively. Verdion has also signed a new long-term lease with Maritime Transport, which has doubled the size of its facility at iPort to reflect its growth in the region. Unit iP2f is also currently available offering 174,380 sq ft for immediate occupation.

Jamie Young, Asset Manager at Verdion, said: “With clear demand in this Yorkshire market for high quality logistics space, this new unit offers over 250,000 sq ft with immediate availability and outstanding road and rail transport links. It also means that our latest speculative development programme has been delivered very smoothly despite wider supply chain challenges in the market and, with occupier appetite showing no signs of slowing, we are now focussed on bringing forward future opportunities at the park.”

iPort is one of the UK’s most advanced multimodal logistics hub, with capacity for a total of 6 million sq ft of 24/7 of logistics and light industrial accommodation close to Junction 3 of the M18 and the East Coast Main Line. It also benefits from an award-winning multimodal on-site rail freight terminal. iPort Rail, is increasingly being used by companies based on-site and across the region looking to cut carbon across their supply chains, with rail connections to major UK sea ports.

Other occupiers include Amazon, CEVA, Fellowes, Lidl, Dusk, Kingsbury Press, Woodland Group and Euro Pool Systems, while its remaining 1.7 million sq ft includes capacity for buildings of up to 800,000 sq ft.

AR Racking extends manufacturer’s warehouse

Posted on 9 September, 2022 by Keith McKinley

PFERD-Rüggeberg S.A., leading brand in grinding tool solutions for treating surfaces and cutting materials, has extended its logistics manufacturing warehouse in Júndiz (Álava, Spain) entrusting in the industrial storage specialist AR Racking for the advice, design and installation of the warehouse extension.

PFERD’s ongoing commitment to quality and improvement processes have led to the recent extension of one of its eight production centres worldwide. AR Racking has installed an adjustable pallet racking system in the 2,500 sq m Júndiz warehouse. PFERD’s priority was that this extension would provide it optimum stock control and agile warehouse operations.

Adjustable pallet racking (or selective racking) is a very versatile system and also allows immediate access to all the unit loads. This installation has provided PFERD with a capacity for almost 3,200 pallets which took AR Racking just two weeks to complete.

According to Juan Zubieta, PFERD’s Planning and Purchasing Manager: “AR Racking offered us a solution in line with our needs to continue improving and to be more competitive in an incredibly demanding market, and the truth is that the project was completed in full conformity and with a high-quality service.”

AR Racking provides comprehensive industrial storage support, advising on and planning the installations, delivery times, product and installation instructions. Mikel Bilbao, AR Racking Sales Executive commented: “The solution installed will optimise the loading and unloading operations, reducing times, which will allow PFERD to provide a better customer service.”

PFERD, a German multinational, is one of the most important manufacturing companies internationally. It currently has more than 2,000 employees worldwide and is present in more than 100 countries.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

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Racking Aids Warehouse Expansion

AR Racking extends manufacturer’s warehouse

Posted on 9 September, 2022 by David Priestman

PFERD, a German multinational, is one of the most important manufacturing companies internationally. It currently has more than 2,000 employees worldwide and is present in more than 100 countries.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

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Racking Aids Warehouse Expansion

Smart Robotics launches new Smart Palletizer versions

Posted on 8 September, 202225 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Smart Robotics, a global leader in warehouse automation and robotics, has launched new versions of its Smart Palletizer cobot. The new versions ensure that there are more versatile pick-and-place solutions available to help establish automated warehouses and optimise the quality of work for warehouse employees.

The launch of the new Smart Palletizer product line comes at a time when it’s key for logistical processes to rapidly automate, in response to the growing labour shortage – especially with warehouses are already being stretched thin on manual capacity.

“Since the Smart Palletizer can take over physically demanding, repetitive tasks, we’re pleased to introduce our new product line to the market to be able to serve a larger audience in our mission to lessen the pressure on warehouse employees’ risk to their overall health,” says Johan Jardevall, CEO at Smart Robotics.

The Smart Palletizer product line is now available in three different versions, namely The Essential Version, The Advanced Version and The Premium Version.

Essential Version: A robust system that is capable of handling a large variety of products. This system is compact and able to handle multiple different stacking patterns and can readjust itself as needed.

Advanced Version: This version is able to stack a larger variety of boxes in terms of size and allows for more complex stacking patterns. The system can also stack boxes to a greater height and can integrate directly into the warehouse management system if needed.

Premium Version: There are almost no limits to what this system is able to do. Stacking packaged confectionery items and pharmaceutical products, all the way to handling open boxes. This version of the Smart Palletizer offers the best in next-gen, end-of-line automation.

By having various versions to choose from, customers are able to select the distinct Smart Palletizer that best matches their needs. Smart Robotics’ current customers, ranging from snacks and confectionary producers to suppliers of pharmaceutical products are already putting the new versions to use. New customers from the warehousing sector, with greater product variety, will benefit from the new versions’ being able to better adapt to their needs.

Each version of the Smart Palletizer is described as safe to interact with, and highly user friendly. The end-of-line cobot caters towards the future of smart warehouse optimization by merging automation with existing warehousing infrastructure, whilst creating better working conditions for existing employees.

All three versions of the Smart Palletizer come with the option of an all-inclusive service and maintenance contract, from a dedicated service team, to ensure smooth operation for the lifetime of the system. Each version of the Smart Palletizer is easy to integrate in the warehouse, not disrupting the flow of operations, but rather optimising essential tasks in the workflow.

INFORM optimises KLM workforce management

Posted on 8 September, 2022 by David Priestman

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has opted for AI-powered WorkforcePlus software to optimise workforce scheduling for its employees. The software is provided by INFORM, an internationally active optimisation specialist based in Aachen, Germany.

The project aims to standardise planning in the three business units Ground services, Engineering & Maintenance and Cargo at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport, as well as to optimise shift schedules and extensively automate the complex planning process. Following the footsteps of LATAM, Etihad and Lufthansa Technik, KLM is the next airline to put its trust in INFORM’s expertise in the field of efficient staff scheduling at airports.

The cloud-based AI solution from INFORM will replace a legacy solution developed in-house by KLM and will be integrated into the airline’s IT landscape as one of its central elements of the operational processes. WorkforcePlus will map the rules and regulations of the Dutch Working Hours Act as well as the equally multi-layered and dynamic company agreements for many KLM employees. With a high degree of automation, the system will incorporate these rules and regulations into seasonal and continuous shift planning.

Core system for operational planning

KLM and INFORM have been working together for over 25 years in planning and real-time resource dispatching for logistics processes. Previously, staff rostering was carried out utilising an in-house developed planning module, which was used to update shift plans twice a year. With the deployment of the new software, staff scheduling will now be optimised using AI. Planning will not only be automated to a large extent but will also cover seasonally varying needs with greater precision and flexibility than before, as well as individual requirements across business units.

“Demand-driven and predictive workforce management is essential for KLM’s ongoing operations. The transparency created by this flexible and future proof new system will simplify the necessary procedures. In line with this, the introduction of WorkforcePlus is centrally embedded in KLM’s AI and digitalisation strategy,” said Aart Slagt, EVP Information Services & CIO at KLM.

The flexibly adaptable software considers all relevant planning parameters, such as applicable laws, collective agreements, company agreements, working time models, different requirements for the shift system in the various areas of operation, or employee qualifications. From a vast number of possible plans, the AI-based system creates an optimised plan that automatically takes all of these framework conditions into account. Various tools already established at KLM will be replaced or linked to WorkforcePlus during the course of the project.

“We are pleased that we have now also been able to convince a significant customer in the Netherlands with our adaptable system,” said Dr. Jörg Herbers, CEO and Head of Workforce Management at INFORM. “With our AI technology, we are able to individually consider complex and diverse requirements of large companies and regionally applicable regulations. For KLM, we are adapting our optimisation procedures to reflect the specific conditions at Schiphol.”

In addition to numerous companies in the aviation industry, companies in production and logistics as well as ports also use INFORM’s solution.

INFORM optimises KLM workforce management

Posted on 8 September, 2022 by Keith McKinley

Core system for operational planning

In addition to numerous companies in the aviation industry, companies in production and logistics as well as ports also use INFORM’s solution.

VisionTrack signs up for TSR

Posted on 8 September, 202229 July, 2025 by David Priestman

VisionTrack, a leading AI video telematics and connected fleet data specialist, has entered into a membership agreement with global NGO, Together for Safer Roads (TSR). As part of the collaboration, the company will provide its leading vehicle camera technology to TSR’s Truck of the Future pilot program, which aims to eliminate collisions between HGVs and other road users through enhanced driver visibility.

“Our vision is to create a world where all road-users are kept safe from harm, whether HGV drivers, motorists, cyclists or pedestrians,” says Richard Kent, VP of Global Sales at VisionTrack. “We share a commitment with Together for Safer Roads to eliminate traffic fatalities, and by bringing our leading AI video telematic solutions to the Truck of the Future program, we believe we can further this collective goal.”

TSR acts as a bridge providing a path for local governments and public organisations to work with innovative technology providers from the private sector to make all modes of transport safer. The VisionTrack partnership is already underway with the implementation of advanced video-enabled solutions – underpinned by device-agnostic, multi-award-winning IoT platform, Autonomise.ai – across fleets who have joined TSR’s Truck of the Future.

The Truck of the Future program identifies and tests innovative and cost-effective solutions to eliminate collisions between large vehicle operators and other road users, especially the most vulnerable, with driver visibility a high priority. Utilising connected cameras and video telematics from VisionTrack, drivers can gain a 360° view around the vehicle, which will help save lives.

“In the US alone, there was more than 40,000 deaths in 2020 from traffic crashes on roadways, with truck incidents representing 12% of the total fatalities, while only making up 4% of the vehicles operating on the road,” says Noah Budnick, Executive Director, Together for Safer Roads. “The incorporation of new technologies, data and innovative approaches to road safety is imperative to eliminating fatalities and making roads safe for all. Partnering with VisionTrack enhances our ability to make Vision Zero a global reality.”

More information about TSR and Truck of the Future will be provided during TSR’s 2022 Annual Meeting taking place September 21-22 in New York City as well as virtually.

VisionTrack signs up for TSR

Posted on 8 September, 2022 by David Priestman

More information about TSR and Truck of the Future will be provided during TSR’s 2022 Annual Meeting taking place September 21-22 in New York City as well as virtually.

Tritax Symmetry delivers Doncaster speculative DC

Posted on 7 September, 202231 July, 2025 by Keith McKinley

Tritax Symmetry, the dedicated logistics development company for Tritax Big Box REIT plc, has committed to speculatively build a state-of-the-art, 132,750 sq ft logistics building on the last remaining plot at Symmetry Park Doncaster.

The news follows a major deal with B&Q which is taking a 430,240 sq ft warehouse and distribution facility that is already well under construction. It also responds to the rapidly growing on-demand logistics market due to digitalisation and consumer delivery expectations.

Located at Junction 34 of the A1 (M) on the North Nottinghamshire/South Yorkshire border, Symmetry Park is a £70m industrial and distribution scheme being delivered by Tritax Symmetry. The award-winning logistics developer has committed to deliver up to 721,000 sq ft of logistics space on the regionally significant site.

In 2020, Tritax Symmetry agreed a deal to let its first speculative 151,388 sq ft logistics building on the site to Dogmates Ltd trading as Butternut Box. The fast-growing brand has made a significant investment into the fit out and created hundreds of new jobs for the area. Roadside retail property business Euro-Garages also expanded its options with the purchase of a 1.2-acre plot standing alongside its existing Starbucks and KFC outlets at Symmetry Park.

Tritax Symmetry has a land portfolio of 4,150 acres, capable of accommodating 40m sq ft of logistics space in the UK. The company is dedicated to targeting carbon neutrality on the construction of all new buildings and, due to market demand, has committed to a speculative build programme of units totalling over 2.4m sq ft during 2022.

Simon Dixon, Development Director at Tritax Symmetry, said: “We are pleased to commit to the speculative delivery of the last remaining plot at Symmetry Park Doncaster. We have identified strong ongoing occupier interest in the region and our deals with B&Q, Butternut Box and Euro Garages are testament to the site location right off the A1 (M) and directly opposite Blyth Services, with high visibility and great accessibility from both sides.

“Having a site with infrastructure already enabled and detailed planning consent in place allows us to react quickly to market demand with a premium, bespoke and highly sustainable new premises in this prime logistics location.”

The Leeds offices of Savills, Dove Haigh Phillips and Colliers International are representing the development.

Simon Dove, Partner at Dove Haigh Phillips, said: “This commitment from Tritax Symmetry to speculatively deliver the third and final unit, offering over 132,000 sq ft is testament to a very strong occupier market. In particular for this location which has become a hot bed for industrial and distribution businesses, not least because of its direct access to the motorway.

“The new unit will have over 250 metres direct frontage to the A1(M), giving major brand prominence for any occupier, with a market-leading specification and full infrastructure already in place. Symmetry Park has an unrivalled USP with the ability to provide up to 8MW of power, future proofing the entire site.”

Hörmann industrial door offers ‘impressive’ speed

Posted on 7 September, 2022 by Keith McKinley

The new high-speed industrial sectional door from Hörmann UK, the Series 60, has been designed and developed to provide quality construction, high security, and easy installation. When fitted with the new WA 500 FU operator, the Series 60 can achieve an impressive door opening speed of up to 1 m/s making it the fastest sectional door on the market, helping speed up warehouse operations and reduce building heat loss.

To illustrate just how fast the Series 60 is, Hörmann has produced a speed test film which clearly demonstrates the superior speed of the new door when compared directly with an older version of the door.

Not only does the Series 60 door offer an exceptional opening speed, but optimised track radii and enlarged rollers result in up to 5 dB(A) quieter door operation together with improved stability, leading to low wear and smoother door travel. Easy fitting and maintenance are aided by reduced components and the provision of press-fitted screws, whilst transition sleeves provide a precise fitting of the track and radius. The door is supplied factory set to the optimum speed but can be easily adjusted and the speed varied to suit individual operational requirements.

For added security anti-lift kits are fitted on both sides of the bottom section of the door as standard, and optional RC 2 security measures are available according to DIN/TS 18194. Operator safety is enhanced by the inclusion of an in-line light grill which automatically stops the door if an obstruction occurs whilst the door is closing.

The new WA 500 FU operator features soft-start and soft-stop for gentle, smooth door travel, and constant travel speed for both high-lift and vertical track applications.

The set-up and commissioning of the Series 60 door is fast and simple with the provision of an innovative Bluetooth app. Accessible using either a mobile phone or tablet, the app provides users with friendly, easy to follow step-by-step instructions and also provides straightforward fault finding and diagnostic data.

Phil Thorpe, Industrial Division Manager at Hörmann UK, comments: “We are all excited about the opportunities the new Series 60 sectional door offers the industrial door market. It can provide the opening speed normally associated with a spiral door, combined with the inherent qualities of a sectional door – all at a competitive price point.

“Obviously seeing is believing, so our short speed test film has been produced to illustrate the fast-opening speed in an informative and fun manner.”

CLICK HERE to watch the Series 60 comparison video.

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Core system for operational planning

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