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Month: April 2023

Enhanced Ergonomics for Higher Productivity

Posted on by David Priestman

Horizontal order picking still holds great potential in terms of optimization, especially with enhanced ergonomics. Corresponding measures are aimed at achieving the shortest possible walking distances between the vehicle and the rack location, as well as maximal ergonomics, in order to provide the best possible support and assistance for employees. The three new mast variants of the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker enable operators to comfortably raise the truck’s forks to working height so that they needn’t bend down when handling the goods. This conserves the employees’ strength and energy and protects their physical health.

“Process and supply chains that are becoming more digitized, a growing number of product variants and, last but not least, demands for the highest possible pick rates mean that logistics managers in warehouses and distribution centres are increasingly looking for automated solutions,” says Manuel Seidel, Product Manager Automation. “While the actual picking process, i.e., retrieving the goods from the rack and placing them on the goods carrier, needs to be done manually, the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker can at least assist the operator with moving in the rack aisle. This saves time and energy and increases productivity,” says Seidel, outlining the main advantages.

With the three new mast variants, the semi-automated order picker now offers operators even more benefits in the form of enhanced ergonomics. The compact Linde N20 C L SA is designed for order picking from the lowest rack level onto a pallet that can be loaded with 1200kg of weight. The forks on this model can be raised to an ergonomic height, allowing the operator to place the picked goods on the pallet while maintaining a posture that is easy on the back. Owing to its compact design, the order picker proves to be extremely manoeuvrable even when fully loaded. The Linde N20 C D SA, which offers a maximum load capacity of 1200kg on the main lift, can pick up two pallets separately and transport them one above the other in a space-saving manner. This mast variant is particularly suitable for longer transport distances. Heavy goods are transported on the initial lift, fragile goods on the main lift. The Linde N20 C LoL SA order picker enables the filling of two pallets in just one order picking cycle thanks to its long load arms and the additional liftable fork. The operator starts with one pallet at the desired height, while the second pallet is secured vertically to the back of the fork with a special safety device. As soon as the first pallet is filled, it is lowered onto the load arms and placed at the front of the fork. The second pallet is then transferred onto the forks and can also be loaded at a height that is easy on the back. In the process, the mast can be controlled to the right and left of the backrest.

More efficiency through semi-automated driving modes

The new mast variants expand the Linde N20 C SA’s range of applications. The main characteristic of the semi-automated order picker is the choice between two driving modes that are geared towards the two main customer applications: In the first, the worker moves in a U-shape in the rack area, initially picking only on one side and then switching to the other. The truck follows the operator through the aisle, avoiding minor obstacles and stopping automatically at the end of the aisle. If the operator stops to load up goods, the truck stops as well; if the employee moves forward, the truck continues on automatically. This saves operators a lot of walking, as they do not need to return to the driver’s platform each time to move the truck to the next rack position. The second travel mode is used when picking is taking place on both rack sides at the same time, resulting in a Z-shaped path. In this case, the operator sends the vehicle ahead using a remote control. At the end of the rack aisle, the operator gets onto the order picker and drives to the next aisle.

When asked for whom the semi-automatic order picker option pays off, Manuel Seidel says: “Depending on the application, an increase in efficiency of between six and 15 percent can be achieved. If you calculate an increase in productivity of around ten percent, the additional investment will have paid for itself in about a year in a two-shift operation with standard industry wage costs.” Another advantage is that the vehicles can be seamlessly integrated into the customer’s existing processes.

Safety at the highest level

To ensure a high level of safety, the semi-automated vehicles feature integrated high-performance safety scanners at the front that detect people, obstacles and other trucks and can thus prevent collisions. The vehicles also maintain a minimum distance of 50 centimetres from the rack to ensure a safe and comfortable working space for the operator.

Enhanced Ergonomics for Higher Productivity

Posted on by David Priestman

Horizontal order picking still holds great potential in terms of optimization, especially with enhanced ergonomics. Corresponding measures are aimed at achieving the shortest possible walking distances between the vehicle and the rack location, as well as maximal ergonomics, in order to provide the best possible support and assistance for employees. The three new mast variants of the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker enable operators to comfortably raise the truck’s forks to working height so that they needn’t bend down when handling the goods. This conserves the employees’ strength and energy and protects their physical health.

“Process and supply chains that are becoming more digitized, a growing number of product variants and, last but not least, demands for the highest possible pick rates mean that logistics managers in warehouses and distribution centres are increasingly looking for automated solutions,” says Manuel Seidel, Product Manager Automation. “While the actual picking process, i.e., retrieving the goods from the rack and placing them on the goods carrier, needs to be done manually, the Linde N20 C SA semi-automated order picker can at least assist the operator with moving in the rack aisle. This saves time and energy and increases productivity,” says Seidel, outlining the main advantages.

With the three new mast variants, the semi-automated order picker now offers operators even more benefits in the form of enhanced ergonomics. The compact Linde N20 C L SA is designed for order picking from the lowest rack level onto a pallet that can be loaded with 1200kg of weight. The forks on this model can be raised to an ergonomic height, allowing the operator to place the picked goods on the pallet while maintaining a posture that is easy on the back. Owing to its compact design, the order picker proves to be extremely manoeuvrable even when fully loaded. The Linde N20 C D SA, which offers a maximum load capacity of 1200kg on the main lift, can pick up two pallets separately and transport them one above the other in a space-saving manner. This mast variant is particularly suitable for longer transport distances. Heavy goods are transported on the initial lift, fragile goods on the main lift. The Linde N20 C LoL SA order picker enables the filling of two pallets in just one order picking cycle thanks to its long load arms and the additional liftable fork. The operator starts with one pallet at the desired height, while the second pallet is secured vertically to the back of the fork with a special safety device. As soon as the first pallet is filled, it is lowered onto the load arms and placed at the front of the fork. The second pallet is then transferred onto the forks and can also be loaded at a height that is easy on the back. In the process, the mast can be controlled to the right and left of the backrest.

More efficiency through semi-automated driving modes

The new mast variants expand the Linde N20 C SA’s range of applications. The main characteristic of the semi-automated order picker is the choice between two driving modes that are geared towards the two main customer applications: In the first, the worker moves in a U-shape in the rack area, initially picking only on one side and then switching to the other. The truck follows the operator through the aisle, avoiding minor obstacles and stopping automatically at the end of the aisle. If the operator stops to load up goods, the truck stops as well; if the employee moves forward, the truck continues on automatically. This saves operators a lot of walking, as they do not need to return to the driver’s platform each time to move the truck to the next rack position. The second travel mode is used when picking is taking place on both rack sides at the same time, resulting in a Z-shaped path. In this case, the operator sends the vehicle ahead using a remote control. At the end of the rack aisle, the operator gets onto the order picker and drives to the next aisle.

When asked for whom the semi-automatic order picker option pays off, Manuel Seidel says: “Depending on the application, an increase in efficiency of between six and 15 percent can be achieved. If you calculate an increase in productivity of around ten percent, the additional investment will have paid for itself in about a year in a two-shift operation with standard industry wage costs.” Another advantage is that the vehicles can be seamlessly integrated into the customer’s existing processes.

Safety at the highest level

To ensure a high level of safety, the semi-automated vehicles feature integrated high-performance safety scanners at the front that detect people, obstacles and other trucks and can thus prevent collisions. The vehicles also maintain a minimum distance of 50 centimetres from the rack to ensure a safe and comfortable working space for the operator.

Construction Supplier Commissions Dematic Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

F.lli Zangrillo Materiali da Costruzione, one of the largest wholesale distribution companies in the Italian hardware and building materials industry, has recently commissioned a Dematic automation solution managed by Dematic software and designed specifically for two warehouse sites.

The project features stand-alone AutoStore cube storage systems at two Zangrillo locations in Lecce and Formia. With the facilities now operational, the family-owned company has taken the first steps toward automating its production sites.

According to CEO Aldo Zangrillo, the new Dematic solutions allow the company to achieve faster deliveries, which will help secure their position in the market. Additionally, the new solutions will enhance warehouse space to expand product range in the future. “We are in a position where we must be able to increase logistics capacity to support rapid growth and increased market share,” says Zangrillo. “We set an aggressive goal of reducing delivery times to our customers from an average of about 72 hours down to 24 hours.”

Founded in 1974 in Formia, south of Rome, the company had been looking to improve the performance of several of its processes, including picking and storing small parts, while improving safety and productivity of goods-to-person staff. According to Zangrillo management, they selected intelligent automated solution provider Dematic based on its strong analysis produced in the project design phase, its ability to pull resources from a global structure and network of professionals, its experience in supplying extensions to existing facilities, and the overall professionalism of the Dematic team.

For the Lecce location, the Dematic solution features an AutoStore system with an 8-level grid for storage and order fulfilment processes, three picking carousel ports, conveyor, eight R5 robots and 8,000 bins. Dematic Software manages the overall solution.

Meanwhile, at the Formia location, the Dematic solution features an AutoStore system with a 16-level grid for storage and order fulfilment processes, three picking carousel ports, conveyor, 12 R5 robots and 20,000 bins. Again, Dematic Software manages the overall solution. “It has been gratifying to contribute to improving Zangrillo’s logistics processes and to support them in their initial and most important step in implementing automation in their production sites,” says Flavio Este, CEO at Dematic Italia.

Rosario Filomena, the Dematic sales manager responsible for the negotiations of the two solutions, adds, “With our solution now in place, we are confident Zangrillo can achieve their goals with these compact, scalable, easily expandable, high-performance storage systems which require minimal energy consumption and provide a high degree of security and employee safety.”

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.

Construction Supplier Commissions Dematic Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

F.lli Zangrillo Materiali da Costruzione, one of the largest wholesale distribution companies in the Italian hardware and building materials industry, has recently commissioned a Dematic automation solution managed by Dematic software and designed specifically for two warehouse sites.

The project features stand-alone AutoStore cube storage systems at two Zangrillo locations in Lecce and Formia. With the facilities now operational, the family-owned company has taken the first steps toward automating its production sites.

According to CEO Aldo Zangrillo, the new Dematic solutions allow the company to achieve faster deliveries, which will help secure their position in the market. Additionally, the new solutions will enhance warehouse space to expand product range in the future. “We are in a position where we must be able to increase logistics capacity to support rapid growth and increased market share,” says Zangrillo. “We set an aggressive goal of reducing delivery times to our customers from an average of about 72 hours down to 24 hours.”

Founded in 1974 in Formia, south of Rome, the company had been looking to improve the performance of several of its processes, including picking and storing small parts, while improving safety and productivity of goods-to-person staff. According to Zangrillo management, they selected intelligent automated solution provider Dematic based on its strong analysis produced in the project design phase, its ability to pull resources from a global structure and network of professionals, its experience in supplying extensions to existing facilities, and the overall professionalism of the Dematic team.

For the Lecce location, the Dematic solution features an AutoStore system with an 8-level grid for storage and order fulfilment processes, three picking carousel ports, conveyor, eight R5 robots and 8,000 bins. Dematic Software manages the overall solution.

Meanwhile, at the Formia location, the Dematic solution features an AutoStore system with a 16-level grid for storage and order fulfilment processes, three picking carousel ports, conveyor, 12 R5 robots and 20,000 bins. Again, Dematic Software manages the overall solution. “It has been gratifying to contribute to improving Zangrillo’s logistics processes and to support them in their initial and most important step in implementing automation in their production sites,” says Flavio Este, CEO at Dematic Italia.

Rosario Filomena, the Dematic sales manager responsible for the negotiations of the two solutions, adds, “With our solution now in place, we are confident Zangrillo can achieve their goals with these compact, scalable, easily expandable, high-performance storage systems which require minimal energy consumption and provide a high degree of security and employee safety.”

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.

Wooden Pallet Manufacturing and Re-use Uplift

Posted on by David Priestman

Manufacturing and reuse of wooden pallets increased significantly according to the most recent survey commissioned by the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) and the research arm of the Forestry Commission, Forest Research.

The UK Wood Pallets & Packaging Market survey showed that UK manufacturers produced an estimated 48.6 million in 2021, up 8.3 per cent from 44.9m the previous year. These manufacturers repaired and sold on for reuse a further 16.2m pallets, up from 15.6m in 2020. Overall, pallet repair was down slightly, at 48.1m, compared with 49m the year before. The annual survey is based on a questionnaire answered by TIMCON members, who manufacture approximately 80 per cent of the 50 million new pallets produced in the UK every year.

Commenting on the figures, TIMCON President John Dye said: “It is encouraging to see that this report shows a substantial uplift in the number of new pallets manufactured. While there was a small drop in the reported number of pallets inspected and repaired, this number is still similar to the number of new pallets – and I would expect to see it start to rise again in the months ahead, and also be boosted by the formal implementation of the UK Government’s eagerly awaited reuse incentive in 2025.”

Dye added that the manufacturing increase has led to corresponding growth in sawmilling output into the pallet and packaging sector of around 13 per cent, to 1.61m3. He also noted that employment in the pallet and packaging industry had risen to 4,221, a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent.

The report was presented to TIMCON’s general meeting held in Manchester during March, which also heard updates on TIMCON’s work with the UK Government, including the recent consultation on the reform of existing Packaging Waste Regulations and the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging Waste, due to come into force in 2025. As a result of this work, said Dye, Defra announced earlier this year that it was still considering the recycling target for wooden packaging and, rather than setting recycling targets for wooden pallets, it is now considering options for reuse obligations before recycling.

Thomas Hare of environmental consultant Valpak gave a further update on the expected timeline for implementing the EPR for packaging, which he said would significantly increase admin and was expected to generate a £1.7 billion in total annual costs for obligated businesses.

FEFPEB President Rob van Hoesel and General Secretary Fons Ceelaert attended the meeting. Ceelaert gave an overview of the latest developments in European environment-focused legislation as part of the European Green Deal, including the EU Circular Economy Action plan to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030. He said the wooden pallet and packaging industry was engaging with the review of packaging and packaging waste regulations (PPWR) and that FEFPEB now has an PPWR taskforce to manage the process and highlight the “unique contribution of the sector to a sustainable world.”

Charlie Law, Sustainability Director at Timber Development UK, presented the timber industry’s Net Zero Roadmap to the meeting. Timber Development UK signed up to the SME Climate Hub Commitment in January 2022, pledging to support its members in halving greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Law highlighted that timber related industries in the UK are responsible for around 1.58 million tonnes of territorial CO2 emissions annually, around 0.35 per cent of the country’s total. This, he added was ‘very low compared to other industries’, such as steel (12m t, 2.7 per cent of the total) or concrete (7.3m t, 1.5 per cent of the total). He said that it was essential to measure product flows in every timber industry in order to start reducing carbon emissions, something he added the pallet and packaging sector ‘has a really good handle on’.

The TIMCON meeting heard updates on the organisation’s other work, including its collaboration with the NWPCA in the US, and the Global Wood Packaging Forum and engaging with the UK government on issues such as sourcing workers from overseas and the post-Brexit Windsor Framework.

Dye was among the members of the pallet and packaging sector who said goodbye and thank you to TIMCON Past President Gil Covey, who is retiring from the industry at the end of April, after 33 years. Covey also served as FEFPEB President for more than 10 years before becoming Treasurer of the organisation, and is currently Non-Executive Director of James Jones & Sons (Pallets and Packaging) Ltd.

Wooden Pallet Manufacturing and Re-use Uplift

Posted on by David Priestman

Manufacturing and reuse of wooden pallets increased significantly according to the most recent survey commissioned by the Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) and the research arm of the Forestry Commission, Forest Research.

The UK Wood Pallets & Packaging Market survey showed that UK manufacturers produced an estimated 48.6 million in 2021, up 8.3 per cent from 44.9m the previous year. These manufacturers repaired and sold on for reuse a further 16.2m pallets, up from 15.6m in 2020. Overall, pallet repair was down slightly, at 48.1m, compared with 49m the year before. The annual survey is based on a questionnaire answered by TIMCON members, who manufacture approximately 80 per cent of the 50 million new pallets produced in the UK every year.

Commenting on the figures, TIMCON President John Dye said: “It is encouraging to see that this report shows a substantial uplift in the number of new pallets manufactured. While there was a small drop in the reported number of pallets inspected and repaired, this number is still similar to the number of new pallets – and I would expect to see it start to rise again in the months ahead, and also be boosted by the formal implementation of the UK Government’s eagerly awaited reuse incentive in 2025.”

Dye added that the manufacturing increase has led to corresponding growth in sawmilling output into the pallet and packaging sector of around 13 per cent, to 1.61m3. He also noted that employment in the pallet and packaging industry had risen to 4,221, a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent.

The report was presented to TIMCON’s general meeting held in Manchester during March, which also heard updates on TIMCON’s work with the UK Government, including the recent consultation on the reform of existing Packaging Waste Regulations and the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging Waste, due to come into force in 2025. As a result of this work, said Dye, Defra announced earlier this year that it was still considering the recycling target for wooden packaging and, rather than setting recycling targets for wooden pallets, it is now considering options for reuse obligations before recycling.

Thomas Hare of environmental consultant Valpak gave a further update on the expected timeline for implementing the EPR for packaging, which he said would significantly increase admin and was expected to generate a £1.7 billion in total annual costs for obligated businesses.

FEFPEB President Rob van Hoesel and General Secretary Fons Ceelaert attended the meeting. Ceelaert gave an overview of the latest developments in European environment-focused legislation as part of the European Green Deal, including the EU Circular Economy Action plan to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030. He said the wooden pallet and packaging industry was engaging with the review of packaging and packaging waste regulations (PPWR) and that FEFPEB now has an PPWR taskforce to manage the process and highlight the “unique contribution of the sector to a sustainable world.”

Charlie Law, Sustainability Director at Timber Development UK, presented the timber industry’s Net Zero Roadmap to the meeting. Timber Development UK signed up to the SME Climate Hub Commitment in January 2022, pledging to support its members in halving greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Law highlighted that timber related industries in the UK are responsible for around 1.58 million tonnes of territorial CO2 emissions annually, around 0.35 per cent of the country’s total. This, he added was ‘very low compared to other industries’, such as steel (12m t, 2.7 per cent of the total) or concrete (7.3m t, 1.5 per cent of the total). He said that it was essential to measure product flows in every timber industry in order to start reducing carbon emissions, something he added the pallet and packaging sector ‘has a really good handle on’.

The TIMCON meeting heard updates on the organisation’s other work, including its collaboration with the NWPCA in the US, and the Global Wood Packaging Forum and engaging with the UK government on issues such as sourcing workers from overseas and the post-Brexit Windsor Framework.

Dye was among the members of the pallet and packaging sector who said goodbye and thank you to TIMCON Past President Gil Covey, who is retiring from the industry at the end of April, after 33 years. Covey also served as FEFPEB President for more than 10 years before becoming Treasurer of the organisation, and is currently Non-Executive Director of James Jones & Sons (Pallets and Packaging) Ltd.

Leadership Transition for Lift Tables Supplier

Posted on by David Priestman

Hymo VPG, lift tables manufacturer based in Sweden, is excited to announce a leadership transition within its EMEA team. Håkan Nilsson (pictured, right) has stepped down as the leader at the end of March and Pär Martinsson (left) assumed the role of leader and general manager, effective April 1st.

The company statement read, “during his tenure, Håkan made significant contributions to our company and was an instrumental leader for our EMEA team. We want to express our gratitude for his outstanding leadership and dedication, which were pivotal to our success. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. We are delighted to welcome Pär Martinsson as our new leader. A long-time member of our team, Pär has a deep understanding of our business, people, and systems. His clear vision and enthusiasm make us confident that he will lead our EMEA team to even greater heights and achieve significant milestones.”

Lift tables going global

Martinsson says, “I am very excited to lead the EMEA team in these times. With a market that is becoming increasingly global, and valuing safety and efficiency more than ever, we are ideally positioned to increase value for our customers.”

Martinsson’s experience and accomplishments, such as enhancing supply chains as the Purchasing Manager and transforming and digitizing operations, demonstrate his ability to tackle challenges and drive change. Hymo VPG believe he is the perfect candidate to lead the EMEA team into the future.

New Levitator Ergonomic Working Platform Helps System Integrators Increase Sales and Create World-Class Pick and Pack Stations

Hymo VPG’s new Levitator height adjustable platform offers a range of benefits for system integrators working with design and layout of advanced distribution and logistics centres. The platform allows for completely new ways of designing world-class pick and pack stations, whilst also providing opportunities for cost and energy savings.

One of the key advantages of the Levitator is its design flexibility, as well as its unique oil-free design. “The project started initially with one of the global providers of warehouse automation who were designing a fully automated solution for a distribution centre, however, since the DC was to handle fresh food and other sensitive products, they needed an all oil-free solution in the pick and pack area. That is how the Levitator originated and the rest is history,” says Daniel Andersson, Strategic Key Account Manager at VPG, and the leader for the new Levitator.

The Levitator allows for new designs that were not previously possible. Its oil-free design means it can be placed in areas where oil is prohibited, but it also offers more flexibility than traditional scissor lifts. “Scissor lifts are great for working platforms, but their geometric construction is fixed and inflexible. Here the Levitator enables unique values, only the imagination sets the limits,” says Daniel. The Levitator’s innovative platform structure enables new designs, U- or V-shape, or with a minimal width. This means that every pick and pack station can be equipped with the ideal and perfectly fitting ergonomic Levitator.

The Levitator also offers significant cost savings. “A very important matter that is often overseen is the total costs to run a working platform over time. The Levitator enables significant economic values. Firstly, it has a low energy consumption. With today’s rising energy costs every kW saved, is money saved, and over the lifetime of a working platform we are talking a substantial amount of money,” says Daniel. Its electric drive allows for lower energy consumption, and also minimizes costs for service and maintenance, a quicker and easier installation. This, combined with its oil-free design, means that the number of service and repair occasions and requirement for spare parts is much lower. Additionally, the Levitator is a convenient plug and play solution that can be easily installed, eliminating the need for a certified hydraulic engineer therefore saving more valuable time, and in effect money.

In summary, the new Levitator offers increased possibilities for creating innovative warehouse automation solutions, whilst being cost effective. Overall, the New Levitator will provide long term cost savings alongside environmental benefits. It can be designed freely to fit in any space, and its oil-free, electric drive allows for lower energy consumption and minimal maintenance costs. This makes it an ideal solution for anyone looking to grow their sales and create world-class pick and pack stations.

Leadership Transition for Lift Tables Supplier

Posted on by David Priestman

Hymo VPG, lift tables manufacturer based in Sweden, is excited to announce a leadership transition within its EMEA team. Håkan Nilsson (pictured, right) has stepped down as the leader at the end of March and Pär Martinsson (left) assumed the role of leader and general manager, effective April 1st.

The company statement read, “during his tenure, Håkan made significant contributions to our company and was an instrumental leader for our EMEA team. We want to express our gratitude for his outstanding leadership and dedication, which were pivotal to our success. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours. We are delighted to welcome Pär Martinsson as our new leader. A long-time member of our team, Pär has a deep understanding of our business, people, and systems. His clear vision and enthusiasm make us confident that he will lead our EMEA team to even greater heights and achieve significant milestones.”

Lift tables going global

Martinsson says, “I am very excited to lead the EMEA team in these times. With a market that is becoming increasingly global, and valuing safety and efficiency more than ever, we are ideally positioned to increase value for our customers.”

Martinsson’s experience and accomplishments, such as enhancing supply chains as the Purchasing Manager and transforming and digitizing operations, demonstrate his ability to tackle challenges and drive change. Hymo VPG believe he is the perfect candidate to lead the EMEA team into the future.

New Levitator Ergonomic Working Platform Helps System Integrators Increase Sales and Create World-Class Pick and Pack Stations

Hymo VPG’s new Levitator height adjustable platform offers a range of benefits for system integrators working with design and layout of advanced distribution and logistics centres. The platform allows for completely new ways of designing world-class pick and pack stations, whilst also providing opportunities for cost and energy savings.

One of the key advantages of the Levitator is its design flexibility, as well as its unique oil-free design. “The project started initially with one of the global providers of warehouse automation who were designing a fully automated solution for a distribution centre, however, since the DC was to handle fresh food and other sensitive products, they needed an all oil-free solution in the pick and pack area. That is how the Levitator originated and the rest is history,” says Daniel Andersson, Strategic Key Account Manager at VPG, and the leader for the new Levitator.

The Levitator allows for new designs that were not previously possible. Its oil-free design means it can be placed in areas where oil is prohibited, but it also offers more flexibility than traditional scissor lifts. “Scissor lifts are great for working platforms, but their geometric construction is fixed and inflexible. Here the Levitator enables unique values, only the imagination sets the limits,” says Daniel. The Levitator’s innovative platform structure enables new designs, U- or V-shape, or with a minimal width. This means that every pick and pack station can be equipped with the ideal and perfectly fitting ergonomic Levitator.

The Levitator also offers significant cost savings. “A very important matter that is often overseen is the total costs to run a working platform over time. The Levitator enables significant economic values. Firstly, it has a low energy consumption. With today’s rising energy costs every kW saved, is money saved, and over the lifetime of a working platform we are talking a substantial amount of money,” says Daniel. Its electric drive allows for lower energy consumption, and also minimizes costs for service and maintenance, a quicker and easier installation. This, combined with its oil-free design, means that the number of service and repair occasions and requirement for spare parts is much lower. Additionally, the Levitator is a convenient plug and play solution that can be easily installed, eliminating the need for a certified hydraulic engineer therefore saving more valuable time, and in effect money.

In summary, the new Levitator offers increased possibilities for creating innovative warehouse automation solutions, whilst being cost effective. Overall, the New Levitator will provide long term cost savings alongside environmental benefits. It can be designed freely to fit in any space, and its oil-free, electric drive allows for lower energy consumption and minimal maintenance costs. This makes it an ideal solution for anyone looking to grow their sales and create world-class pick and pack stations.

Joloda Hydraroll Exhibiting at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

Joloda Hydraroll is a world leader in loading and unloading solutions. At LogiMAT 2023, the team will be showcasing automated scale models of Joloda Hydraroll’s complete range of loading and unloading systems, including:
• Moving floor conveyor system
• Slipchain pallet loading system
• Trailerskate system

Automated loading systems are built to speed up a standard process that happens in every production and warehousing location, enabling the complete loading procedure to be de-manned – also known as 100% end-of-line automation.

The business case for automated loading systems

Automating the unloading and loading of trucks in the warehouse leads to faster and more reliable deliveries. Typically, the forklift process of loading a full trailer is around 30-45 minutes. Joloda Hydraroll’s automated loading systems can do it in less than two minutes.

In a typical business case, a warehouse or factory might produce 928 pallets per day, shuttling 32 pallets each time across a 27 km/ 16-mile journey. To do so would require 12 HGV drivers (sharing 3 x 8-hour shifts in 24 hours), as well as three forklift drivers. By automating the loading process, thereby speeding up the turnaround time of each trailer, the company would stand to halve the number of shifts required, saving 12,350 hours of HGV driver waiting time in just one year – a reduction of 85%.

The need for forklifts is removed from the process entirely, reducing the site’s overall number of forklift driven kilometres per year by 2,642km. In addition to reducing thousands of arduous man hours and reduces the risk of an accident or damage to pallets.

Joloda Hydraroll has also acquired the specialist automotive trailer unloading/ loading MAP division of French company, Legras Industries. Legras is well-respected with an established customer base in France. It, therefore, plays an important role in strengthening the local presence and expertise of Joloda Hydraroll – which has also announced the opening of a commercial office in Paris – to better serve the French logistics market.

Joloda Hydraroll Exhibiting at LogiMAT

Posted on by David Priestman

Joloda Hydraroll is a world leader in loading and unloading solutions. At LogiMAT 2023, the team will be showcasing automated scale models of Joloda Hydraroll’s complete range of loading and unloading systems, including:
• Moving floor conveyor system
• Slipchain pallet loading system
• Trailerskate system

Automated loading systems are built to speed up a standard process that happens in every production and warehousing location, enabling the complete loading procedure to be de-manned – also known as 100% end-of-line automation.

The business case for automated loading systems

Automating the unloading and loading of trucks in the warehouse leads to faster and more reliable deliveries. Typically, the forklift process of loading a full trailer is around 30-45 minutes. Joloda Hydraroll’s automated loading systems can do it in less than two minutes.

In a typical business case, a warehouse or factory might produce 928 pallets per day, shuttling 32 pallets each time across a 27 km/ 16-mile journey. To do so would require 12 HGV drivers (sharing 3 x 8-hour shifts in 24 hours), as well as three forklift drivers. By automating the loading process, thereby speeding up the turnaround time of each trailer, the company would stand to halve the number of shifts required, saving 12,350 hours of HGV driver waiting time in just one year – a reduction of 85%.

The need for forklifts is removed from the process entirely, reducing the site’s overall number of forklift driven kilometres per year by 2,642km. In addition to reducing thousands of arduous man hours and reduces the risk of an accident or damage to pallets.

Joloda Hydraroll has also acquired the specialist automotive trailer unloading/ loading MAP division of French company, Legras Industries. Legras is well-respected with an established customer base in France. It, therefore, plays an important role in strengthening the local presence and expertise of Joloda Hydraroll – which has also announced the opening of a commercial office in Paris – to better serve the French logistics market.

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