March 2023

SnapControl – Warehouse Automation Connectivity

Posted on 28 March, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Synergy, the experts behind cloud-based WMS software SnapFulfil, have unveiled a breakthrough tech solution that orchestrates all automation devices and robotic systems within the warehouse from one centralized and convenient platform. As a multiagent, rather than just a point solution, SnapControl brings a more uniform approach to automation, which also makes this pioneering orchestration platform completely device and technology agnostic.

Synergy has successfully delivered the solution in an expanding customer DC, featuring AMRs and automated packaging systems, where SnapControl was deployed in just weeks, without major software upheavals. This deployment is the first of many as more businesses explore the need for many different types of automation in their warehouses.

Rich Pirrotta, Group CEO said: “As businesses adopt new technologies and automation to mitigate labour challenges and make warehouses more efficient and productive, the ability to rapidly integrate and operate these investments is critical. Synergy is one of the very few WMS providers with an integrated, holistic and high value solution that can be deployed quickly, cost effectively and with minimum disruption.”

SnapControl orchestrates the prioritization of work, automatically allocates tasks and workflows, evaluates which robotic devices best match specific operations, and enables data capture to assess the value each device yields – all with a low total cost of ownership and rapid time to value. Equally, it connects to all types of devices, including RF, AMRs, Conveyors, Palletizers, Putwalls, ASRS, etc, plus in any possible transport method (API, CSV, etc,) – and if one type stops working, you can switch over to another device quickly and in real-time. SnapControl uniquely promotes bi-directional MQTT (MQ Telemetry Transport) messaging and conversational decision-making between the WMS and remote warehouse devices, which typically have a small code footprint and minimal network bandwidth.

“In other words, SnapControl speaks to the devices and the devices talk back, enabling the most efficient warehouse decisions to be made automatically,” explained Pirrotta.

Consequently, it’s an ideal solution for mixed portfolio and multiple vendors offering both AMRs and other autonomous/manual systems, plus it works hand in hand with SnapFulfil and any other incumbent WMS, OMS or e-commerce front end system – both in the cloud or locally. This latest technological differentiator from Synergy facilitates a much more efficient and adaptable warehouse that accelerates integration and gives customers the freedom to choose automation and robotic devices that best fit specific operational needs and can futureproof the business and workforce needs. Additional benefits due to the power of SnapFulfil’s Tier 1 WMS rules engine functionality include the capacity to make adjustments for expiry dates and traceability, create buffers for delaying tasks and manage exceptions without downtime.

Pirrotta concludes: “Single point integrations prolong onboarding time, slow growth and often operate within ineffective and separate silos. In today’s especially challenging times the ability to rapidly augment and orchestrate your technology investments, without unnecessary service fees, has never been more important. It’s now mission critical to harness control with 24/7 visibility from one centralized system.”

To download a free handy guide explaining multiagent orchestration and its many benefits visit here.

New Distribution Centre has Latest Automation

Posted on 28 March, 2023 by David Priestman

Ground was recently broken for a new distribution centre where Dematic is set to supply the latest warehouse automation technology to parent company KION Group at its site in Kahl am Main near Aschaffenburg, Germany.

When completed in roughly two years, brands within KION Group will use the facility for delivering spare parts across Europe. The goal is to ensure more efficient customer deliveries. Dematic is scheduled to install a highly dynamic Dematic Multishuttle® with 110,000 storage locations and 150 shuttles to handle automatic storage and retrieval. In addition, US-headquartered company is building a 6-aisle, scalable high-bay warehouse with a silo design and almost 24,000 pallet spaces. Fellow KION Group brand, Linde Material Handling, will supply several autonomous mobile robots (AMRs).

“This new, highly automated spare parts warehouse is a flagship project for both Dematic and the entire KION Group and a prime example of our combined strengths in terms of our own technologies within KION,” explains Andrea Campora, Senior Vice President at Dematic EMEA, adding, “Dematic and Linde plan to share the site when it is ready. It will result in a closer integration with employees from different areas benefiting from each other’s expertise.” While Dematic is a specialist in the Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) segment at KION, Linde has expertise in the Industrial Trucks & Services (ITS) segment.

In addition to more efficient processes, the new spare parts warehouse offers other benefits. “The logistics centre allows us to expand our production capacities, makes us less dependent on external supply chains, and lays the foundation for growing our business in German-speaking regions and beyond,” says Campora.

The new facility is also anticipated to create a near 100% spare parts availability. Dematic is expecting higher customer satisfaction through faster deliveries. Thanks to the environmentally friendly construction and a photovoltaic system, the CO2 savings also help to make the site as climate neutral as possible.

The new warehouse’s multishuttle is capable of handling different container type sizes to automatically store and retrieve goods. Items that are too large for totes and that cannot be stored in the multishuttle are packed onto pallets and stored in one of the six high-bay warehouse aisles. A special feature of the facility is that the multishuttle will be installed on a steel structure approximately five meters high. Picking workstations, packing stations, and other operational areas will be located under this massive platform. Smooth and automated material flow will be ensured by electric floor conveyors and modular conveyor systems from Dematic along with AMRs from Linde MH.

“The increased level of service allows the system to process orders that arrive by 4 pm on the same day,” Campora explains, adding, “These orders can then be in transit or already on-site the following day.”

The project once again underlines the close cooperation and comprehensive solution expertise under the umbrella of the KION Group. The ground-breaking ceremony took place at the end of February, and completion and joint move-in are projected for early 2025.

“Completion of this project is a milestone naturally internally for KION’s strategic goals, but the positive impact of this new facility will be felt by all of our customers and that is the way it should be – for the benefit of our customers,” sums up Campora.

Dematic designs, builds, and supports intelligent automated solutions empowering and sustaining the future of commerce for its customers in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. With research and development engineering centres, manufacturing facilities, and service centres located in more than 35 countries, the Dematic global network of over 11,000 employees has helped achieve approximately 8,000 worldwide customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions.

New Distribution Centre has Latest Automation

Posted on 28 March, 202325 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Successful Through Tradition for Beumer

Posted on 28 March, 2023 by David Priestman

FAM Group has been part of the Beumer Group since May 2022. FAM plans, designs and manufactures turnkey plant and systems to extract, transport, load and store minerals, raw materials and goods. Through this acquisition, Beumer Group has considerably strengthened its market position in the minerals and mining sectors. But what is FAM?

FAM Group is a globally active manufacturer of conveyor systems which has its headquarters in Magdeburg. The mid-sized company is one of the world’s leading full-range bulk handling and processing equipment suppliers. The company’s journey started with the construction of steam engines in the mid-19th century. Over a period of just a few decades starting in the 1830s, Magdeburg witnessed the growth of one of Germany’s major industrial centres. In the early 20th century, the industrial areas in and around Magdeburg continued to grow. Increasing numbers of technical innovations first saw the light of day here – for example, the first double-portal excavators for coal mining, which were developed and built by the company.

During the Second World War, and more precisely on 16th January 1945, Magdeburg was almost completely destroyed for the second time in its history. Due to the changed political circumstances, Magdeburger Maschinenfabriken – as FAM was called at the time – became a state-owned company. Following the reunification of Germany in 1990, industry in Magdeburg and the mechanical engineering sector in the area underwent a deep-seated structural change. The majority of the businesses in the area were unable to keep pace. FAM Förderanlagen Magdeburg, which was the new name of the company, was more fortunate: In 1993, it was privatized and able to make a fresh start.

A difficult period of modernization followed. FAM stayed the course and developed from being a component manufacturer and supplier to become a general contractor offering custom-built conveyor solutions. Nowadays, the provider supplies state-of-the-art machines for the extraction, handling and preparation of raw materials. FAM is one of the global market leaders in its sector. The company stands out for its impressive, high-level engineering expertise. In this way, FAM is successfully continuing the tradition of mechanical engineering in Magdeburg. The Group has subsidiaries around the globe. It has customers in more than 80 countries. These rely on the bulk materials handling equipment, loading systems and opencast mining technology from Magdeburg to transport raw materials or extend port facilities. FAM offers consulting, planning, development, design engineering, assembly and commissioning services, all from a single supplier. However, the company’s range of activities also includes quality management and monitoring, maintenance, conversions and service.

In addition to expanding the BEUMER Group’s portfolio, FAM Group’s expertise and global positioning also complement Beumer’s competence in the planning of plant and equipment projects. The company brings planning, engineering, and the entire value chain to the Beumer Group, as well as aftersales service.

Successful Through Tradition for Beumer

Posted on 28 March, 202325 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Build-to-suit Warehouse Unit Agreed

Posted on 27 March, 2023 by David Priestman

Prologis, a leading developer of logistics property, has signed an agreement with Hankook Tyre UK Ltd, to provide a new build-to-suit warehouse unit at Prologis Apex Park, in Daventry.

Hankook Tire & Technology is one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers and its UK subsidiary has used the location of Daventry, including Apex Park, as its main distribution hub. The company has agreed terms to take DC9, a brand new, high spec unit comprising 357,221 sq. ft. on a 22-acre site on the park. Construction is scheduled to complete in early 2024.

Since entering the highly competitive UK tyre market in 1993, Hankook has been recognised as an industry leader – in product performance, innovation, productivity and sustainability. This new development forms part of the organisation’s plans to continue to grow its UK business.

Prologis Apex Park is part of a thriving employment area on the northern edge of Daventry in Northamptonshire. The site, which sits within the logistics ‘golden triangle’ at the heart of the UK’s motorway and rail network, has convenient access to the A45, M1 and M45, as well as the rail freight facilities located at nearby Prologis RFI DIRFT. Other Prologis customers at Apex Park include Toolstation, JD Wetherspoon, Hellmann Logistics, Optima Logistics and Cummins.

Construction of DC9 at Apex Park for Hankook is another example of Prologis’ ability to offer customer-centric development – with the unit size and specification tailored to meet Hankook’s requirements from the outset.

James Straw, Associate, Capital Deployment and Leasing at Prologis UK, said: “Hankook has been a customer of ours at Apex Park for a number of years and so it’s fantastic to be able to work with the business to provide a new state of the art logistics facility for their future growth and expansion. At Prologis we have a strong track record of delivering build to suit projects and are constantly looking at ways to improve our buildings. We are delighted to be delivering a building which will meet Hankook’s high expectations both operationally and from a sustainability perspective. Construction will soon be underway and like Hankook, we can’t wait to see DC9 come out of the ground.”

Chang Yool Han, Managing Director of Hankook Tyre UK, said: “Apex Park was the obvious choice for our growth as it meant we were able to provide continuity for our existing staff, and execute our growth in the utmost sustainable and ecofriendly manner plus it serves as an excellent central location for the UK market that we supply. We have been working with our advisors Drake & Partners and Excello Law for a significant period to understand our current and future requirements to grow the business and Prologis have also worked closely with us to accommodate what we need. Moving into DC9 is a significant step on our growth journey and we are looking forward to working with Prologis further”.

DC9 at Prologis Apex Park is due to start imminently, with completion expected in early 2024. Prologis were advised by ILP Partners, Cushman & Wakefield and Colliers. Hankook was advised by Drake & Partners.

Build-to-suit Warehouse Unit Agreed

Posted on 27 March, 20237 August, 2025 by David Priestman

Prologis, a leading developer of logistics property, has signed an agreement with Hankook Tyre UK Ltd, to provide a new build-to-suit warehouse unit at Prologis Apex Park, in Daventry.

Product Longevity Improves Commercial Sustainability

Posted on 27 March, 2023 by David Priestman

Whilst the effects of global warming have long been hitting the headlines, the number of devastating, large scale environmental incidents are only accelerating. From record-breaking fires sweeping our most protectable climate change buffer, the Amazon rainforest, to the unprecedented flooding of Death Valley, these climate crises must propel businesses across the globe to drive change.

Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability, the latest Love Sustainability insights report from Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP), reveals corporate stakeholders (95%) and consumers (52%) are calling for more action from businesses in relation to climate change. But this shared drive for change sits against a backdrop of commercial considerations and in the face of inflation, which was cited by 80% of businesses as their most significant challenge in the coming years.

Supporting businesses in turning sustainability ideas into action, the new report helps to identify and overcome future challenges to implementation and provides data-driven recommendations to combat ‘green confusion’, reassess purchasing decisions and ultimately improve operational and systemic sustainability.

Whilst findings from the report show that the number one issuecited as a barrier by businesses is a lack of sustainable products, Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability dispels the myth that recycled materials are the only route to ‘greener practices’. It argues that low frequency sustainability – making significant strides in the reduction of consumption – is far more effective than an increase in so-called ‘green purchasing’ for both the planet and business’ budgets.

For 60% of businesses the perceived investment and increase in ongoing costs for more sustainable practices is considered a barrier to implementation. The report reveals that by extending the life cycle of passive products, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental impact by up to 72% and their costs by up to a third. This subsequent reallocation of resource and investment will allow organisations to invest in innovation, improving their overall sustainability.

“We know that a staggering 95% of decision makers want to do more on sustainability but face various challenges to implementation. RCP is dedicated to being part of a concerted sustainability effort across the business world not just through its products, but through vital education and sustainability tools. The brand has already made progress when it comes to changing attitudes surrounding efficacy and cost of sustainable products but there is still work to be done,’’ explained Emilio Capelli, VP Sales & Marketing International for Commercial at Newell Brands.

RCP announced its Love Sustainability Journey last year to start open, transparent conversations surrounding its own sustainability practices. The brand set clear targets and created a set of initiatives that cover areas of the business where it can make initial gains. With 85% of businesses ranking product longevity as the most important of those initiatives, it’s clear why a laser sharp focus on durability is central to all RCP products across waste and recycling, cleaning and hygiene categories. Supported by industry leading warranties and clear accreditation, the brand creates products that lift the sustainability of every partner it works with.

Capelli continued: ‘’At Newell Brands and RCP, we believe that when businesses raise the tide of sustainability, we are all elevated by it. Let’s do this together.’’

The Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability report is available for download here.

Product Longevity Improves Commercial Sustainability

Posted on 27 March, 202331 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Capelli continued: ‘’At Newell Brands and RCP, we believe that when businesses raise the tide of sustainability, we are all elevated by it. Let’s do this together.’’

The Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability report is available for download here.

New US Tech Campus for stow

Posted on 27 March, 2023 by David Priestman

Stow’s new tech campus location, opening in early April of 2023, will be the new base of operations for both stow US, Inc. and the stow Group’s North American automation business unit, stow Robotics US. With ground-breaking technology and warehouse automation solutions from the robotics group, the innovative campus will be a technology and experience centre along with offices for solution sales, engineering and design, project management, aftermarket sales, and service & support. With the new facility, stow Group brings together all qualitative, industrial racking systems with its warehouse automation solutions such as the stow Atlas® 1D and 2D Automated Pallet Shuttle, stow Mobile®, stow e.scala® 3D Robotic Bin Storage Order Fulfilment Solution, and the iFollow AMR for picking and in-house transport in warehouses and distribution centres. Now with this unique combination of products, stow Group provides an all-round solution with innovative technology sets that are:

EFFICIENT: reaching any SKU, on any level, within a highly utilized warehouse cubic space
INTEGRATED: with the ability to be seamlessly linked together (stow Atlas® 2D, e.scala®, iFollow) to manage a complete warehouse
QUICKLY DEPLOYED: leveraging global resources and strategies to deliver solutions faster than the industry average
SCALABLE: As business operations expand, we can easily add storage locations, shuttles, and AMRs to accommodate this dynamic need
COST EFFECTIVE: providing a near ‘out-of-the-box’ solution for customers and integrators

The brand new North American technology and experience centre in Romeoville will give the stow Group a unique opportunity to showcase our newest automation solutions to our customers. This is the next step in the fast build-up of our activities on the North American market. We are thrilled to see the first big stow Atlas® 2D installations being installed on the market, and are very confident about our future on the North American market.

Jos De Vuyst, CEO of stow Group, said, “stow Group is quickly emerging as a leading warehouse racking and automation provider and is growing at an astonishing rate, both in Europe and the US.

“Our employees continue to be our greatest assets. We’re excited to give them the tools and resources they need to be successful by investing in state-of-the-art facilities like our new Romeoville campus,” added Nathan Richter, Managing Director of stow Group USA. “In addition, the new technology centre will allow our customers to get a first-hand experience with the automation and how it will fit their product/application. We understand that uptime is critical to a customer’s success; to that end, we have planned to inventory spare parts, AMRs, and robot shuttles to increase our service and support offerings domestically as well as improve response times and recoverability. Service and maintenance training for our customers will also be offered to ease the transition into automation.”

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