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Month: September 2022

Save energy and money with thermal clothing

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Insulating the body, as opposed to a warehouse, is much more energy efficient. Our own bodies create heat, so wearing a thermal base layer, hat or lightweight jacket will help to regulate the body temperature when the external temperature is low, providing you with a simple and effective way to combat the energy crisis this winter.

FlexiTog, a leading global freezer workwear brand, has been in this market for over 43 years. Trusted by cold store companies all over world, with years of development in providing thermal clothing to people working at temperatures down to -40°C, it describes itself as the go-to company for your thermal workwear needs.

Based on an average UK warehouse size of 340,000 sq ft, it has been proven that by simply turning down the heating by 1°C you can save up to 10% of your heating costs. However, by adding a thermal base layer to your clothing, you can save up to 40% of your energy costs. FlexiTog already supplies the largest distribution companies across the UK for this exact reason. Amongst a vast range of thermal clothing solutions, FlexiTog has a combination of energy-saving kits, that include thermal base layers, hats and gloves that are readily available and can be purchased online for next-working-day delivery.

By investing some of the money saved into your staff who are working in cold temperatures this winter, you will be keeping them warm and comfortable, which in turn will increase productivity, efficiency, and create a constructive culture.

 

 

Save energy and money with thermal clothing

Posted on by David Priestman

Insulating the body, as opposed to a warehouse, is much more energy efficient. Our own bodies create heat, so wearing a thermal base layer, hat or lightweight jacket will help to regulate the body temperature when the external temperature is low, providing you with a simple and effective way to combat the energy crisis this winter.

FlexiTog, a leading global freezer workwear brand, has been in this market for over 43 years. Trusted by cold store companies all over world, with years of development in providing thermal clothing to people working at temperatures down to -40°C, it describes itself as the go-to company for your thermal workwear needs.

Based on an average UK warehouse size of 340,000 sq ft, it has been proven that by simply turning down the heating by 1°C you can save up to 10% of your heating costs. However, by adding a thermal base layer to your clothing, you can save up to 40% of your energy costs. FlexiTog already supplies the largest distribution companies across the UK for this exact reason. Amongst a vast range of thermal clothing solutions, FlexiTog has a combination of energy-saving kits, that include thermal base layers, hats and gloves that are readily available and can be purchased online for next-working-day delivery.

By investing some of the money saved into your staff who are working in cold temperatures this winter, you will be keeping them warm and comfortable, which in turn will increase productivity, efficiency, and create a constructive culture.

 

 

Europe set for nearshoring boom

Posted on by David Priestman

European businesses are looking towards Romania, Turkey and Morocco as alternatives to production in Ukraine and Asia following months of supply-chain disruption, according to the new ‘Supply Chain Disruptions’ report, from JLL.

According to the report, number of businesses operating within the retail and manufacturing sector have already decided to nearshore part or all of their production. JLL’s internal data shows that the primary beneficiaries of reshoring are Central Europe and Romania, while Turkey and Morocco are looking towards nearshoring.

The move comes after the pandemic resulted in a breakdown of distribution networks and severe bottlenecks at ports and airports, meaning companies started to prioritise nearshoring in a bid to address supply chain disruptions. JLL also expects a lack of land and labour shortages to push up demand in Central Europe from primary to strategically located secondary and tertiary markets.

Data from Flexport shows the average container journey from Asia to Europe has nearly doubled since 2019, while research from Buck Consultants International (BCI) found more than 60 per cent of US and European companies are planning to bring some of their production back to their own region.

Considering established transportation networks and gateways, markets along two of Europe’s distribution corridors: the traditional blue banana and emerging Black Sea banana, are most likely to experience rising demand from third-party logistics (3PLs). Furthermore, severe supply constraints in prime markets along these corridors will push demand to strategically located secondary and tertiary markets along these same corridors.

Guy Gueirard, Head of EMEA Logistics at JLL, said: “Rising wages in low-cost manufacturing locations and increased risk due to climate change, strikes, and accidents such as the Suez Canal blockage have fuelled discussions of nearshoring and growing diversification over the past decade. However, risk versus cost scenarios in combination with the consequent loss of manufacturing infrastructure in Europe after large parts of manufacturing moved to Asia, meant Asian markets continued to be favoured as trading partners and manufacturing bases for a large range of products – but things are changing.”

Lisa Graham, Head of Industrial and Logistics Research, EMEA, JLL, said: “Two years of a global pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war are starting to shake things, after highlighting risks and resiliency gaps that outweigh cost considerations for all types of businesses. Businesses have realised that diversification strategies are essential for maintaining optimal inventory levels in European markets and this research proves that we’re seeing a disruption to the supply chain and we will continue to see this trend emerge.”

Europe set for nearshoring boom

Posted on by Keith McKinley

European businesses are looking towards Romania, Turkey and Morocco as alternatives to production in Ukraine and Asia following months of supply-chain disruption, according to the new ‘Supply Chain Disruptions’ report, from JLL.

According to the report, number of businesses operating within the retail and manufacturing sector have already decided to nearshore part or all of their production. JLL’s internal data shows that the primary beneficiaries of reshoring are Central Europe and Romania, while Turkey and Morocco are looking towards nearshoring.

The move comes after the pandemic resulted in a breakdown of distribution networks and severe bottlenecks at ports and airports, meaning companies started to prioritise nearshoring in a bid to address supply chain disruptions. JLL also expects a lack of land and labour shortages to push up demand in Central Europe from primary to strategically located secondary and tertiary markets.

Data from Flexport shows the average container journey from Asia to Europe has nearly doubled since 2019, while research from Buck Consultants International (BCI) found more than 60 per cent of US and European companies are planning to bring some of their production back to their own region.

Considering established transportation networks and gateways, markets along two of Europe’s distribution corridors: the traditional blue banana and emerging Black Sea banana, are most likely to experience rising demand from third-party logistics (3PLs). Furthermore, severe supply constraints in prime markets along these corridors will push demand to strategically located secondary and tertiary markets along these same corridors.

Guy Gueirard, Head of EMEA Logistics at JLL, said: “Rising wages in low-cost manufacturing locations and increased risk due to climate change, strikes, and accidents such as the Suez Canal blockage have fuelled discussions of nearshoring and growing diversification over the past decade. However, risk versus cost scenarios in combination with the consequent loss of manufacturing infrastructure in Europe after large parts of manufacturing moved to Asia, meant Asian markets continued to be favoured as trading partners and manufacturing bases for a large range of products – but things are changing.”

Lisa Graham, Head of Industrial and Logistics Research, EMEA, JLL, said: “Two years of a global pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war are starting to shake things, after highlighting risks and resiliency gaps that outweigh cost considerations for all types of businesses. Businesses have realised that diversification strategies are essential for maintaining optimal inventory levels in European markets and this research proves that we’re seeing a disruption to the supply chain and we will continue to see this trend emerge.”

Scottish transport industry sets fundraising record for Transaid

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Transport and logistics companies from across Scotland recently came together for the inaugural Scottish Transaid Dinner, held in memory of the late Jayne Gray of Stirling-based H & R Gray Haulage. The evening raised an incredible £105,110.50 and marked the largest sum of money ever collected for Transaid on a single night.

Delayed for two years by the pandemic, the dinner was organised by Transaid Chair and former Scottish Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken, together with a team of Scotland’s next generation hauliers including Lynsey Mitchell from John Mitchell Haulage & Warehousing and Nicola Robertson (Malcolm) of The Malcolm Group.

Hauliers from across Scotland were invited to attend, with more than 200 people coming together at The Bothwell Bridge Hotel, in Bothwell. Funds were raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, and a special charity auction which included a horsebox which sold for £10,000, and a rare bottle of Macallan whisky fetching £4,500!

Speaking after the event, Joan Aitken said: “This was a stupendous show of support by the Scottish transport industry and a demonstration of fellow feeling towards those in Africa who do not have the benefits of safe transport.”

Florence Bearman, Head of Fundraising for Transaid, said: “We have waited a long time to enjoy this special moment with our supporters in Scotland, and the generosity they have shown towards Transaid is truly unprecedented. Every single penny will support our work delivering road safety and access to health projects.”

The evening included a touching tribute to Jayne Gray, and a chance to celebrate Transaid’s activities, which currently span nine countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

 

 

Scottish transport industry sets fundraising record for Transaid

Posted on by David Priestman

Transport and logistics companies from across Scotland recently came together for the inaugural Scottish Transaid Dinner, held in memory of the late Jayne Gray of Stirling-based H & R Gray Haulage. The evening raised an incredible £105,110.50 and marked the largest sum of money ever collected for Transaid on a single night.

Delayed for two years by the pandemic, the dinner was organised by Transaid Chair and former Scottish Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken, together with a team of Scotland’s next generation hauliers including Lynsey Mitchell from John Mitchell Haulage & Warehousing and Nicola Robertson (Malcolm) of The Malcolm Group.

Hauliers from across Scotland were invited to attend, with more than 200 people coming together at The Bothwell Bridge Hotel, in Bothwell. Funds were raised through ticket sales, sponsorship, and a special charity auction which included a horsebox which sold for £10,000, and a rare bottle of Macallan whisky fetching £4,500!

Speaking after the event, Joan Aitken said: “This was a stupendous show of support by the Scottish transport industry and a demonstration of fellow feeling towards those in Africa who do not have the benefits of safe transport.”

Florence Bearman, Head of Fundraising for Transaid, said: “We have waited a long time to enjoy this special moment with our supporters in Scotland, and the generosity they have shown towards Transaid is truly unprecedented. Every single penny will support our work delivering road safety and access to health projects.”

The evening included a touching tribute to Jayne Gray, and a chance to celebrate Transaid’s activities, which currently span nine countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

 

 

Addverb and ABCO partner to offer advanced automation solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Addverb, a leading automation solutions provider, has signed a strategic partnership with ABCO Systems, a full-service distribution solutions provider that specialises in streamlining warehousing operations. This strategic alliance combines Addverb’s innovative automation technology with ABCO’s storage and material handling equipment systems to offer best-in-class solutions for warehouse and fulfilment operations in consumer goods industries, including e-commerce, grocery, fashion, and lifestyle.

Addverb will supply its advanced robotics technology to ABCO Systems’ clients with a focus on optimising customers’ warehousing needs. The range and flexibility of Addverb product solutions will enable ABCO Systems’ customers to select the best structure for their specific needs, whether for a fully-automated operation or a system that will work in concert with existing manual processes. The expanded service for new and returning ABCO Systems customers will feature Addverb’s robots, including Quadron, Veloce, and Dynamo.

“Addverb has been leading the way in providing a solid suite of robotics and software to augment the supply chain technology space,” said Sriram Sridhar, Chief Revenue Officer, Americas at Addverb. “We are thrilled to start on this journey with ABCO to fuse our complementary strengths in solving the crippling labour and efficiency challenges that warehouses across the USA face.”

As the demand for faster delivery increases, with many customers desiring same-day or two-hour warehouse-to-door deliveries, companies are seeking micro fulfilment services that enable them to increase their speed and efficiency. By combining Addverb’s automation hardware (AMRs and AGVs) and software (WES, WMS, and FMS) with ABCO’s warehousing operations and material handling equipment systems, companies can maximise their storage capacity and increase pick speeds without compromising accuracy.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Addverb,” said Seth Weisberg, CEO of ABCO Systems. “The partnership between ABCO and Addverb embodies the strategic growth of the industry of logistics and distribution through automation, and we look forward to incorporating Addverb’s technology into optimising solutions for our customers.”

Addverb’s partnership with ABCO Systems is the latest in a series of alliances formed that expands the deployment of Addverb’s cutting-edge mobile robots and integrated software solutions to US warehouses and fulfilment centres.

Addverb and ABCO partner to offer advanced automation solutions

Posted on by David Priestman

Addverb, a leading automation solutions provider, has signed a strategic partnership with ABCO Systems, a full-service distribution solutions provider that specialises in streamlining warehousing operations. This strategic alliance combines Addverb’s innovative automation technology with ABCO’s storage and material handling equipment systems to offer best-in-class solutions for warehouse and fulfilment operations in consumer goods industries, including e-commerce, grocery, fashion, and lifestyle.

Addverb will supply its advanced robotics technology to ABCO Systems’ clients with a focus on optimising customers’ warehousing needs. The range and flexibility of Addverb product solutions will enable ABCO Systems’ customers to select the best structure for their specific needs, whether for a fully-automated operation or a system that will work in concert with existing manual processes. The expanded service for new and returning ABCO Systems customers will feature Addverb’s robots, including Quadron, Veloce, and Dynamo.

“Addverb has been leading the way in providing a solid suite of robotics and software to augment the supply chain technology space,” said Sriram Sridhar, Chief Revenue Officer, Americas at Addverb. “We are thrilled to start on this journey with ABCO to fuse our complementary strengths in solving the crippling labour and efficiency challenges that warehouses across the USA face.”

As the demand for faster delivery increases, with many customers desiring same-day or two-hour warehouse-to-door deliveries, companies are seeking micro fulfilment services that enable them to increase their speed and efficiency. By combining Addverb’s automation hardware (AMRs and AGVs) and software (WES, WMS, and FMS) with ABCO’s warehousing operations and material handling equipment systems, companies can maximise their storage capacity and increase pick speeds without compromising accuracy.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Addverb,” said Seth Weisberg, CEO of ABCO Systems. “The partnership between ABCO and Addverb embodies the strategic growth of the industry of logistics and distribution through automation, and we look forward to incorporating Addverb’s technology into optimising solutions for our customers.”

Addverb’s partnership with ABCO Systems is the latest in a series of alliances formed that expands the deployment of Addverb’s cutting-edge mobile robots and integrated software solutions to US warehouses and fulfilment centres.

Prologis announces three major UK speculative developments

Posted on by David Priestman

Following a recent flurry of acquisitions within the UK, Prologis, a leading owner and developer of logistics real estate, has announced three strategic developments across the Midlands and the South East. The projects at Prologis Park Midpoint, located in Birmingham, Prologis Park West London and Prologis Park Brooklands in Weybridge , bringing the total amount of land under development by Prologis UK for the logistics industry to 2.4 million sq ft.

Ground has been broken at Prologis Park Midpoint, one of the UK’s most successful logistics parks, with the new unit, DC6, under construction as part of a speculative development project. On completion, the new 163,754 sq ft distribution centre will bring the total floorspace of logistics properties at the park to over 1.6 million sq ft.

Prologis Park Midpoint is situated in the logistics “Golden Triangle” in the Midlands – a prime location to support growing supply chain needs. The park is situated just eight miles from central Birmingham and has access to 11 motorway junctions within five miles, providing vital accessibility for national and urban distribution.

As demands within the ecommerce sector continue to grow, there has been an increased focus on the need for more high-density urban hubs to provide greater last-mile capabilities. In response to the growing needs of the industry, Prologis has broken ground on two key development areas within Greater London.

Strategically positioned to ensure access the major consumer markets within West and Central London, and Thames Valley, Prologis Park West London is located on the doorstep of Heathrow Airport and within four miles of the M25. The two new units, DC5 (195,719 sq ft) and DC6 (143,849 sq ft), are due to finish construction in Spring 2023.

Likewise, Prologis Park Brooklands DC1 is situated in a proven last-mile delivery location, serving Central and South London, with easy access to the M25, M3 and A3. The new 124,401 sq ft logistics facility draws upon a large and skilled labour pool from Weybridge and surrounding areas.

Both Prologis Park West London and Prologis Park Brooklands are designed and built to meet the demands of high-performance operations.

As well as being Grade A logistics and manufacturing facilities, all three developments will be certified net zero carbon in construction, with the new facilities targeted to achieve BREEAM-rated ‘Excellent’, a mark of Prologis’ ongoing environmental credentials. In addition, the units will be kitted out with EV infrastructure for the benefit of customers with green fleets.

Paul Weston, Regional Head at Prologis UK, said: “Our development projects benefit from the excellent support of local councils and other stakeholders right from the start. Not only do these speculative developments show the strength and confidence we have in the sector, but also the exemplify the innovative ways in which the industry can support its ongoing growth. We’ve listened to the market, and to our customers, and are actively pushing forward development plans to support areas of growth, such as last-mile and urban delivery.

“We’re immensely proud of the development projects that are ongoing across the country, and these new units are expected to generate a high level of interest and bring an array of benefits for the local economy and communities.”

 

Manifest Vegas: Sponsor list continues to expand

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Manifest Vegas 2023 is doubling with 100 Sponsors now signed on. The list is impressive and the Manifest team is excited to announce new Headline and Gold sponsors such as Maersk, Ryder System, and Swisslog.

Since sharing the first list of 50 supporters this summer Datamatics, Envase Technologies, LOADSMITH, Mujin, MVMNT, Mastercard, Phononic, Platform Science and Schneider have all signed on.

What can you expect from these names joining the show? An Expo Hall filled with activations in which the Supply Chain and Logistics community can take part. There is an extensive list of unique experiences such as thought leadership taking place on The ‘Fest Live set as well as podcast studio. Perfect networking locations at the Biergarten, Rosé All Day Bar, Mocktail Bar, Coffee Bar and the coworking lounge. Attendees will also be able to grab a sweet and/or salty treat at the Donut & Bacon Bar, and back by popular demand the Expo Hall will be filled with puppies at the Puppy Park!

Thanks to Manifest’s sponsors and their creative ideas, attendees will enjoy meeting and learning about these innovative companies as well as have a little fun!

An expected 200+ Exhibitors will be on-hand in the Expo Hall from 31st January to 2nd February 2023 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, and they will participate in both traditional meetings and non-traditional activations mentioned above. The full floor plan will be shared next month. Ticket prices increase 31st October 31st, 2022 so register now using this link to obtain discounts exclusive to readers of Logistics Business.

 

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