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Month: April 2023

Robust, Fanless Panel Industrial PC

Posted on by David Priestman

WEROCK Technologies GmbH, an innovative manufacturer of industrial computer technology, is expanding its industrial PC product portfolio with the Rocksmart RSC800 series.

The ultra-flat panel PCs have been specially designed for the harsh environments of production, warehousing and logistics and are therefore ideal for use as forklift terminals, logistics terminals or operating interfaces for machines. They can be extensively customized for the respective application. The panel PCs of the Rocksmart RSC800 series are flexibly configurable and available with 10.4″, 12.1″ and 15.6″ in three different sizes and brightness of up to 1,200 nits. All three models are available with glove-operated touchscreens, with a choice of capacitive multi-touch or pressure-sensitive single-touch. Despite the very compact dimensions of the aluminium housing, the devices are protected according to IP65 and are shock and vibration resistant for use in high-vibration environments.

Rocksmart RSC800 combines state-of-the-art processor performance in a passive housing, which thanks to sophisticated cooling technology, does not require a fan. They are available with up to 32 GB RAM and efficient Intel® Celeron J6142 4-core processor (“Elkhart Lake” series) for all standard processes or Core i5-1245U 10-core processor (“Alder Lake” series) for all demanding tasks. USB 3 ports as well as 2.5 Gbit Ethernet ports and a RS232 port are available for high integration capability. Designed for industrial needs, all components are selected for long-term availability.
Special highlights include the integrated Wi-Fi 6 WLAN solution, which ensures particularly good reception with two integrated high-performance antennas, ideal for use in difficult radio environments (e.g., in warehouses on industrial trucks), but also the particularly wide input voltage range of 6 to 60 volts, which enables especially flexible integration. Optionally, the devices are also available with an integrated uninterruptible power supply to ensure high data and process security.

“With the Rocksmart RSC800 series, we are expanding our portfolio of stationary computers with three particularly robust models up to 15.6 inch display diagonal for extremely demanding environments. Despite all the robustness, we were able to realize a particularly slim design for all models,” explains Markus Nicoleit, Managing Director at WEROCK Technologies GmbH. “Our focus during development was to create a very high-quality and durable product. The selection and fine-tuning of the highest quality components ensures optimal usability of the touchscreens, maximum performance with the latest technology, reliability and maximum connectivity. We are confident that with the Rocksmart RSC800 series we have created an attractive product for the industrial environment,” Nicoleit continues.

Rocksmart RSC800 will be officially introduced and presented at the start of LogiMAT 2023. Interested visitors can get to know the models at the trade show in hall 8 at booth 8G33. The first models of the series can be ordered now. In the course of the year, the series will be expanded to include additional display sizes up to 32 inches. Also presented at LogiMAT is the Scoria P160 – a 6″ Android handheld mobile computer for logistics and retail with high-end 2D barcode scanner and 5G connectivity.

Smartphone App to Empower Driver Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

CameraMatics, a leading global driver safety provider, has announced the launch of MySafeDrive – a first-of-its-kind app complete with a fleet management dashboard which enables companies to track and report their ESG transport emissions, monitor driver behaviour and improve safety through employees’ smartphones, with no need for additional hardware.

Based on eco-safe driving principles – a combination of safe, defensive and anticipatory driving – the ground-breaking app from CameraMatics combines advanced data science and AI with vehicle manufacturer standards to calculate corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide drivers with the most effective actions they can currently take to care for our planet and communities.

Organisations, as well as their supply chains, can use the app to track both direct and indirect emissions and implement carbon reduction policies. The app can be used as a tool to educate drivers to use their vehicles in the most environmentally efficient, safe, and economical way, and the data can also be used to consider alternative transport methods, supply chain providers, and to optimise routing.

This ties in perfectly with CamaraMatics’ desire to Innovate2Zero, revolutionising fleet management and using cutting-edge technologies to help companies to work towards net zero ambitions. MySafeDrive is another tool from CameraMatics that can help to support businesses in discovering inefficiencies, setting and monitoring targets, and using actionable data insights to pinpoint practical steps to proactively manage their carbon footprint.

There are huge benefits for organisations using MySafeDrive when it comes to emissions, with the ability to track grey fleet and scope 1 and 3 transport emissions. Scope 3 emissions from suppliers and other parts of the value chain have previously proved particularly difficult to measure accurately yet can account for up to 90% of a large corporation’s total transport emissions.

The new app uses AI technology to analyse the information and model a driver’s typical driving style. It can then demonstrate how small changes to specific driving habits can contribute to big reductions in emissions – both for drivers and businesses and their supply chains as a whole – with the app playing a significant role in CameraMatics’ goal to help businesses and industry move towards a more sustainable future of mobility.

Mervyn O’ Callaghan, CEO and Founder at CameraMatics, explains: “We’re very excited to introduce MySafeDrive – our new solution to easily help fleet managers improve efficiency and driver safety throughout their fleets. Poorly maintained and badly driven vehicles have a disproportionate carbon footprint and with MySafeDrive, fleet managers will be able to extend the life of a vehicle and lower insurance costs, all while increasing road safety.

“This new all-in-one sustainable driving app requires no hardware other than a mobile phone to gather comprehensive data about driving styles, habits and driving incidents, which in turn provides valuable data to fleet managers. Our ultimate aim with the app is to change poor driver habits and reduce carbon emissions through education.”

Using AI, the app splits driving styles into five key classifications, from conservative to aggressive, awarding scores for journeys based on multiple categories. Additionally, summary scores out of 100 are used to indicate more granular information about driver performance that can be used for driver coaching.

MySafeDrive gathers data and calculates the energy and CO2 emissions for the driver’s journeys. This information is influenced by the driver’s performance and behaviour. Emissions are compared with vehicle manufacturer’s expected values, which can be used to set appropriate targets and check interventions to achieve net zero.

Companies can also expect to save on fuel or increase EV battery range, increase the life of the engine and reduce the need to change tyres and brake components as frequently. This makes MySafeDrive a particularly useful tool when it comes to meeting and reporting ESG goal compliance, with the ability to calculate and compare average emissions and CO2 usage against targets, making it easier for companies to identify areas for improvement.

Smartphone App to Empower Driver Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

CameraMatics, a leading global driver safety provider, has announced the launch of MySafeDrive – a first-of-its-kind app complete with a fleet management dashboard which enables companies to track and report their ESG transport emissions, monitor driver behaviour and improve safety through employees’ smartphones, with no need for additional hardware.

Based on eco-safe driving principles – a combination of safe, defensive and anticipatory driving – the ground-breaking app from CameraMatics combines advanced data science and AI with vehicle manufacturer standards to calculate corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide drivers with the most effective actions they can currently take to care for our planet and communities.

Organisations, as well as their supply chains, can use the app to track both direct and indirect emissions and implement carbon reduction policies. The app can be used as a tool to educate drivers to use their vehicles in the most environmentally efficient, safe, and economical way, and the data can also be used to consider alternative transport methods, supply chain providers, and to optimise routing.

This ties in perfectly with CamaraMatics’ desire to Innovate2Zero, revolutionising fleet management and using cutting-edge technologies to help companies to work towards net zero ambitions. MySafeDrive is another tool from CameraMatics that can help to support businesses in discovering inefficiencies, setting and monitoring targets, and using actionable data insights to pinpoint practical steps to proactively manage their carbon footprint.

There are huge benefits for organisations using MySafeDrive when it comes to emissions, with the ability to track grey fleet and scope 1 and 3 transport emissions. Scope 3 emissions from suppliers and other parts of the value chain have previously proved particularly difficult to measure accurately yet can account for up to 90% of a large corporation’s total transport emissions.

The new app uses AI technology to analyse the information and model a driver’s typical driving style. It can then demonstrate how small changes to specific driving habits can contribute to big reductions in emissions – both for drivers and businesses and their supply chains as a whole – with the app playing a significant role in CameraMatics’ goal to help businesses and industry move towards a more sustainable future of mobility.

Mervyn O’ Callaghan, CEO and Founder at CameraMatics, explains: “We’re very excited to introduce MySafeDrive – our new solution to easily help fleet managers improve efficiency and driver safety throughout their fleets. Poorly maintained and badly driven vehicles have a disproportionate carbon footprint and with MySafeDrive, fleet managers will be able to extend the life of a vehicle and lower insurance costs, all while increasing road safety.

“This new all-in-one sustainable driving app requires no hardware other than a mobile phone to gather comprehensive data about driving styles, habits and driving incidents, which in turn provides valuable data to fleet managers. Our ultimate aim with the app is to change poor driver habits and reduce carbon emissions through education.”

Using AI, the app splits driving styles into five key classifications, from conservative to aggressive, awarding scores for journeys based on multiple categories. Additionally, summary scores out of 100 are used to indicate more granular information about driver performance that can be used for driver coaching.

MySafeDrive gathers data and calculates the energy and CO2 emissions for the driver’s journeys. This information is influenced by the driver’s performance and behaviour. Emissions are compared with vehicle manufacturer’s expected values, which can be used to set appropriate targets and check interventions to achieve net zero.

Companies can also expect to save on fuel or increase EV battery range, increase the life of the engine and reduce the need to change tyres and brake components as frequently. This makes MySafeDrive a particularly useful tool when it comes to meeting and reporting ESG goal compliance, with the ability to calculate and compare average emissions and CO2 usage against targets, making it easier for companies to identify areas for improvement.

CMA CGM in Exclusive Negotiations to Acquire Bolloré

Posted on by David Priestman

The CMA CGM Group announced today that it has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire the transportation and logistics activities held through Bolloré Logistics.

The negotiations are in line with the CMA CGM Group’s long-term strategy, based on the two pillars of shipping and logistics. The Group’s strategy is to offer end-to-end solutions in support of its customer’s supply chain needs.

If a deal is reached, the acquisition would further strengthen the CMA CGM Group logistics activities. The negotiations in no way guarantee an acquisition in the end.

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, serves more than 420 ports around the world across 5 continents, with a fleet of 593 vessels. The Group transported 21.7 million TEU containers (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2022. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a global logistics player which transported 522,000 tonnes of air cargo and more than 22 million shipments of inland freight, and its air cargo division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is constantly innovating to provide customers a comprehensive and increasingly efficient offering, thanks to new shipping, inland, air freight and logistics solutions. Firmly committed to the energy transition in shipping and a pioneer in its use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a Net Zero-Carbon target for 2050. Each year, via the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group supports thousands of children as part of its efforts to promote education for all and equal opportunities. The CMA CGM Foundation also intervenes in humanitarian crises requiring an emergency response by calling on the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to deliver humanitarian supplies around the world. Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs 155,000 people worldwide, including nearly 4,000 in Marseille where its head office is located.

CMA CGM in Exclusive Negotiations to Acquire Bolloré

Posted on by David Priestman

The CMA CGM Group announced today that it has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire the transportation and logistics activities held through Bolloré Logistics.

The negotiations are in line with the CMA CGM Group’s long-term strategy, based on the two pillars of shipping and logistics. The Group’s strategy is to offer end-to-end solutions in support of its customer’s supply chain needs.

If a deal is reached, the acquisition would further strengthen the CMA CGM Group logistics activities. The negotiations in no way guarantee an acquisition in the end.

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global player in sea, land, air and logistics solutions, serves more than 420 ports around the world across 5 continents, with a fleet of 593 vessels. The Group transported 21.7 million TEU containers (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2022. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a global logistics player which transported 522,000 tonnes of air cargo and more than 22 million shipments of inland freight, and its air cargo division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is constantly innovating to provide customers a comprehensive and increasingly efficient offering, thanks to new shipping, inland, air freight and logistics solutions. Firmly committed to the energy transition in shipping and a pioneer in its use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a Net Zero-Carbon target for 2050. Each year, via the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group supports thousands of children as part of its efforts to promote education for all and equal opportunities. The CMA CGM Foundation also intervenes in humanitarian crises requiring an emergency response by calling on the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to deliver humanitarian supplies around the world. Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs 155,000 people worldwide, including nearly 4,000 in Marseille where its head office is located.

Transforming the Supply Chain for Sustainable Future

Posted on by Keith McKinley

As the world becomes more focused on sustainability, businesses across all industries are exploring ways to reduce their environmental impact by driving revenue, reducing operational costs, improving business reputation, building consumer perception, and fulfilling corporate social responsibility, writes Varun Visruthan. Traditional oil-producing countries are moving towards electrical-based production, and businesses are increasingly adopting innovative strategies to make their supply chains more sustainable.

Green logistics, also known as sustainable logistics, is a growing trend that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of extensive transportation and distribution of goods involved in maintaining global commerce. Companies must embrace a range of green logistics strategies to achieve a sustainable supply chain. These include the use of electric or hybrid vehicles for transportation, optimizing routes to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, and implementing waste reduction and recycling programs. Additionally, companies can use automation to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their intralogistics operations, such as by implementing real-time tracking and monitoring systems.

Storage, transport, and inventory management are three important aspects of warehouse operations. With the adoption of robotics and automation systems such as the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), companies can consider using efficient motor drives (IE3 or IE4 level), reusing the energy from braking, and using the latest battery technology (LTO) with the longest life cycle. In addition, this is a way for warehouses to utilize the cubic meter vertical space of a warehouse, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the facility. With the advantage of the cost of buildings and land, there is also less area to heat or light up, resulting in energy savings. This is even more critical in applications of frozen warehouses, where there are fewer walls and roofs to absorb heat from the outside, resulting in lower refrigeration costs. This is evident in the Middle Eastern market. Each country, be it in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain, has its own set of challenges due to its proximity to the sea or being placed in the midst of a location far away from electrical transmission lines.

With real-time inventory updates from advanced Warehouse Management Software (WMS), warehouse managers can easily effectuate FIFO (the first-in-first-out) method to reduce inventory wastage with fixed shelf lives. AI-powered software provides analytics to predict demand and accordingly creates inventory. Inventory can also be managed at forward locations such as smaller warehouses or micro-fulfilment centres (MFCs) to not only improve consumer experience but also reduce on-road transportation of vehicles or reduce vehicles with suboptimal capacity utilization. Smart Fleet Management Systems (FMS) and Truck Management Software can combine inventory management with efficient transportation by planning inventory routes, task allocation, and scheduling. With such collaborative and intelligent transport systems, supply chain managers will reduce transition times, leading to energy savings. It also ensures the optimal capacity utilization of vehicles, reducing overall carbon emissions.

A fully automated warehouse can be seen as a lights-out (dark) warehouse with almost no human involvement. When space is better utilized, operations are optimized to every bit, and wastage is reduced significantly; there is less space to illuminate, less distance to transport, and less waste to process. In addition, it increases the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of warehousing operations.
An automation solution provider with both hardware and software capabilities, such as Addverb, can offer all of these require a higher upfront investment but pay off in energy consumption and is better for the environment.

The future of logistics is green, and companies that embrace sustainable practices are better positioned to succeed in the long run. By reducing their environmental impact and building a reputation for sustainability, companies can attract customers and partners who share their commitment to a sustainable future.

Transforming the Supply Chain for Sustainable Future

Posted on by David Priestman

As the world becomes more focused on sustainability, businesses across all industries are exploring ways to reduce their environmental impact by driving revenue, reducing operational costs, improving business reputation, building consumer perception, and fulfilling corporate social responsibility, writes Varun Visruthan. Traditional oil-producing countries are moving towards electrical-based production, and businesses are increasingly adopting innovative strategies to make their supply chains more sustainable.

Green logistics, also known as sustainable logistics, is a growing trend that focuses on reducing the environmental impact of extensive transportation and distribution of goods involved in maintaining global commerce. Companies must embrace a range of green logistics strategies to achieve a sustainable supply chain. These include the use of electric or hybrid vehicles for transportation, optimizing routes to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, and implementing waste reduction and recycling programs. Additionally, companies can use automation to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their intralogistics operations, such as by implementing real-time tracking and monitoring systems.

Storage, transport, and inventory management are three important aspects of warehouse operations. With the adoption of robotics and automation systems such as the Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), companies can consider using efficient motor drives (IE3 or IE4 level), reusing the energy from braking, and using the latest battery technology (LTO) with the longest life cycle. In addition, this is a way for warehouses to utilize the cubic meter vertical space of a warehouse, thereby reducing the overall footprint of the facility. With the advantage of the cost of buildings and land, there is also less area to heat or light up, resulting in energy savings. This is even more critical in applications of frozen warehouses, where there are fewer walls and roofs to absorb heat from the outside, resulting in lower refrigeration costs. This is evident in the Middle Eastern market. Each country, be it in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain, has its own set of challenges due to its proximity to the sea or being placed in the midst of a location far away from electrical transmission lines.

With real-time inventory updates from advanced Warehouse Management Software (WMS), warehouse managers can easily effectuate FIFO (the first-in-first-out) method to reduce inventory wastage with fixed shelf lives. AI-powered software provides analytics to predict demand and accordingly creates inventory. Inventory can also be managed at forward locations such as smaller warehouses or micro-fulfilment centres (MFCs) to not only improve consumer experience but also reduce on-road transportation of vehicles or reduce vehicles with suboptimal capacity utilization. Smart Fleet Management Systems (FMS) and Truck Management Software can combine inventory management with efficient transportation by planning inventory routes, task allocation, and scheduling. With such collaborative and intelligent transport systems, supply chain managers will reduce transition times, leading to energy savings. It also ensures the optimal capacity utilization of vehicles, reducing overall carbon emissions.

A fully automated warehouse can be seen as a lights-out (dark) warehouse with almost no human involvement. When space is better utilized, operations are optimized to every bit, and wastage is reduced significantly; there is less space to illuminate, less distance to transport, and less waste to process. In addition, it increases the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of warehousing operations.
An automation solution provider with both hardware and software capabilities, such as Addverb, can offer all of these require a higher upfront investment but pay off in energy consumption and is better for the environment.

The future of logistics is green, and companies that embrace sustainable practices are better positioned to succeed in the long run. By reducing their environmental impact and building a reputation for sustainability, companies can attract customers and partners who share their commitment to a sustainable future.

Solutions Benefit Climate, Handling Performance

Posted on by David Priestman

Intralogistics specialist Linde Material Handling (MH) is supporting its customers on their path to a more sustainable future, providing innovative products and software solutions as well as a range of precisely tailored services. The focus is on the goal of reducing CO2 emissions, saving energy and cutting operating costs while maintaining high handling performance. The various offerings in this regard are subsumed under the motto “Green Performance”. Measures range from high-performance truck models with lithium-ion batteries and the first fuel cell developed in Aschaffenburg all the way to battery charging and energy management solutions, HVO fuels, software-supported consulting services and battery recycling.

“The search for cost-effective, climate-friendly energy solutions presents our customers with major challenges,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management at Linde Material Handling – an insight he gained from numerous discussions with industrial truck operators and network partners. Forklift trucks and warehouse equipment are expected to make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse emissions, while at the same time continuing to deliver their usual high performance and providing cost savings wherever possible.

Linde MH has taken a first major step in this direction with its latest truck generation: For the first time, Linde X electric forklift models are now on a par with their IC-powered counterparts, even when it comes to demanding outdoor applications, and they combine the advantages of both drive options. Emission-free in operation, potentially climate-neutral, ergonomic, quiet and easy to service, these trucks with lithium-ion batteries are the perfect alternative to diesel or LPG powered forklifts. From April 2023, when the next larger series is set to be launched on the market, these advantages will no longer be limited to trucks with 2 to 3.5 tons of load capacity but will also be available for the 3.5 to 5 ton capacity range. The fact that Linde MH is serious about switching to clean electric trucks was already demonstrated last year when the manufacturer electrified its heavy-duty trucks in the load capacity range of 10 to 18 tons. Thus, an electric drive variant is now available for all Linde truck models. Linde MH has also taken another important step forward in terms of battery recycling. In the future, a strategic cooperation with the company Li-Cycle will ensure the environmentally friendly recovery of materials for all lithium-ion batteries delivered. “Linde MH customers can rest assured that the batteries will be recycled at the end of their useful life in such a way as to ensure that up to 95 percent of the raw materials will be recovered and returned to the material cycle,” Prokosch explains.

Hydrogen is also gaining in importance as another viable type of energy. This is because it can also potentially be obtained from regenerative sources such as the sun, wind or water and is therefore sustainable. At the LogiMAT trade fair in Stuttgart, Linde MH will be presenting its first own self-manufactured fuel cell system. Once launched on the market, the stacks with 24 volts of voltage and 1.8 kW of power will be used in order pickers and tow tractors, and in the future, they will also be used in Linde brand pallet trucks and double stackers. “With Linde HyPower, we have developed an exceptionally robust, powerful and user-friendly fuel cell system and can now offer our customers in the warehouse equipment segment a complete ‘one stop shop’ solution consisting of vehicles, fuel cell systems and servicing,” announces Linde MH’s top brand manager. Hydrogen-powered forklifts are particularly impressive due to their short refuelling times, their suitability for both indoor and outdoor use, and the fact that they are emission-free. The vehicles bring their advantages to bear particularly in multi-shift operation entailing many operating hours.

“For those customers who, for various reasons, continue to prefer diesel trucks, we offer an option in the form of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), which enables them to reduce the CO2 emissions of their vehicles by up to 90 percent,” Prokosch points out.

However, the claim of “Green Performance” does not refer exclusively to products. Software solutions and consulting services make their contribution as well. For example, the intelligent battery charge management system Linde connect:charger helps customers to avoid peak demand in energy and to adjust the charging strategy according to the specific situation – always with the goal of optimizing energy consumption and energy costs while maximizing equipment availability and making the best possible use of renewable energies. The company-wide integration of all energy-relevant aspects succeeds thanks to the Linde Energy Manager. “Determining energy consumption in advance, taking into account all producers and consumers, and planning energy purchases helps to achieve a reduction in both CO2 emissions and energy costs,” summarizes Stefan Prokosch.

Solutions Benefit Climate, Handling Performance

Posted on by David Priestman

Intralogistics specialist Linde Material Handling (MH) is supporting its customers on their path to a more sustainable future, providing innovative products and software solutions as well as a range of precisely tailored services. The focus is on the goal of reducing CO2 emissions, saving energy and cutting operating costs while maintaining high handling performance. The various offerings in this regard are subsumed under the motto “Green Performance”. Measures range from high-performance truck models with lithium-ion batteries and the first fuel cell developed in Aschaffenburg all the way to battery charging and energy management solutions, HVO fuels, software-supported consulting services and battery recycling.

“The search for cost-effective, climate-friendly energy solutions presents our customers with major challenges,” says Stefan Prokosch, Senior Vice President Brand Management at Linde Material Handling – an insight he gained from numerous discussions with industrial truck operators and network partners. Forklift trucks and warehouse equipment are expected to make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse emissions, while at the same time continuing to deliver their usual high performance and providing cost savings wherever possible.

Linde MH has taken a first major step in this direction with its latest truck generation: For the first time, Linde X electric forklift models are now on a par with their IC-powered counterparts, even when it comes to demanding outdoor applications, and they combine the advantages of both drive options. Emission-free in operation, potentially climate-neutral, ergonomic, quiet and easy to service, these trucks with lithium-ion batteries are the perfect alternative to diesel or LPG powered forklifts. From April 2023, when the next larger series is set to be launched on the market, these advantages will no longer be limited to trucks with 2 to 3.5 tons of load capacity but will also be available for the 3.5 to 5 ton capacity range. The fact that Linde MH is serious about switching to clean electric trucks was already demonstrated last year when the manufacturer electrified its heavy-duty trucks in the load capacity range of 10 to 18 tons. Thus, an electric drive variant is now available for all Linde truck models. Linde MH has also taken another important step forward in terms of battery recycling. In the future, a strategic cooperation with the company Li-Cycle will ensure the environmentally friendly recovery of materials for all lithium-ion batteries delivered. “Linde MH customers can rest assured that the batteries will be recycled at the end of their useful life in such a way as to ensure that up to 95 percent of the raw materials will be recovered and returned to the material cycle,” Prokosch explains.

Hydrogen is also gaining in importance as another viable type of energy. This is because it can also potentially be obtained from regenerative sources such as the sun, wind or water and is therefore sustainable. At the LogiMAT trade fair in Stuttgart, Linde MH will be presenting its first own self-manufactured fuel cell system. Once launched on the market, the stacks with 24 volts of voltage and 1.8 kW of power will be used in order pickers and tow tractors, and in the future, they will also be used in Linde brand pallet trucks and double stackers. “With Linde HyPower, we have developed an exceptionally robust, powerful and user-friendly fuel cell system and can now offer our customers in the warehouse equipment segment a complete ‘one stop shop’ solution consisting of vehicles, fuel cell systems and servicing,” announces Linde MH’s top brand manager. Hydrogen-powered forklifts are particularly impressive due to their short refuelling times, their suitability for both indoor and outdoor use, and the fact that they are emission-free. The vehicles bring their advantages to bear particularly in multi-shift operation entailing many operating hours.

“For those customers who, for various reasons, continue to prefer diesel trucks, we offer an option in the form of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), which enables them to reduce the CO2 emissions of their vehicles by up to 90 percent,” Prokosch points out.

However, the claim of “Green Performance” does not refer exclusively to products. Software solutions and consulting services make their contribution as well. For example, the intelligent battery charge management system Linde connect:charger helps customers to avoid peak demand in energy and to adjust the charging strategy according to the specific situation – always with the goal of optimizing energy consumption and energy costs while maximizing equipment availability and making the best possible use of renewable energies. The company-wide integration of all energy-relevant aspects succeeds thanks to the Linde Energy Manager. “Determining energy consumption in advance, taking into account all producers and consumers, and planning energy purchases helps to achieve a reduction in both CO2 emissions and energy costs,” summarizes Stefan Prokosch.

Davies Turner’s Health and Safety Hat-trick

Posted on by David Priestman

For a third year in a row, the health and safety standards across the Davies Turner Group have led the UK Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to presenting the company with an internationally-recognised award.

The leading global freight forwarding and logistics group has received a third consecutive RoSPA Gold Award in recognition of the high standards of its safety performance during the period from January 01, 2022, to December 31, 2022. Carl Inman (pictured), group health & safety, insurance and environmental manager, says the RoSPA Gold Award is a highly coveted and respected accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running H&S industry awards.

He adds: “In a very competitive awards scheme, to receive a Gold Award once is an achievement. To score a hat trick, with a Gold Award in each of the last three years, signposts Davies Turner’s ongoing commitment to continually improving the standards of health and safety within the workplace. The latest award, along with our other certifications, adds to Davies Turner’s list of achievements in the field of internationally-recognised standards of quality, health & safety, and environmental management.

“It further demonstrates our commitment to all of the company’s stakeholders, including our clients that are increasingly seeking greater evidence that Davies Turner is fully engaged with environmental, social and compliance issues, as they seek reassurance that they are dealing with a company that fully understands and effectively manages its corporate social responsibilities.”

Alan Williams, director of Davies Turner PLC, who chairs the company’s health and safety meetings, adds: ”A commitment to health and safety, as well as environmental responsibilities, underpins the freight forwarding and logistics activities provided by the company, as well as making sound business sense.”

The latest RoSPA Gold Award adds to the ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System Certification that is in place at several of the Davies Turner Group’s regional distribution centres across the UK.

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