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Month: October 2022

XPO road-rail freight solution for Wavin

Posted on by Keith McKinley

XPO Logistics has introduced an innovative road-rail freight solution to reduce emissions for Wavin, one of the world’s top manufacturers of plastic pipe systems for residential and non-residential use. XPO has partnered with Wavin since 2018, managing the transport of products from plants in Wiltshire and South Yorkshire to destinations throughout the UK.

XPO successfully trialled the road-rail combination in June and implemented the full solution in September through a rail service agreement with Malcolm Logistics. XPO transports Wavin products by road from a production site in Chippenham, Wiltshire, to Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT), near Crick, where they are transported by rail to Grangemouth Rail Terminal in Scotland. From there, the XPO fleet and drivers are deployed to complete the final deliveries.

It is envisaged that the service will be used five days per week, with up to six multimodal rail containers transported daily. The road-rail combination will significantly lower annual C02 emissions by an estimated 58% and reduce NOx by18.8 tonnes yearly, with the full benefits realised once all the rail freight containers are in place. The solution is managed by XPO’s technology platform, which integrates all of the company’s transport services for Wavin, including dedicated truckload, less-than-truckload and a bespoke parcel delivery service.

Andrew Crosby, global director – indirect procurement, Wavin, said: “XPO’s road-rail solution is another example of our partner’s proactive approach to innovation. Our collaboration with XPO is delivering measurable improvements in on-time performance and cost reduction, and now we are further reducing the emissions of our operations on pace with our sustainability goals.”

Dan Myers, managing director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “Both Wavin and XPO understand the importance of taking responsibility to drive innovation and step changes in environmental performance. With our latest initiative, we are achieving these two critical goals together. As partners, we will continue to deliver for Wavin’s customers and the environment.”

85% in transport and logistics consider leaving

Posted on by David Priestman

New research by Cool Company has found that, during the last 12 months, 85% of those in the transport and logistics industry have considered or are still considering leaving contracting.

Following the proposal of the repeal of the Off-payroll legislation and the subsequent government U-turn, the digital payroll solution for contractors Cool Company, wanted to find out how the uncertainty was impacting contractors. Of the respondents, who have been contracting for an average of just over five years, 49% were concerned that there will be further reforms in the future, causing more uncertainty, while 50% raised concerns about the potential cost implications of an IR35 repeal or further reforms.

While potential legislation changes are troubling, there are other issues that are of greater priority for contractors in the current economic climate.

Contractors in the older age bracket (55-64) voiced worries about, material shortages (31%), labour and material costs (27%), health and safety (27%), and late payments (27%). While younger contractors (25-34)  shared concerns about late payments (19%), poor cash flow (26%), and finding new clients (24%). 19% of the younger contractors were also worried about finding ways to work around IR35 legislation and any potential changes to the legislation.

Worryingly, these combined strains have meant that during the last 12 months, 76% of contractors have considered or are still considering leaving contracting – including 85% of those in the transport and logistics industry, and half (50%) of all 55–64-year-olds. Which could leave an enormous skill shortage in a range of industries.

Cool Company’s Head of Business, Kris Simpson, comments: “According to our research, right now, UK contractors are working an average of 58% of their contracts within IR35 and more than half (54%) say their client charge rate has increased in the last quarter. Although the initial implementation of the Off-payroll legislation was not without its pain points, it is no longer the primary concern for contractors as it stands. It now seems the uncertainty surrounding future changes to IR35 and worries such as cash flow, finding new clients, and general economic concerns have become the greatest priority for many.

“Although the proposal to repeal the Off-payroll legislation came with the best of intentions for the economy, it – and any future revisions – can only cause further disruption to the industry. There are better ways to support businesses and their workers through this difficult economic period than once again changing the rules they have to work with.”

85% in transport and logistics consider leaving

Posted on by David Priestman

New research by Cool Company has found that, during the last 12 months, 85% of those in the transport and logistics industry have considered or are still considering leaving contracting.

Following the proposal of the repeal of the Off-payroll legislation and the subsequent government U-turn, the digital payroll solution for contractors Cool Company, wanted to find out how the uncertainty was impacting contractors. Of the respondents, who have been contracting for an average of just over five years, 49% were concerned that there will be further reforms in the future, causing more uncertainty, while 50% raised concerns about the potential cost implications of an IR35 repeal or further reforms.

While potential legislation changes are troubling, there are other issues that are of greater priority for contractors in the current economic climate.

Contractors in the older age bracket (55-64) voiced worries about, material shortages (31%), labour and material costs (27%), health and safety (27%), and late payments (27%). While younger contractors (25-34)  shared concerns about late payments (19%), poor cash flow (26%), and finding new clients (24%). 19% of the younger contractors were also worried about finding ways to work around IR35 legislation and any potential changes to the legislation.

Worryingly, these combined strains have meant that during the last 12 months, 76% of contractors have considered or are still considering leaving contracting – including 85% of those in the transport and logistics industry, and half (50%) of all 55–64-year-olds. Which could leave an enormous skill shortage in a range of industries.

Cool Company’s Head of Business, Kris Simpson, comments: “According to our research, right now, UK contractors are working an average of 58% of their contracts within IR35 and more than half (54%) say their client charge rate has increased in the last quarter. Although the initial implementation of the Off-payroll legislation was not without its pain points, it is no longer the primary concern for contractors as it stands. It now seems the uncertainty surrounding future changes to IR35 and worries such as cash flow, finding new clients, and general economic concerns have become the greatest priority for many.

“Although the proposal to repeal the Off-payroll legislation came with the best of intentions for the economy, it – and any future revisions – can only cause further disruption to the industry. There are better ways to support businesses and their workers through this difficult economic period than once again changing the rules they have to work with.”

Prologis launches social value white paper

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Prologis UK and Tritax, two of the biggest names in logistics property development, have joined forces to publish a report designed to inspire other businesses in the construction and logistics sectors to take a more proactive approach to delivering social value.

The report, entitled ‘Building for Social Good’ shares the experiences of both companies in their efforts to deliver a positive impact to people and communities in the areas where they own and develop logistics properties. Importantly, the report also explains how each has successfully managed their social impact through the use of data, which has enabled accurate and meaningful measurement. This in turn has helped to engender the support needed to prioritise social value delivery in the future.

Both Prologis UK and Tritax have used a social value measurement tool, called the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) Framework. Mapped to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this Framework enables businesses to quantify the social and local economic value of their activities by attributing a monetary value equivalent to them. This in turn enables businesses to measure and manage social value.

The National TOMs Framework centres on five themes – jobs, growth, social, environment and innovation – and outcomes include wide-ranging activities such as giving up staff time for community training initiatives, creating jobs and improving the local environment.

In addition to providing guidance on its implementation, the report includes several case studies to illustrate how the Framework is being applied by Prologis and Tritax. For example, during the construction of a state-of-the-art Logistics Operations Centre for Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull, West Midlands, Prologis explains how more than £12m of social and local economic value has been committed by the project partners. Similarly, Tritax explains how a brownfield redevelopment project at Littlebrook, Dartford, is generating more than £13m in social and local economic value, including the creation of 1,300 jobs.

Simon Cox, head of sustainability, Prologis UK, said: “Once you understand the power of social value initiatives to boost jobs, create lasting economic value, attract investment and enhance employer brands, it becomes hard to argue against. Which businesses wouldn’t want to invest in social value creation, in the same way they might consider investing to improve their products or services?”

Alan Somerville, ESG Director, Tritax, commented on the company’s project at Littlebrook, saying: “Creating social and local economic value is about creating a positive legacy for the future that enhances the world in which we live and work. Our scheme at Littlebrook has enhanced biodiversity in the local area at the same time as creating valuable training and employment opportunities.”

CLICK HERE to download the report

RAJA shares growth strategy with suppliers 

Posted on by Keith McKinley

RAJA Group, a European leader in the distribution of packaging, office supplies and industrial equipment, brought together its 300 most important suppliers on October 14th in Frankfurt as part of the RAJA Group Suppliers’ Day 2022.

Led by Ulrick Parfum, Director of Purchasing and Product Offering (Packaging, Equipment, Janitorials, EPP), and Michael Behling, Head of Category, Commerce Platform & Data Management, as well as Alain Josse and Vincent Terradot, Managing Directors RAJA Office and RAJA Packaging & Equipment, the event allowed for RAJA Group to involve its main supplier partners in its ambitious development projects.

Driven by strong organic growth and a strategy of acquisitions to better meet market needs, the RAJA Group has become a key player in the field of business supplies and equipment. An independent company benefiting from the long-term vision of its President Danièle Kapel-Marcovici, a multi-specialist and multi-channel distributor with strong values and convictions, RAJA today serves more than two million companies across Europe, of all sizes and in all sectors of activity.

Despite the difficult economic climate, the Group remains as optimistic and determined as ever: “Being a supplier to the RAJA Group means having maximum exposure for your products and multiplying opportunities to sell. It is also an opportunity to create value and share the fruits of strong growth throughout Europe.  Finally, and above all, it also means ensuring the satisfaction of our customers every day,” say Josse and Terradot.

The Suppliers’ Day 2022 also allowed RAJA Group to clarify its expectations of its suppliers: “Our growth plans necessarily go hand in hand with the selection of the best manufacturers. Our aim is to build long-lasting partnerships with our strategic suppliers, based on common values: consistent product quality, excellent service, innovation, commitment to environmental responsibility and of course competitiveness,” Parfum and Behling explain.

 

RAJA shares growth strategy with suppliers 

Posted on by David Priestman

RAJA Group, a European leader in the distribution of packaging, office supplies and industrial equipment, brought together its 300 most important suppliers on October 14th in Frankfurt as part of the RAJA Group Suppliers’ Day 2022.

Led by Ulrick Parfum, Director of Purchasing and Product Offering (Packaging, Equipment, Janitorials, EPP), and Michael Behling, Head of Category, Commerce Platform & Data Management, as well as Alain Josse and Vincent Terradot, Managing Directors RAJA Office and RAJA Packaging & Equipment, the event allowed for RAJA Group to involve its main supplier partners in its ambitious development projects.

Driven by strong organic growth and a strategy of acquisitions to better meet market needs, the RAJA Group has become a key player in the field of business supplies and equipment. An independent company benefiting from the long-term vision of its President Danièle Kapel-Marcovici, a multi-specialist and multi-channel distributor with strong values and convictions, RAJA today serves more than two million companies across Europe, of all sizes and in all sectors of activity.

Despite the difficult economic climate, the Group remains as optimistic and determined as ever: “Being a supplier to the RAJA Group means having maximum exposure for your products and multiplying opportunities to sell. It is also an opportunity to create value and share the fruits of strong growth throughout Europe.  Finally, and above all, it also means ensuring the satisfaction of our customers every day,” say Josse and Terradot.

The Suppliers’ Day 2022 also allowed RAJA Group to clarify its expectations of its suppliers: “Our growth plans necessarily go hand in hand with the selection of the best manufacturers. Our aim is to build long-lasting partnerships with our strategic suppliers, based on common values: consistent product quality, excellent service, innovation, commitment to environmental responsibility and of course competitiveness,” Parfum and Behling explain.

 

Avocado distributor opens Dartford facility

Posted on by David Priestman

Mission Produce, a global leader in avocado marketing and distribution, is set to open its first UK facility at Goodman’s Crossways Commercial Park in Dartford, Kent.

Covering 101,659 sq ft, the highly-sustainable building will be used as Mission’s state-of-the-art ripening, packing, and forward distribution centre which is expected to help streamline import logistics and reduce transit times to UK customers.

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in California, Mission specialises in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados. It has an established network of 12 ripening and distribution centres globally, with avocado packing facilities in key locations including California, Mexico and Peru, and additional sourcing capabilities in South Africa. Mission leverages its global presence to serve retail, wholesale, and food service customers in more than 25 countries.

Paul Frowde, Managing Director at Mission Produce UK, said: “The opening of this distribution facility is a milestone that represents a significant opportunity for our business as we expand into the UK market.

“Goodman’s Crossways Commercial Park location was the ideal choice, blending a strategic location with a high-quality facility designed to streamline our operations. Its sustainable features and use of renewable energy are also expected to promote energy, cost and maintenance savings as we strive to maximise efficiency.”

Crossways Commercial Park’s strategic location, places 11.7 million consumers within a 60-minute drivetime. Its prime position, adjacent to Junction 1a of the M25, offers fast access to London and the national motorway network.

Developed to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification, the facility promotes energy efficiency aligning with Mission’s strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. It features a 490kWp rooftop array of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar thermal hot water, rainwater harvesting and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

With the facility expected to open in early 2023, Mission is currently undertaking a highly specialised fit-out, including the installation of a 3,000 sq ft mezzanine and a variety of cutting-edge features. Grading visibility technology to reduce handling and minimise fruit damage, advanced testing machinery to determine stages of ripeness with precision, and specialised heating and cooling systems are just some of the systems being implemented to help Mission optimise its operations and provide customers with year-round supply of the world’s finest avocados.

The Crossways Commercial Park location will also be Mission’s first facility to feature “Mission Control” technology in dedicated ripening rooms. Using a specialised atmosphere control process, this innovative system can create the optimal environment for ripening, which in turn helps enhance product quality, extend product shelf life and reduce waste.

George Glennie, development director at Goodman, said: “Crossways Commercial Park is our most sustainable UK development, with cutting-edge technology and investment in on-site renewables.

“Combined with a prime M25 location, Crossways Commercial Park offers fast access to large consumer markets, maximising logistical efficiencies and supporting Mission in its next phase of growth.”

The news follows Goodman’s leasing of Crossways 138 – another unit in Crossways Commercial Park – to premium ingredients supplier, Albion Fine Foods, leaving just one 240,884 sq ft unit remaining.

Avocado distributor opens Dartford facility

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Mission Produce, a global leader in avocado marketing and distribution, is set to open its first UK facility at Goodman’s Crossways Commercial Park in Dartford, Kent.

Covering 101,659 sq ft, the highly-sustainable building will be used as Mission’s state-of-the-art ripening, packing, and forward distribution centre which is expected to help streamline import logistics and reduce transit times to UK customers.

Founded in 1983 and headquartered in California, Mission specialises in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados. It has an established network of 12 ripening and distribution centres globally, with avocado packing facilities in key locations including California, Mexico and Peru, and additional sourcing capabilities in South Africa. Mission leverages its global presence to serve retail, wholesale, and food service customers in more than 25 countries.

Paul Frowde, Managing Director at Mission Produce UK, said: “The opening of this distribution facility is a milestone that represents a significant opportunity for our business as we expand into the UK market.

“Goodman’s Crossways Commercial Park location was the ideal choice, blending a strategic location with a high-quality facility designed to streamline our operations. Its sustainable features and use of renewable energy are also expected to promote energy, cost and maintenance savings as we strive to maximise efficiency.”

Crossways Commercial Park’s strategic location, places 11.7 million consumers within a 60-minute drivetime. Its prime position, adjacent to Junction 1a of the M25, offers fast access to London and the national motorway network.

Developed to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ specification, the facility promotes energy efficiency aligning with Mission’s strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials. It features a 490kWp rooftop array of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar thermal hot water, rainwater harvesting and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

With the facility expected to open in early 2023, Mission is currently undertaking a highly specialised fit-out, including the installation of a 3,000 sq ft mezzanine and a variety of cutting-edge features. Grading visibility technology to reduce handling and minimise fruit damage, advanced testing machinery to determine stages of ripeness with precision, and specialised heating and cooling systems are just some of the systems being implemented to help Mission optimise its operations and provide customers with year-round supply of the world’s finest avocados.

The Crossways Commercial Park location will also be Mission’s first facility to feature “Mission Control” technology in dedicated ripening rooms. Using a specialised atmosphere control process, this innovative system can create the optimal environment for ripening, which in turn helps enhance product quality, extend product shelf life and reduce waste.

George Glennie, development director at Goodman, said: “Crossways Commercial Park is our most sustainable UK development, with cutting-edge technology and investment in on-site renewables.

“Combined with a prime M25 location, Crossways Commercial Park offers fast access to large consumer markets, maximising logistical efficiencies and supporting Mission in its next phase of growth.”

The news follows Goodman’s leasing of Crossways 138 – another unit in Crossways Commercial Park – to premium ingredients supplier, Albion Fine Foods, leaving just one 240,884 sq ft unit remaining.

STILL cooperates with Hydrogentle on hydrogen

Posted on by David Priestman

STILL has been a pioneer in the field of alternative energies for years and is continuing to drive forward the use of hydrogen in intralogistics. From next year on the Hamburg-based intralogistics provider will not only be producing fuel cell systems at the company’s own plant, but has also entered into a cooperation regarding hydrogen infrastructure in order to offer customers everything from a single source.

STILL will launch its own 24V fuel cell system for warehouse trucks next year. This will be produced at the main plant in Hamburg. With this, STILL will be the first original equipment manufacturer on the European market to produce fuel cell systems – so-called battery replacement modules – at its own production facilities.

“Fuel cell technology is certainly STILL’s most innovative mainstay at the moment,” explains Frank Müller, Senior Vice President STILL Brand Management. “Particularly in view of the current crises, we believe that this technology has a great chance to succeed.

In order to advise and support its customers comprehensively in matters of fuel cell technology as well, STILL has entered into a partnership with Hydrogentle GmbH, a Hamburg-based engineering firm that plans special plant construction, prepares feasibility analyses and advises customers on the subject of hydrogen infrastructure.

“With the support of the hydrogen specialist Hydrogentle, we can, in the interest of our customers, offer a holistic approach to the topic of fuel cells,” Müller continues. Holistic means that the customer only needs one point of contact with STILL: to provide high-quality industrial trucks that are ‘fuel cell-ready’, the fuel cell, the service and the entire hydrogen infrastructure – all from a single source.

Hydrogentle GmbH, based in the Port of Hamburg, develops and implements projects and concepts in the field of green hydrogen and provides support to customers. Like STILL, Hydrogentle takes a holistic approach: consulting, evaluation and individual site assessment as well as planning, project management and implementation. At the customer’s request, Hydrogentle provides support right up to the handover of a turnkey hydrogen infrastructure for the refuelling of industrial trucks and other vehicles.

“Hydrogen and all that it entails is complicated,” says Axel Poblotzki, Managing Director of Hydrogentle GmbH. “We simplify the topic and make hydrogen- based solutions tangible at every scale.”

The one-face-to-the-customer approach takes on a special meaning in the context of hydrogen. The value chain from the production to the refuelling of hydrogen is long and complex. Different suppliers and trades have to be coordinated with each other like Swiss clockwork. This is where Hydrogentle comes in and develops everyday solutions for customers. The focus is on the technical, legal and economic feasibility of projects and concepts.

“The cooperation between our two companies will significantly simplify the consultation, the installation of infrastructure and the operation of fuel cell-powered forklift trucks for our customers,” says Müller. “We are very pleased that we were able to win Hydrogentle as a partner.”

 

STILL cooperates with Hydrogentle on hydrogen

Posted on by David Priestman

STILL has been a pioneer in the field of alternative energies for years and is continuing to drive forward the use of hydrogen in intralogistics. From next year on the Hamburg-based intralogistics provider will not only be producing fuel cell systems at the company’s own plant, but has also entered into a cooperation regarding hydrogen infrastructure in order to offer customers everything from a single source.

STILL will launch its own 24V fuel cell system for warehouse trucks next year. This will be produced at the main plant in Hamburg. With this, STILL will be the first original equipment manufacturer on the European market to produce fuel cell systems – so-called battery replacement modules – at its own production facilities.

“Fuel cell technology is certainly STILL’s most innovative mainstay at the moment,” explains Frank Müller, Senior Vice President STILL Brand Management. “Particularly in view of the current crises, we believe that this technology has a great chance to succeed.

In order to advise and support its customers comprehensively in matters of fuel cell technology as well, STILL has entered into a partnership with Hydrogentle GmbH, a Hamburg-based engineering firm that plans special plant construction, prepares feasibility analyses and advises customers on the subject of hydrogen infrastructure.

“With the support of the hydrogen specialist Hydrogentle, we can, in the interest of our customers, offer a holistic approach to the topic of fuel cells,” Müller continues. Holistic means that the customer only needs one point of contact with STILL: to provide high-quality industrial trucks that are ‘fuel cell-ready’, the fuel cell, the service and the entire hydrogen infrastructure – all from a single source.

Hydrogentle GmbH, based in the Port of Hamburg, develops and implements projects and concepts in the field of green hydrogen and provides support to customers. Like STILL, Hydrogentle takes a holistic approach: consulting, evaluation and individual site assessment as well as planning, project management and implementation. At the customer’s request, Hydrogentle provides support right up to the handover of a turnkey hydrogen infrastructure for the refuelling of industrial trucks and other vehicles.

“Hydrogen and all that it entails is complicated,” says Axel Poblotzki, Managing Director of Hydrogentle GmbH. “We simplify the topic and make hydrogen- based solutions tangible at every scale.”

The one-face-to-the-customer approach takes on a special meaning in the context of hydrogen. The value chain from the production to the refuelling of hydrogen is long and complex. Different suppliers and trades have to be coordinated with each other like Swiss clockwork. This is where Hydrogentle comes in and develops everyday solutions for customers. The focus is on the technical, legal and economic feasibility of projects and concepts.

“The cooperation between our two companies will significantly simplify the consultation, the installation of infrastructure and the operation of fuel cell-powered forklift trucks for our customers,” says Müller. “We are very pleased that we were able to win Hydrogentle as a partner.”

 

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