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Day: 14 October 2022

Automation strengthens competitiveness of automotive supplier

Posted on by David Priestman

In the wake of global growth and increasingly restrictive customer requirements, MPE Plastics in Turin, Italy, has decided to start its automation journey by implementing a state-of-the-art, holistic semi-automated intralogistics solution by SSI Schaefer. The solution combines a mobile racking system with 5,100 pallet storage locations and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which were integrated into the existing process. The Italian automotive supplier gains significant space and time, which can be used to accommodate further business growth.

Increased industry-specific requirements

As a supplier of thermoplastic precision parts for the automotive industry, MPE Srl has operated in a demanding market for more than 40 years and has established the company as a top provider on a national and international level. High quality standards for its own products and services, as well as a customer-focused mindset, were crucial for its success and continuous expansion. These values also encompass having to meet increasingly strict just-in-time, just-in-sequence and Kanban specifications, which demand a high level of responsiveness and reliable availability of goods.

“Fast processing times and reliability have always been the focal point of our business and are important for continuous improvement,” says Riccardo Battagliotti, Managing Director at MPE Plastics. “Considering the growing order volume and market requirements, it was a logical decision to assess our internal dynamics and logistical processes in the warehouse and shipping area, and to change from a manual warehouse to a semi-automated warehouse.”

The new solution had to be integrated into two existing halls with limited space and will help MPE reduce operating and personnel costs.

High system availability required

After extensive market research, MPE opted for a combined system solution by SSI Schaefer, consisting of mobile racks and automated guided vehicles. The expected total capacity of 5,100 storage locations and a technical performance of 20 pallets per hour in a single-shift operation can be progressively increased further over time.

“We have evaluated offers with similar ambitious automation projects of different companies in Europe,” reports Battagliotti. “The possible storage density of the SSI Schaefer solution concept was significantly higher than of other companies. This allowed us to generate a maximum number of storage locations for the available storage volume and benefit from faster order processing at the same time.”

The space gained, thanks to the installation of mobile racks, can be used to increase production capacities while also expanding the product range. Moreover, the process quality is improved with the help of AGVs, as the vehicles reliably carry out their work without interruption, even in a 16-hour operation. The AGVs also prevent excessive manual transport of individual parts between the warehouse and production.

“In this way, we work more efficiently and are able to better meet our delivery deadlines,” continues Battagliotti. In addition to the consulting and solution competence, the fact that all performance modules are delivered from a single source and that there is one contact person from integration to after-sales service was convincing when choosing SSI Schaefer. There are no interfaces between sub-systems that need to be maintained and communication problems are eliminated.

Semi-automation for work flow optimisation

In the automotive industry, cost pressure is particularly high and demands suppliers to offer continuously high quality standards at compelling prices. In order to remain competitive in the long run, new participants in this segment have to find ways to reduce operating costs, especially in terms of energy, and to offset ever-increasing labour costs. Furthermore, on-time delivery (OTD) is key. This factor measures the provided services and requires stock management as well as constant work and material flow.

Therefore, investing in semi-automation was for MPE Plastics an appropriate response to low picking performance that was increasingly jeopardising delivery quality and deadlines. Employing more staff was the only way to compensate for this poor picking performance, which in turn contradicted the strategy of cost reduction. Productivity was also impaired by numerous material buffers that took up space and caused long product-picking times and hence hindered order processing. Against this background, a system solution was called for that was able to comprehensively face these challenges. A short payback period was also important for MPE.

Process quality improved

The installation of the mobile racking system with 5,100 pallet storage locations within the existing building structures, and the commissioning of the AGVs, only took seven months. Both buildings are connected by a bridge at a height of six meters. Pallets with goods from production are transferred to a conveyor belt, lifted vertically to the second level and fed into the mobile racking system. AGVs carry out the storage of pallets as well as the retrieval of required load carriers, their transport and provision to the shipping area.

Thanks to this interlinked whole-site system, MPE Plastics gained space, stabilised material flow on a constantly high level and reduced costs in the long run. “The performance rate per hour guaranteed by SSI Schaefer was achieved immediately after commissioning,” states Battagliotti. “We were also able to gradually achieve the target of 32 pallets per hour, a significant increase in performance compared to the initial situation, which was characterised by manual processes that put high physical strain on our employees.”

Thanks to the automation of the storage and retrieval processes, the error rate also tends to be zero.

Perfect OTD performance

Today, all inbound and outbound operations meet internal and external requirements and are performed with the help of mobile racking systems and AGVs in a two-shift operation. “We are very satisfied with what we have achieved together with SSI Schaefer, especially since they have also reliably offered support during the initial operation of the semi-automated intralogistics solution,” sums up Battagliotti. “For us, it was very helpful to trust in a full-service provider and to have one contact person for all kinds of questions.”

The extensive training of the employees on the new system also contributed to securing the competitiveness of the automotive supplier in a very dynamic market. All requirements were fully met, which enables MPE Plastics to provide their demanding customers from the OEM sector with fast and reliable service thanks to further improved OTD performance.

 

Automation strengthens competitiveness of automotive supplier

Posted on by David Priestman

In the wake of global growth and increasingly restrictive customer requirements, MPE Plastics in Turin, Italy, has decided to start its automation journey by implementing a state-of-the-art, holistic semi-automated intralogistics solution by SSI Schaefer. The solution combines a mobile racking system with 5,100 pallet storage locations and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which were integrated into the existing process. The Italian automotive supplier gains significant space and time, which can be used to accommodate further business growth.

Increased industry-specific requirements

As a supplier of thermoplastic precision parts for the automotive industry, MPE Srl has operated in a demanding market for more than 40 years and has established the company as a top provider on a national and international level. High quality standards for its own products and services, as well as a customer-focused mindset, were crucial for its success and continuous expansion. These values also encompass having to meet increasingly strict just-in-time, just-in-sequence and Kanban specifications, which demand a high level of responsiveness and reliable availability of goods.

“Fast processing times and reliability have always been the focal point of our business and are important for continuous improvement,” says Riccardo Battagliotti, Managing Director at MPE Plastics. “Considering the growing order volume and market requirements, it was a logical decision to assess our internal dynamics and logistical processes in the warehouse and shipping area, and to change from a manual warehouse to a semi-automated warehouse.”

The new solution had to be integrated into two existing halls with limited space and will help MPE reduce operating and personnel costs.

High system availability required

After extensive market research, MPE opted for a combined system solution by SSI Schaefer, consisting of mobile racks and automated guided vehicles. The expected total capacity of 5,100 storage locations and a technical performance of 20 pallets per hour in a single-shift operation can be progressively increased further over time.

“We have evaluated offers with similar ambitious automation projects of different companies in Europe,” reports Battagliotti. “The possible storage density of the SSI Schaefer solution concept was significantly higher than of other companies. This allowed us to generate a maximum number of storage locations for the available storage volume and benefit from faster order processing at the same time.”

The space gained, thanks to the installation of mobile racks, can be used to increase production capacities while also expanding the product range. Moreover, the process quality is improved with the help of AGVs, as the vehicles reliably carry out their work without interruption, even in a 16-hour operation. The AGVs also prevent excessive manual transport of individual parts between the warehouse and production.

“In this way, we work more efficiently and are able to better meet our delivery deadlines,” continues Battagliotti. In addition to the consulting and solution competence, the fact that all performance modules are delivered from a single source and that there is one contact person from integration to after-sales service was convincing when choosing SSI Schaefer. There are no interfaces between sub-systems that need to be maintained and communication problems are eliminated.

Semi-automation for work flow optimisation

In the automotive industry, cost pressure is particularly high and demands suppliers to offer continuously high quality standards at compelling prices. In order to remain competitive in the long run, new participants in this segment have to find ways to reduce operating costs, especially in terms of energy, and to offset ever-increasing labour costs. Furthermore, on-time delivery (OTD) is key. This factor measures the provided services and requires stock management as well as constant work and material flow.

Therefore, investing in semi-automation was for MPE Plastics an appropriate response to low picking performance that was increasingly jeopardising delivery quality and deadlines. Employing more staff was the only way to compensate for this poor picking performance, which in turn contradicted the strategy of cost reduction. Productivity was also impaired by numerous material buffers that took up space and caused long product-picking times and hence hindered order processing. Against this background, a system solution was called for that was able to comprehensively face these challenges. A short payback period was also important for MPE.

Process quality improved

The installation of the mobile racking system with 5,100 pallet storage locations within the existing building structures, and the commissioning of the AGVs, only took seven months. Both buildings are connected by a bridge at a height of six meters. Pallets with goods from production are transferred to a conveyor belt, lifted vertically to the second level and fed into the mobile racking system. AGVs carry out the storage of pallets as well as the retrieval of required load carriers, their transport and provision to the shipping area.

Thanks to this interlinked whole-site system, MPE Plastics gained space, stabilised material flow on a constantly high level and reduced costs in the long run. “The performance rate per hour guaranteed by SSI Schaefer was achieved immediately after commissioning,” states Battagliotti. “We were also able to gradually achieve the target of 32 pallets per hour, a significant increase in performance compared to the initial situation, which was characterised by manual processes that put high physical strain on our employees.”

Thanks to the automation of the storage and retrieval processes, the error rate also tends to be zero.

Perfect OTD performance

Today, all inbound and outbound operations meet internal and external requirements and are performed with the help of mobile racking systems and AGVs in a two-shift operation. “We are very satisfied with what we have achieved together with SSI Schaefer, especially since they have also reliably offered support during the initial operation of the semi-automated intralogistics solution,” sums up Battagliotti. “For us, it was very helpful to trust in a full-service provider and to have one contact person for all kinds of questions.”

The extensive training of the employees on the new system also contributed to securing the competitiveness of the automotive supplier in a very dynamic market. All requirements were fully met, which enables MPE Plastics to provide their demanding customers from the OEM sector with fast and reliable service thanks to further improved OTD performance.

 

Cleveron and Clevon present new solutions at Gitex

Posted on by David Priestman

Estonian technology companies Cleveron and Clevon (Cleveron Mobility AS) will display their new solutions in the world’s largest tech show Gitex Global, held in Dubai from October 10 to 14. As guests of Etisalat, known for its remarkable technical innovation showcases in Gitex, the two Estonian companies have created a unique system for last-mile delivery.

Cleveron presents a smart, unmanned telecom service kiosk where customers can communicate with the company and collect their purchases via a smart screen and a robotic parcel locker. Clevon is showcasing the autonomous delivery vehicle CLEVON 1, which can be used to meet various last-mile needs like grocery, parcel or on-demand ready-meal deliveries.

Cleveron’s self-service and pickup solution consist of two Cleveron products, creating an unmanned smart service kiosk for places where a permanent representation is costly or complicated. The smart service screen Cleveron 103 acts as a service point where customers can connect with the company remotely via video and make the necessary purchases. The robotic parcel locker Cleveron 405 can be prefilled with popular items, so the customers can get their purchase instantly after receiving the order PIN code. The parcel robot also acts as a delivery and pickup point for general online orders. The smart kiosk is in the live pilot phase in Estonia.

CLEVON 1 is Clevon’s flagship autonomous multi-platform delivery vehicle. Designed to navigate urban environments with ease, businesses can choose from different CLEVON 1 models, including the Universal Platform, CargoBox (retail), Lockers (logistics), Truckbed (transport), and Mobile Cameras (security). CLEVON 1 has been tested on public roads in Europe for two years and is proven to be safe and reliable, is environmentally focused with zero CO2 emissions, and reduces last-mile delivery cost by 30%. Clevon’s third-generation vehicle CLEVON 1, is already providing services together with DPD Estonia, DHL Express Estonia and IKI Supermarkets in Vilnius, Lithuania, delivering groceries, among others.

Cleveron and Clevon are guests of Etisalat, the Emirati-based multinational telecommunications services provider, which is operating in 16 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. World’s largest technology show Gitex 2022 is held in the Dubai World Trade Centre, from October 10 to 14.

Cleveron is the world leader in robotic parcel locker production, offering hardware and software for parcel handover since 2015. The Estonian company’s solutions are used by retail giants like Zara, H&M, Salling and ICA; logistics companies like DHL and DPD in more than 47 countries worldwide.

Clevon develops multifunctional autonomous vehicles that help make home delivery of goods cheaper, faster, more customer-friendly, and more environmentally friendly. The company has offices in Estonia and the US, Texas. In 2022, Clevon was listed on the Nasdaq’s North Baltic Exchange (CLEV) after spinning off from Cleveron.

 

Cleveron and Clevon present new solutions at Gitex

Posted on by David Priestman

Estonian technology companies Cleveron and Clevon (Cleveron Mobility AS) will display their new solutions in the world’s largest tech show Gitex Global, held in Dubai from October 10 to 14. As guests of Etisalat, known for its remarkable technical innovation showcases in Gitex, the two Estonian companies have created a unique system for last-mile delivery.

Cleveron presents a smart, unmanned telecom service kiosk where customers can communicate with the company and collect their purchases via a smart screen and a robotic parcel locker. Clevon is showcasing the autonomous delivery vehicle CLEVON 1, which can be used to meet various last-mile needs like grocery, parcel or on-demand ready-meal deliveries.

Cleveron’s self-service and pickup solution consist of two Cleveron products, creating an unmanned smart service kiosk for places where a permanent representation is costly or complicated. The smart service screen Cleveron 103 acts as a service point where customers can connect with the company remotely via video and make the necessary purchases. The robotic parcel locker Cleveron 405 can be prefilled with popular items, so the customers can get their purchase instantly after receiving the order PIN code. The parcel robot also acts as a delivery and pickup point for general online orders. The smart kiosk is in the live pilot phase in Estonia.

CLEVON 1 is Clevon’s flagship autonomous multi-platform delivery vehicle. Designed to navigate urban environments with ease, businesses can choose from different CLEVON 1 models, including the Universal Platform, CargoBox (retail), Lockers (logistics), Truckbed (transport), and Mobile Cameras (security). CLEVON 1 has been tested on public roads in Europe for two years and is proven to be safe and reliable, is environmentally focused with zero CO2 emissions, and reduces last-mile delivery cost by 30%. Clevon’s third-generation vehicle CLEVON 1, is already providing services together with DPD Estonia, DHL Express Estonia and IKI Supermarkets in Vilnius, Lithuania, delivering groceries, among others.

Cleveron and Clevon are guests of Etisalat, the Emirati-based multinational telecommunications services provider, which is operating in 16 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. World’s largest technology show Gitex 2022 is held in the Dubai World Trade Centre, from October 10 to 14.

Cleveron is the world leader in robotic parcel locker production, offering hardware and software for parcel handover since 2015. The Estonian company’s solutions are used by retail giants like Zara, H&M, Salling and ICA; logistics companies like DHL and DPD in more than 47 countries worldwide.

Clevon develops multifunctional autonomous vehicles that help make home delivery of goods cheaper, faster, more customer-friendly, and more environmentally friendly. The company has offices in Estonia and the US, Texas. In 2022, Clevon was listed on the Nasdaq’s North Baltic Exchange (CLEV) after spinning off from Cleveron.

 

stow Robotics starts new automation campus

Posted on by David Priestman

stow Robotics, part of stow Group, a global leader in industrial storage solutions, will expand its high-end production activity on the WDP site in Lokeren. Early 2023, the specialist in innovative warehouse automation solutions will move into the high-profile location along the E17 in Lokeren, which WDP acquired in 2021 through a sale-and-lease-back operation with DPG Media Services.

The part of the buildings previously set up for the printing activities of DPG Media Services will be converted into a campus for stow Robotics. stow Robotics was founded at the end of 2021, is growing rapidly, and focuses on the development, production and commercialisation of automated and robotic warehouse solutions. The building will be set up as a fully-fledged stow campus with a multi-level production area, an R&D centre, a showroom and offices for sales and after-sales activities. stow Robotics will use a total surface area of approximately 24,000 sq m on this site on the basis of a long-term lease.

“The site is a unique opportunity for the further expansion of our robotics activities. The central location, extensive facilities and excellent visibility of the building are absolute trump cards for stow Robotics. The location also allows us to build a large technology and experience centre for our European customers. Given the rapid growth of stow Robotics, the near-immediate availability of the building and the optimal availability of the various spaces were key in this decision. The evolution in warehouse automation is highly dynamic and the time-to-market of new concepts is essential,” says Jos De Vuyst, CEO of stow Group.

“Today, it is important to act economical when it comes to available land and locations. When acquiring a property, WDP consistently examines its long-term potential and its potential in other functions. The new lease of the site in Lokeren shows that existing buildings can be converted into high-end campuses for companies pursuing future growth based on innovation,” adds Kristof De Witte, General Manager WDP for BELUX and FR.

Lokeren becomes the second major campus in Belgium for stow, which is headquartered in Spiere-Helkijn near Tournai, and has 10 factories and 20 commercial entities across Europe and the US.

stow robotics is recruiting at least 50 additional employees for the production activities on the Lokeren campus. All other stow Robotics activities will also be transferred to Lokeren, so that, over time, 200 people will be active on the site, of which a large number of engineers in R&D and other technical positions. stow estimates to reach the €1bn turnover mark in 2022 and plans further growth over the coming years, in which stow Robotics plays a central role.

Filip Anthuenis – mayor of Lokeren: “We are delighted with the arrival of stow Robotics in our city. The company will provide a new purpose to the former building of DPG Media Services, which for many years has been the landmark of our business park near the E17 highway. Lokeren is a small, but entrepreneurial city, where life is generous and people truly connect with a warm and self-conscious ‘Lokeren feeling’. stow Robotics couldn’t have picked a better home base.”

“It is no coincidence that stow Robotics chooses Lokeren as its new home base”, adds Stefan Walgraeve, councillor for industrial development in Lokeren. “Our unique location between Antwerp and Ghent and proximity to Brussels is a major asset. Our city is also at the crossroads of major railway lines and our industrial sites give direct access to one of Europe’s most important motorway connections, the E17. stow Robotics will contribute to the increasing economic dynamism of and employment in our city, through strong employment (top 5 of the largest private employers in our city), of both (lower-skilled) workers and (highly educated) employees.”

Cabify launches logistics brand

Posted on by David Priestman

Cabify, the international multi-mobility platform, has opened a new chapter in its diversification of mobility solutions, this time aimed at the storage and transfer of goods, with the launch of the new Cabify Logistics brand in Spain and Latin America. With this new line of business, the company seeks to continue to grow and consolidate its position as an ally of mobility in cities, offering a safe, efficient, and sustainable quality service, taking advantage of the potential of technology.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Cabify made an ambitious commitment to the delivery service to make it easier for individuals and companies to distribute parcels in cities. Over time, the company began to gain relevance with its B2B2C service and, today, is positioned in the logistics market as a full-service technology provider, an ally of companies with online sales that seek to deliver their products in the best conditions and with multiple options. Proof of this is the accelerated evolution of this line of the company: from January to June this year, this business grew more than 2.5x, with a portfolio of more than 5,000 customers globally, among which are large companies such as Mercado Libre, among others. In addition, the platform has successfully developed strategic integrations with Shopify and Mercado Envíos Flex.

“Last year we focused on reinforcing the personalisation of the service, adapting new functionalities according to the needs of our customers. Our strong safety and quality strategy, reinforced by our high-efficiency level and delivery times of less than 30 minutes, opened the door to this new market,” said Vicente Pascual, Vice President of Cabify Logistics. “Being a service offered by Cabify has allowed us to gain the trust of thousands of companies that already know us for our ride-hailing service, which has been an important trigger for our growth. Cabify is a consolidated brand in the multi-mobility market with more than 10 years of presence in Europe and Latin America. That strength has allowed us to exceed 500,000 deliveries within eight months of launching the service in 2020, five times faster than the time it took us in our beginnings to make the first 500,000 trips,” he added.

Given the growth in demand for logistics-related services, Cabify has identified an opportunity to continue growing in this sector and expand its portfolio of mobility-related solutions. Logistics has become a new market for Cabify, which poses a new challenge for the brand as well. This line of business comprises a different type of service. It is aimed at a different audience with specific needs, which requires a new way of identifying and relating to the one that Cabify has been using until now. The new Cabify Logistics brand will accompany all logistics services aimed at companies.

New challenges: restaurants and technology

The company aims to close the year growing five times more than last year in this new line of business. To this end, Cabify expects to invest $20m in Cabify Logistics. The main focus of Cabify Logistics will continue to be the urban last-mile logistic service in Spain, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Chile for companies in sectors such as e-commerce, retail or pharma.

Specifically, in the Latin American market, the strategy will focus on offering immediate deliveries to supermarkets and retailers. Also, in this region, the company has started offering last-mile logistics services for restaurants that already have their own delivery order channel or use online ordering systems such as Chile’s Mercat. Chains such as Wendy’s and KFC in Argentina already use Cabify Logistics as a logistics provider. In the case of Chile, Mercat’s partner restaurants can find Cabify as a delivery option directly from the marketplace platform.

The company plans to continue advancing the cross-dock service in the Spanish market in its warehouses. This service consists of receiving a high volume of packages from one or several customers in the central warehouse to separate the goods by delivery city and routes. In addition, Cabify Logistics will continue to progress in the parcel service with solutions based on its own warehouses and key agreements that allow improving the capillarity of the service throughout the territory. In this regard, for example, Cabify already offers a storage and delivery service for products that require refrigeration in Madrid. Its clients include companies such as Colvin, flowers and plants e-commerce, and Cervezas La Virgen.

In the coming months, Cabify Logistics will continue to work on strengthening the technology that supports the operation to remain a leader in routing, real-time tracking, and warehouse management. The customisation of Cabify Logistics’ service is based on the constant development and adaptation of its technology according to the needs of its customers and on offering a user-friendly experience. In that sense, the company is looking to add new integrations with e-commerce and logistics platforms to offer a more agile way to customers who wish to start using the service.

“We are betting heavily on Cabify Logistics and will invest in strengthening our technology and team. This line of business started with five people, and to date, there are already more than 50 of us, in addition to Cabify’s central resources. We are reinforcing the team in the countries where we operate to scale the service we provide to our customers, and we will invest in strengthening our customer service centre and its technology to accelerate our 24/7 multichannel service,” Pascual said.

In terms of fleet, the company will continue to offer motorbike and car services in Latin America, where it is already the leader. As a novelty, it plans to introduce one tonne or more cargo vehicles soon and to continue increasing the electric and zero-emission fleet by including bicycles and electric scooters. In the case of Spain, 100% of Cabify Logistics’ own fleet are electric vans dedicated exclusively to the parcel service.

 

Cabify launches logistics brand

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Cabify, the international multi-mobility platform, has opened a new chapter in its diversification of mobility solutions, this time aimed at the storage and transfer of goods, with the launch of the new Cabify Logistics brand in Spain and Latin America. With this new line of business, the company seeks to continue to grow and consolidate its position as an ally of mobility in cities, offering a safe, efficient, and sustainable quality service, taking advantage of the potential of technology.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Cabify made an ambitious commitment to the delivery service to make it easier for individuals and companies to distribute parcels in cities. Over time, the company began to gain relevance with its B2B2C service and, today, is positioned in the logistics market as a full-service technology provider, an ally of companies with online sales that seek to deliver their products in the best conditions and with multiple options. Proof of this is the accelerated evolution of this line of the company: from January to June this year, this business grew more than 2.5x, with a portfolio of more than 5,000 customers globally, among which are large companies such as Mercado Libre, among others. In addition, the platform has successfully developed strategic integrations with Shopify and Mercado Envíos Flex.

“Last year we focused on reinforcing the personalisation of the service, adapting new functionalities according to the needs of our customers. Our strong safety and quality strategy, reinforced by our high-efficiency level and delivery times of less than 30 minutes, opened the door to this new market,” said Vicente Pascual, Vice President of Cabify Logistics. “Being a service offered by Cabify has allowed us to gain the trust of thousands of companies that already know us for our ride-hailing service, which has been an important trigger for our growth. Cabify is a consolidated brand in the multi-mobility market with more than 10 years of presence in Europe and Latin America. That strength has allowed us to exceed 500,000 deliveries within eight months of launching the service in 2020, five times faster than the time it took us in our beginnings to make the first 500,000 trips,” he added.

Given the growth in demand for logistics-related services, Cabify has identified an opportunity to continue growing in this sector and expand its portfolio of mobility-related solutions. Logistics has become a new market for Cabify, which poses a new challenge for the brand as well. This line of business comprises a different type of service. It is aimed at a different audience with specific needs, which requires a new way of identifying and relating to the one that Cabify has been using until now. The new Cabify Logistics brand will accompany all logistics services aimed at companies.

New challenges: restaurants and technology

The company aims to close the year growing five times more than last year in this new line of business. To this end, Cabify expects to invest $20m in Cabify Logistics. The main focus of Cabify Logistics will continue to be the urban last-mile logistic service in Spain, Colombia, Argentina, Peru, and Chile for companies in sectors such as e-commerce, retail or pharma.

Specifically, in the Latin American market, the strategy will focus on offering immediate deliveries to supermarkets and retailers. Also, in this region, the company has started offering last-mile logistics services for restaurants that already have their own delivery order channel or use online ordering systems such as Chile’s Mercat. Chains such as Wendy’s and KFC in Argentina already use Cabify Logistics as a logistics provider. In the case of Chile, Mercat’s partner restaurants can find Cabify as a delivery option directly from the marketplace platform.

The company plans to continue advancing the cross-dock service in the Spanish market in its warehouses. This service consists of receiving a high volume of packages from one or several customers in the central warehouse to separate the goods by delivery city and routes. In addition, Cabify Logistics will continue to progress in the parcel service with solutions based on its own warehouses and key agreements that allow improving the capillarity of the service throughout the territory. In this regard, for example, Cabify already offers a storage and delivery service for products that require refrigeration in Madrid. Its clients include companies such as Colvin, flowers and plants e-commerce, and Cervezas La Virgen.

In the coming months, Cabify Logistics will continue to work on strengthening the technology that supports the operation to remain a leader in routing, real-time tracking, and warehouse management. The customisation of Cabify Logistics’ service is based on the constant development and adaptation of its technology according to the needs of its customers and on offering a user-friendly experience. In that sense, the company is looking to add new integrations with e-commerce and logistics platforms to offer a more agile way to customers who wish to start using the service.

“We are betting heavily on Cabify Logistics and will invest in strengthening our technology and team. This line of business started with five people, and to date, there are already more than 50 of us, in addition to Cabify’s central resources. We are reinforcing the team in the countries where we operate to scale the service we provide to our customers, and we will invest in strengthening our customer service centre and its technology to accelerate our 24/7 multichannel service,” Pascual said.

In terms of fleet, the company will continue to offer motorbike and car services in Latin America, where it is already the leader. As a novelty, it plans to introduce one tonne or more cargo vehicles soon and to continue increasing the electric and zero-emission fleet by including bicycles and electric scooters. In the case of Spain, 100% of Cabify Logistics’ own fleet are electric vans dedicated exclusively to the parcel service.

 

First Hydrogen vans receive certification

Posted on by David Priestman

First Hydrogen, an automotive and energy developer, has announced that its first zero emission light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have been certified legal on British roads by the Vehicle Certification Authority.

The vehicles will now be able to undertake customer trials on public roads commencing January 2023 for a period of 24 months, during which the company expects to collect significant proprietary data from fleet owners and to capture high-level interest for future orders. The vans will be trialled in real-world conditions with major fleet operators initially in the UK and enable First Hydrogen to publicly showcase its leading design and accelerate the adoption by light commercial vehicle owners of fuel cell-powered vehicles to replace ageing diesel fleets. A total of 13 UK fleet operators in various industries including telecoms, utilities, infrastructure, delivery, grocery and healthcare have signed up to participate in the trials.

These two demonstrator vehicles will showcase the advantages fuel cell electric vehicles have over battery electric vehicles in terms of range and refuelling speed. First Hydrogen vehicles offer 400-600km of range on a single refuelling, which takes a matter of minutes. The certification is a significant milestone for the company and will help with further approvals required as First Hydrogen scales up its vehicle demonstrator programme to trial the vehicles in the European Union, United States and Canada. The global light commercial vehicle market is projected to reach $786.5bn by 2030 and First Hydrogen’s vehicles will help the sector meet zero emission targets.

First Hydrogen is also working in parallel to arrange green hydrogen generation and distribution under its “Hydrogen as a Service” or HaaS program to provide a holistic solution to the market. First Hydrogen’s plans are underway in the UK, Europe, and North America to provide this solution.

Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, says: “This is an important step which validates our engineering and technical expertise. The whole team has worked hard to deliver this certification and we can now move forward with the important customer trials commencing in early 2023.”

Balraj Mann, Chairman and CEO of First Hydrogen Corp., states: “We are proud of our Automotive team and their recent accomplishments. I am excited about the groundwork laid by the whole team and, as we move forward, executing our business plan in the coming months. Green hydrogen is becoming a clean alternative answer to fossil fuels.”

First Hydrogen vans receive certification

Posted on by Keith McKinley

First Hydrogen, an automotive and energy developer, has announced that its first zero emission light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have been certified legal on British roads by the Vehicle Certification Authority.

The vehicles will now be able to undertake customer trials on public roads commencing January 2023 for a period of 24 months, during which the company expects to collect significant proprietary data from fleet owners and to capture high-level interest for future orders. The vans will be trialled in real-world conditions with major fleet operators initially in the UK and enable First Hydrogen to publicly showcase its leading design and accelerate the adoption by light commercial vehicle owners of fuel cell-powered vehicles to replace ageing diesel fleets. A total of 13 UK fleet operators in various industries including telecoms, utilities, infrastructure, delivery, grocery and healthcare have signed up to participate in the trials.

These two demonstrator vehicles will showcase the advantages fuel cell electric vehicles have over battery electric vehicles in terms of range and refuelling speed. First Hydrogen vehicles offer 400-600km of range on a single refuelling, which takes a matter of minutes. The certification is a significant milestone for the company and will help with further approvals required as First Hydrogen scales up its vehicle demonstrator programme to trial the vehicles in the European Union, United States and Canada. The global light commercial vehicle market is projected to reach $786.5bn by 2030 and First Hydrogen’s vehicles will help the sector meet zero emission targets.

First Hydrogen is also working in parallel to arrange green hydrogen generation and distribution under its “Hydrogen as a Service” or HaaS program to provide a holistic solution to the market. First Hydrogen’s plans are underway in the UK, Europe, and North America to provide this solution.

Steve Gill, CEO of Automotive for First Hydrogen, says: “This is an important step which validates our engineering and technical expertise. The whole team has worked hard to deliver this certification and we can now move forward with the important customer trials commencing in early 2023.”

Balraj Mann, Chairman and CEO of First Hydrogen Corp., states: “We are proud of our Automotive team and their recent accomplishments. I am excited about the groundwork laid by the whole team and, as we move forward, executing our business plan in the coming months. Green hydrogen is becoming a clean alternative answer to fossil fuels.”

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