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Day: 14 June 2023

Wrap Innovation Reduces Supply Chain Waste

Posted on by David Priestman

DS Smith, a leading global sustainable packaging company, has innovated DD Wrap as a brand-new sustainable shelf ready packaging design, to meet circular economy requirements while increasing supply chain efficiency and enhancing the in-store shopping experience. The DD Wrap packaging option was created by DS Smith’s design team. It is designed and customised for a variety of packaging solutions and is created from a mono piece of carboard without perforation at the front side, thus improving visibility and appeal at the point of display.

The first new DD Wrap packaging solution was developed to contain biscuits and can be tailored bespoke for any other product range. Every DS Smith product is created according to the principles of the company’s Circular Design Principles and approach. This enables DS Smith designers to minimise the amount of material and resources used and reduce the empty spaces and air present in packaging boxes. When transporting this new shelf ready packaging, all space is fully utilised reducing the volume of vehicles and unnecessary CO2 emissions.

The pioneering DS Smith Circular Design model allows for each packaging design solution to be assessed through eight different indicators. The designers can then assess from an informed perspective if a packaging product is reaching sustainability targets and decide on next steps on how to improve.

According to recent research by IGD (The Institute of Grocery Distribution), 53% of consumers feel that quality designed shelf ready packaging improves brand communication and 85% of shoppers think that in-store marketing is more likely to influence their purchase decisions. 42% of consumers believe that shelf ready packaging with clear presentation makes shopping easier.

Francesco Barsanti, Sales, Marketing & Innovation Director, DS Smith, Italy:
“As leaders in the packaging industry, at DS Smith, we know that innovation and design are essential to creating sustainable and efficient solutions that meet the needs of our customers and society, and in line with our purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World.

Our company is committed to combine market insight with innovative design and to creating high-impact shelf ready packaging. DD Wrap perfectly positions the product of our customers and gains maximum attention.

Designed correctly, shelf ready packaging has a vital part to play in the promotional mix, generating sales in-store at the crucial point of purchase. DS Smith works with marketing teams to ensure that the packaging reflects the brand positioning, achieves visual disruption in the category and helps promotions succeed. So, from design to production and supply, to recycling, we offer our customers a joined-up solution that is sustainable for all”, concludes Barsanti Francesco.

DS Wrap is set to extend across a range of FMCG and food and beverage products and it is created from one piece of packaging, and easy to open without scissors or a sharp tool.

 

Wrap Innovation Reduces Supply Chain Waste

Posted on by David Priestman

DS Smith, a leading global sustainable packaging company, has innovated DD Wrap as a brand-new sustainable shelf ready packaging design, to meet circular economy requirements while increasing supply chain efficiency and enhancing the in-store shopping experience. The DD Wrap packaging option was created by DS Smith’s design team. It is designed and customised for a variety of packaging solutions and is created from a mono piece of carboard without perforation at the front side, thus improving visibility and appeal at the point of display.

The first new DD Wrap packaging solution was developed to contain biscuits and can be tailored bespoke for any other product range. Every DS Smith product is created according to the principles of the company’s Circular Design Principles and approach. This enables DS Smith designers to minimise the amount of material and resources used and reduce the empty spaces and air present in packaging boxes. When transporting this new shelf ready packaging, all space is fully utilised reducing the volume of vehicles and unnecessary CO2 emissions.

The pioneering DS Smith Circular Design model allows for each packaging design solution to be assessed through eight different indicators. The designers can then assess from an informed perspective if a packaging product is reaching sustainability targets and decide on next steps on how to improve.

According to recent research by IGD (The Institute of Grocery Distribution), 53% of consumers feel that quality designed shelf ready packaging improves brand communication and 85% of shoppers think that in-store marketing is more likely to influence their purchase decisions. 42% of consumers believe that shelf ready packaging with clear presentation makes shopping easier.

Francesco Barsanti, Sales, Marketing & Innovation Director, DS Smith, Italy:
“As leaders in the packaging industry, at DS Smith, we know that innovation and design are essential to creating sustainable and efficient solutions that meet the needs of our customers and society, and in line with our purpose of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World.

Our company is committed to combine market insight with innovative design and to creating high-impact shelf ready packaging. DD Wrap perfectly positions the product of our customers and gains maximum attention.

Designed correctly, shelf ready packaging has a vital part to play in the promotional mix, generating sales in-store at the crucial point of purchase. DS Smith works with marketing teams to ensure that the packaging reflects the brand positioning, achieves visual disruption in the category and helps promotions succeed. So, from design to production and supply, to recycling, we offer our customers a joined-up solution that is sustainable for all”, concludes Barsanti Francesco.

DS Wrap is set to extend across a range of FMCG and food and beverage products and it is created from one piece of packaging, and easy to open without scissors or a sharp tool.

 

Elten Expands German Warehouse Capacity

Posted on by David Priestman

Fortna, a leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, has partnered with Elten, manufacturer of safety and occupational footwear, to consolidate and upgrade its central warehouse in Uedem, Germany.

Responding to steady growth and rising customer demand for greater speed and flexibility, ELTEN commissioned FORTNA with the design and implementation of the project, which will be rolled out in stages and during ongoing operations. The go-live of the miniload AS/RS in April 2023 marked the completion of the first construction phase.

Founded in 1910 and now in the family’s fourth generation, ELTEN employs over 400 people. The company headquarters in Uedem on the Lower Rhine include offices and warehousing, along with the end production of safety and work shoes, which are sold online and distributed to B2B and B2C customers worldwide.

“With over 5,000 order lines daily, a trend that has been rising steeply for ten years now, we have known for a while that our logistics operations would have to adapt if we wanted to stay competitive in the future,” says Georg Maxwill, Head of Supply Chain Management at ELTEN. “We started construction of the miniload on an adjacent site back in 2020 with a view to centralizing all processes so as to improve the volume and efficiency of our operations and increase our turnaround times. The FORTNA team supported us, as they have in all our projects since the original construction of our current building at the start of the millennium.”

From manual to automatic: 22 meters tall, eight aisles, a footprint of 5,250 square meters and a storage capacity for 143,840 cartons containing shoes, insoles and shoelaces – all of these are the cornerstones of the new miniload warehouse making significant improvements to the intralogistics processes. “Before the construction phase even started, a new WMS was installed in anticipation of the forthcoming automation,” explains Waldemar Ungefug, Project Manager with FORTNA. “The miniload system now consolidates all incoming items – shoes and shoe components – from third parties and ELTEN’s production. We expect the connection of the automatic storage system to the outbound processing in Phase 2 to happen equally flawlessly during ongoing operations.”

The second phase of construction is planned for completion by the end of 2023. Phase 2 will include the expansion of shelving capacities through the installation of a mezzanine and new conveyor technology to ensure automatic replenishment of the order picking area, as well as connection to outbound goods. This is also where order sorting takes place, with orders reaching their final destinations via shipping companies or CEP service providers.

“Integrating the miniload into the existing operations without any problems and the improvements we gain from the new systems and processes are vital for the positioning of our company,” says Georg Maxwill. Equally important, automation will help ELTEN overcome the challenges it faces in finding qualified labour. “However, our team needn’t be worried about losing their jobs because by consolidating our fulfilment in one place, Uedem is increasing its processing capacity, thereby, requiring additional staff.”

Capacity expansion and centralized processes enable ELTEN the ideal conditions to meet changing customer requirements and to process orders quickly and flexibly both now and in the future, even with substantial long-term growth.

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

Elten Expands German Warehouse Capacity

Posted on by David Priestman

Fortna, a leading automation and software company for the full logistics value chain, has partnered with Elten, manufacturer of safety and occupational footwear, to consolidate and upgrade its central warehouse in Uedem, Germany.

Responding to steady growth and rising customer demand for greater speed and flexibility, ELTEN commissioned FORTNA with the design and implementation of the project, which will be rolled out in stages and during ongoing operations. The go-live of the miniload AS/RS in April 2023 marked the completion of the first construction phase.

Founded in 1910 and now in the family’s fourth generation, ELTEN employs over 400 people. The company headquarters in Uedem on the Lower Rhine include offices and warehousing, along with the end production of safety and work shoes, which are sold online and distributed to B2B and B2C customers worldwide.

“With over 5,000 order lines daily, a trend that has been rising steeply for ten years now, we have known for a while that our logistics operations would have to adapt if we wanted to stay competitive in the future,” says Georg Maxwill, Head of Supply Chain Management at ELTEN. “We started construction of the miniload on an adjacent site back in 2020 with a view to centralizing all processes so as to improve the volume and efficiency of our operations and increase our turnaround times. The FORTNA team supported us, as they have in all our projects since the original construction of our current building at the start of the millennium.”

From manual to automatic: 22 meters tall, eight aisles, a footprint of 5,250 square meters and a storage capacity for 143,840 cartons containing shoes, insoles and shoelaces – all of these are the cornerstones of the new miniload warehouse making significant improvements to the intralogistics processes. “Before the construction phase even started, a new WMS was installed in anticipation of the forthcoming automation,” explains Waldemar Ungefug, Project Manager with FORTNA. “The miniload system now consolidates all incoming items – shoes and shoe components – from third parties and ELTEN’s production. We expect the connection of the automatic storage system to the outbound processing in Phase 2 to happen equally flawlessly during ongoing operations.”

The second phase of construction is planned for completion by the end of 2023. Phase 2 will include the expansion of shelving capacities through the installation of a mezzanine and new conveyor technology to ensure automatic replenishment of the order picking area, as well as connection to outbound goods. This is also where order sorting takes place, with orders reaching their final destinations via shipping companies or CEP service providers.

“Integrating the miniload into the existing operations without any problems and the improvements we gain from the new systems and processes are vital for the positioning of our company,” says Georg Maxwill. Equally important, automation will help ELTEN overcome the challenges it faces in finding qualified labour. “However, our team needn’t be worried about losing their jobs because by consolidating our fulfilment in one place, Uedem is increasing its processing capacity, thereby, requiring additional staff.”

Capacity expansion and centralized processes enable ELTEN the ideal conditions to meet changing customer requirements and to process orders quickly and flexibly both now and in the future, even with substantial long-term growth.

FORTNA partners with the world’s leading brands to transform omnichannel and parcel distribution operations. Known world-wide for enabling companies to keep pace with digital disruption and growth objectives, we design and deliver solutions, powered by intelligent software, to optimize fast, accurate and cost-effective order fulfillment and last mile delivery. Our people, innovative approach and proprietary algorithms and tools ensure optimal operations design and material and information flow. We deliver exceptional value every day to our customers with comprehensive services and products including network strategy, distribution center operational design and implementation, material handling automated equipment, robotics and a comprehensive suite of lifecycle services.

Nearshoring Accelerates Demand for European Space

Posted on by David Priestman

The amount of industrial space taken up by manufacturers in key European markets is rapidly increasing – up 28% last year – as they ‘nearshore’ operations closer to their consumer markets to improve the flexibility and sustainability of their supply chains, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

Supply chain disruption, rising costs including manufacturing wages in Asia and for transport, geopolitical challenges to products crossing borders, and a growing focus on sustainability and social impact, have illuminated the complexity of how and where we source the products we make, move and consume.

Manufacturers responded by taking 9.6 million sq m (103 million sq ft) of space last year, up from 7.5 million sq m in 2021 – against a backdrop of overall logistics & industrial space declining 4% year-on-year. The figure is also a significant jump on pre-pandemic take up, which had reached 7.8 million in 2019 after increasing steadily in the preceding years.

Although cost was a significant driver in ‘offshoring’ manufacturing facilities away from Europe in previous decades, it is not the only factor driving current nearshoring activity. While remaining hugely important to businesses considering where to locate production facilities, the differential in costs between making goods in Asia compared with Europe has narrowed. Other factors – highlighted during the pandemic – have helped accelerate the trend, Cushman & Wakefield highlights in a new report on nearshoring.

Sustainability, social impact, oversight, flexibility and control are also influencing decision making. This is particularly the case for businesses investing significant capital in automation and robotics for production.

Tim Crighton, Head of Logistics & Industrial EMEA at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “The cost of a robot for production is broadly similar around the world. The return on investment is therefore quicker and more attractive in some of the traditionally higher cost labour markets like Western Europe against comparatively lower cost labour markets like Asia. Layer in the supply chain stress experienced through the pandemic and the shifting sands of global politics and you have a compelling convergence of factors if you are a manufacturer of goods.”

The report identifies particular geographies and sectors in Europe that stand to benefit from the trend for a variety of reasons, including:
• Central & Eastern Europe, thanks to its relatively low labour costs, geographic proximity to large markets and strong transport links represents one of the most attractive regions for investment in manufacturing;
• Spain and Portugal are highlighted from a cost and proximity-to-consumer-markets perspective, along with key ports along the northern Mediterranean coast as far as northern Italy;
• Major European economies such as Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will benefit as specific industries grow and evolve, including electric vehicle and battery production, and semiconductor fabrication;
• The UK, as more businesses seek domestic suppliers as a result of Brexit supply chain challenges, although it will also face additional challenges;

Sally Bruer, EMEA Logistics & Industrial Research & Insight Lead at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Nearshoring is not just about cost – companies are also weighing up their speed to market, transparency, sustainability and geopolitics. Governments also have a key role to play by incentivising investment in product manufacturing that is critical to the delivery of economically, environmentally and socially sustainable industries. As an example, European governments have been stepping in recently with subsidies to secure the go-ahead for major manufacturing projects after the EU loosened state aid rules in the face of fierce global competition.”

In terms of property investment, the broader logistics and industrial sector has been at the sharp end of recent price correction, but investors remain keen on business-critical assets where the occupier commitment is secure and where return profiles are attractive. As such, nearshoring represents an opportunity for developers, investors and occupiers of manufacturing space to work together to create new assets in new geographies, to create value for all parties and enjoy the potential for operational efficiencies and higher levels of investment return.

While manufacturing projects can take a long time to materialise into the construction of physical assets, these facilities are then integral to production, and typically secured on long-term commitments.

Sally Bruer added: “Occupiers will prioritise newer buildings that are more operationally and economically efficient, especially where high levels of automation are implemented. Power sources will also be a key consideration as sustainability credentials are an increasingly large part of the decision making process. Investors will be drawn to these assets for the same reasons, especially where there are strong commitments by established businesses in key markets where risk appetite is low. Less established markets also stand to benefit from nearshoring and these may appeal to investors with higher risk appetites.”

Nearshoring Accelerates Demand for European Space

Posted on by David Priestman

The amount of industrial space taken up by manufacturers in key European markets is rapidly increasing – up 28% last year – as they ‘nearshore’ operations closer to their consumer markets to improve the flexibility and sustainability of their supply chains, according to Cushman & Wakefield.

Supply chain disruption, rising costs including manufacturing wages in Asia and for transport, geopolitical challenges to products crossing borders, and a growing focus on sustainability and social impact, have illuminated the complexity of how and where we source the products we make, move and consume.

Manufacturers responded by taking 9.6 million sq m (103 million sq ft) of space last year, up from 7.5 million sq m in 2021 – against a backdrop of overall logistics & industrial space declining 4% year-on-year. The figure is also a significant jump on pre-pandemic take up, which had reached 7.8 million in 2019 after increasing steadily in the preceding years.

Although cost was a significant driver in ‘offshoring’ manufacturing facilities away from Europe in previous decades, it is not the only factor driving current nearshoring activity. While remaining hugely important to businesses considering where to locate production facilities, the differential in costs between making goods in Asia compared with Europe has narrowed. Other factors – highlighted during the pandemic – have helped accelerate the trend, Cushman & Wakefield highlights in a new report on nearshoring.

Sustainability, social impact, oversight, flexibility and control are also influencing decision making. This is particularly the case for businesses investing significant capital in automation and robotics for production.

Tim Crighton, Head of Logistics & Industrial EMEA at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “The cost of a robot for production is broadly similar around the world. The return on investment is therefore quicker and more attractive in some of the traditionally higher cost labour markets like Western Europe against comparatively lower cost labour markets like Asia. Layer in the supply chain stress experienced through the pandemic and the shifting sands of global politics and you have a compelling convergence of factors if you are a manufacturer of goods.”

The report identifies particular geographies and sectors in Europe that stand to benefit from the trend for a variety of reasons, including:
• Central & Eastern Europe, thanks to its relatively low labour costs, geographic proximity to large markets and strong transport links represents one of the most attractive regions for investment in manufacturing;
• Spain and Portugal are highlighted from a cost and proximity-to-consumer-markets perspective, along with key ports along the northern Mediterranean coast as far as northern Italy;
• Major European economies such as Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will benefit as specific industries grow and evolve, including electric vehicle and battery production, and semiconductor fabrication;
• The UK, as more businesses seek domestic suppliers as a result of Brexit supply chain challenges, although it will also face additional challenges;

Sally Bruer, EMEA Logistics & Industrial Research & Insight Lead at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Nearshoring is not just about cost – companies are also weighing up their speed to market, transparency, sustainability and geopolitics. Governments also have a key role to play by incentivising investment in product manufacturing that is critical to the delivery of economically, environmentally and socially sustainable industries. As an example, European governments have been stepping in recently with subsidies to secure the go-ahead for major manufacturing projects after the EU loosened state aid rules in the face of fierce global competition.”

In terms of property investment, the broader logistics and industrial sector has been at the sharp end of recent price correction, but investors remain keen on business-critical assets where the occupier commitment is secure and where return profiles are attractive. As such, nearshoring represents an opportunity for developers, investors and occupiers of manufacturing space to work together to create new assets in new geographies, to create value for all parties and enjoy the potential for operational efficiencies and higher levels of investment return.

While manufacturing projects can take a long time to materialise into the construction of physical assets, these facilities are then integral to production, and typically secured on long-term commitments.

Sally Bruer added: “Occupiers will prioritise newer buildings that are more operationally and economically efficient, especially where high levels of automation are implemented. Power sources will also be a key consideration as sustainability credentials are an increasingly large part of the decision making process. Investors will be drawn to these assets for the same reasons, especially where there are strong commitments by established businesses in key markets where risk appetite is low. Less established markets also stand to benefit from nearshoring and these may appeal to investors with higher risk appetites.”

Transaid Announce 2024 Cycle Kenya Challenge

Posted on by David Priestman

Transaid is returning to Africa for its 11th cycle challenge on the continent and is calling on keen riders to take part in a six-day, 474km ride across majestic Kenya – where Transaid is currently undertaking a major project funded by the FIA Foundation.

Taking place from 4 – 13 October 2024, the international development organisation invites riders from across the transport and logistics industry on this one-of-a-kind adventure, where they’ll travel from Nyeri at the foothills of Mount Kenya to Lake Victoria – all on two wheels.

Along the way, participants will experience Kenya’s lush, mountainous countryside, and stunning, expansive panoramas. A country renowned for its diverse wildlife and safari, there is also the opportunity to spot giraffes, zebras, buffalos and more, as the route includes a game conservation and acres of bushland.

Riders will cover an average of 79km per day (49 miles), with two consecutive days including challenging ascents – to viewpoints 2,550m above sea level. Worth the gruelling ride, they’ll be rewarded with incredible landscapes across The Great Rift Valley.

Last year a group of 40 riders completed a 505km cycling challenge across Malawi, whilst the 2023 cycle challenge – celebrating the organisation’s silver jubilee – is following a three-day London to Paris route in September.

Florence Bearman, Head of Fundraising at Transaid, says: “After moving our cycle challenge to Europe for a year, we’re excited to be returning to Africa – and what better place to do it than Kenya. Not only does this ride offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the country off the beaten track, but also the knowledge you’re raising vital funds for much-needed road safety and access to health services.”

Aligning with Transaid’s focus of transforming lives through safe, available and sustainable transport, fundraising earned from the challenge will help to support the organisation’s life-saving work, which currently spans projects in eight countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

Entries are encouraged from individuals and teams alike. A registration fee of £399 is required, with a minimum fundraising target of £4,150. The package includes flights (London – Nairobi – London), airport transfers, accommodation with meals, access to support vehicles, two local cycling guides to lead the tour, plus the support of a doctor always travelling with the group.

Transaid Announce 2024 Cycle Kenya Challenge

Posted on by David Priestman

Transaid is returning to Africa for its 11th cycle challenge on the continent and is calling on keen riders to take part in a six-day, 474km ride across majestic Kenya – where Transaid is currently undertaking a major project funded by the FIA Foundation.

Taking place from 4 – 13 October 2024, the international development organisation invites riders from across the transport and logistics industry on this one-of-a-kind adventure, where they’ll travel from Nyeri at the foothills of Mount Kenya to Lake Victoria – all on two wheels.

Along the way, participants will experience Kenya’s lush, mountainous countryside, and stunning, expansive panoramas. A country renowned for its diverse wildlife and safari, there is also the opportunity to spot giraffes, zebras, buffalos and more, as the route includes a game conservation and acres of bushland.

Riders will cover an average of 79km per day (49 miles), with two consecutive days including challenging ascents – to viewpoints 2,550m above sea level. Worth the gruelling ride, they’ll be rewarded with incredible landscapes across The Great Rift Valley.

Last year a group of 40 riders completed a 505km cycling challenge across Malawi, whilst the 2023 cycle challenge – celebrating the organisation’s silver jubilee – is following a three-day London to Paris route in September.

Florence Bearman, Head of Fundraising at Transaid, says: “After moving our cycle challenge to Europe for a year, we’re excited to be returning to Africa – and what better place to do it than Kenya. Not only does this ride offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the country off the beaten track, but also the knowledge you’re raising vital funds for much-needed road safety and access to health services.”

Aligning with Transaid’s focus of transforming lives through safe, available and sustainable transport, fundraising earned from the challenge will help to support the organisation’s life-saving work, which currently spans projects in eight countries across sub-Saharan Africa.

Entries are encouraged from individuals and teams alike. A registration fee of £399 is required, with a minimum fundraising target of £4,150. The package includes flights (London – Nairobi – London), airport transfers, accommodation with meals, access to support vehicles, two local cycling guides to lead the tour, plus the support of a doctor always travelling with the group.

New Generation of Dock Levellers Launched

Posted on by David Priestman

Rite-Hite, one of the leading manufacturers of loading bay and health and safety equipment, has launched RiteLoad, its new generation of hydraulic dock levellers featuring new advanced controls, improved design and reinforced construction for enhanced safety.

The durability and stability of the new RiteLoad dock leveller series – achieved through improved telescopic lip guidance and optimised plateau construction – is such that Rite-Hite provides a full 10-year warranty on the steelwork and construction in comparison to the customary five-year warranty across the industry.

The RiteLoad series comprises a number of different models and is available in nominal lengths from 2,000-4,500mm with nominal widths of 2,000-2,250mm, and heights from 600-900mm. Depending on the application, models for load capacities of 60kN and 100kN can be selected. In addition to the classic safety features, such as anti-slip tear plate and yellow/black warning stripes, the dock leveller has an automatic floating position and automatic return function, as well as an electro-hydraulic emergency stop in case of pressure loss in the lifting cylinders and a restart interlock after power failure.

“When developing the new RiteLoad dock levellers, our goal was to deliver unrivalled durability and the highest quality product with fast availability, and we are delighted with the result!” says Thorsten Mauritz, Marketing Manager for Europe at Rite-Hite.

A variety of different controls are available for the new dock levellers – from the simple bridge control to the advanced combi-box, which allows several products at the loading point to be operated centrally via one control, such as the sectional door and vehicle restraint system.

Formwork frames as well as curb angle frames for pre-casted pit frames and special frames for loading houses are available. In addition to the standard colour option of RAL 7016 (grey), many other RAL colours are also available as well as a fully galvanised version (including the frames).

Further dock leveller models based on this platform are planned for future release, including a hinge lip version.

Rite-Hite is a pioneer and specialist in high-performance loading dock technology, industrial door solutions and innovative products for improving work safety. For more than 30 years, we have been committed to providing forward-looking technologies in Europe for greater productivity, safety and energy efficiency in logistics and intralogistics. With more than 3000 employees worldwide and a global network of production facilities and subsidiaries, we are one of the leading companies in our industry.

New Generation of Dock Levellers Launched

Posted on by David Priestman

Rite-Hite, one of the leading manufacturers of loading bay and health and safety equipment, has launched RiteLoad, its new generation of hydraulic dock levellers featuring new advanced controls, improved design and reinforced construction for enhanced safety.

The durability and stability of the new RiteLoad dock leveller series – achieved through improved telescopic lip guidance and optimised plateau construction – is such that Rite-Hite provides a full 10-year warranty on the steelwork and construction in comparison to the customary five-year warranty across the industry.

The RiteLoad series comprises a number of different models and is available in nominal lengths from 2,000-4,500mm with nominal widths of 2,000-2,250mm, and heights from 600-900mm. Depending on the application, models for load capacities of 60kN and 100kN can be selected. In addition to the classic safety features, such as anti-slip tear plate and yellow/black warning stripes, the dock leveller has an automatic floating position and automatic return function, as well as an electro-hydraulic emergency stop in case of pressure loss in the lifting cylinders and a restart interlock after power failure.

“When developing the new RiteLoad dock levellers, our goal was to deliver unrivalled durability and the highest quality product with fast availability, and we are delighted with the result!” says Thorsten Mauritz, Marketing Manager for Europe at Rite-Hite.

A variety of different controls are available for the new dock levellers – from the simple bridge control to the advanced combi-box, which allows several products at the loading point to be operated centrally via one control, such as the sectional door and vehicle restraint system.

Formwork frames as well as curb angle frames for pre-casted pit frames and special frames for loading houses are available. In addition to the standard colour option of RAL 7016 (grey), many other RAL colours are also available as well as a fully galvanised version (including the frames).

Further dock leveller models based on this platform are planned for future release, including a hinge lip version.

Rite-Hite is a pioneer and specialist in high-performance loading dock technology, industrial door solutions and innovative products for improving work safety. For more than 30 years, we have been committed to providing forward-looking technologies in Europe for greater productivity, safety and energy efficiency in logistics and intralogistics. With more than 3000 employees worldwide and a global network of production facilities and subsidiaries, we are one of the leading companies in our industry.

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