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Day: 20 June 2023

IFOY Test Report: Sentics ORTLS

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With just a few days to go before the IFOY Award winners are announced in a glittering ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd, we look at the optical real time locating system (ORTLS) from Sentics GmbH.

The start-up Sentics has developed and launched the first optical, AI-based real-time location system for industrial applications. The complementary software products significantly increase safety and efficiency in intralogistics.

IFOY category: Start-up of the Year

IFOY Test Report

Sentics optical real-time localisation system is based on infrastructure sensors installed in the industrial environment. The sensor system detects and localises relevant objects such as forklifts, people or machines and makes this information available for numerous applications. Real-time analysis of the locations and movement profiles of people and industrial trucks enables critical situations to be detected at an early stage and accidents to be prevented by means of warnings and automated reduction of travel speed. With the help of a targeted configuration of the driving strategy, users can also preventively reduce the driving speed in hazardous areas. Conversely, industrial trucks can continue to operate with high productivity if there are no people or other obstacles in the travel area.

The localisation system can also be used for autonomous transport systems, which can currently only be operated with limited productivity due to the challenges of mixed traffic with manual vehicles and people. For this purpose, information about all driving areas is provided in real time and made available to the fleet managers of the autonomous transport vehicles. An analysis of historical movement profiles also enables safety and productivity to be increased.

Alternative real-time localisation systems are based on additional technical devices (transponders) that must be worn by people or installed on industrial trucks. Besides the administration and maintenance effort (issuing to employees and visitors, recharging batteries, replacing defective devices, etc.), these systems have a disadvantage for security applications. If a person is not wearing the transponder or if it is defective, then that person cannot be protected. Sentics’ system does not require any additional technical devices. Thus, there can be no failures in the condition of the system. At the same time, the system is scalable in any way, because compared to transponder solutions, devices are not limited.

IFOY test verdict: In German companies, there were about 32,000 reportable accidents with industrial trucks in 2020, 10 of which ended fatally. This is according to statistics from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Sentics’ optical, AI-based real-time localisation system provides a solution that can help improve these figures. In addition, collaborative concepts can be implemented by integrating people, manually operated and autonomous machines – an aspect that should not be underestimated against the background that forecasts assume further growth in the AGV/AMR sector.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The field of in-process identification technologies and their applications will be of great importance in the future in even more digitalised and automated industrial and commercial environments. Sentics not only offers a camera-based, i.e., optically working solution, but also shows safety-relevant applications of the technology, which make an amortisation possible over multiple benefits. This area of occupational safety is emphasised by Sentics itself. Certainly, the feasibility of occupational safety measures with other applications (identification, tracking & tracing) is of particular importance.

Customer benefit: The product and the applications shown offer multiple customer benefits by implementing parallel functionalities. On the one hand, the localisation of automated devices (AGVs, AMRs, etc., which themselves use localisation technology) and non-automated objects (humans, forklifts, etc.) is combined. The objects do not necessarily have to be equipped with their own devices. If control interventions such as speed reduction are to be implemented, the objects are equipped with their own hardware.

Novelty / Innovation: Optical recognition using computer vision methods is well known but is not yet widely used for comparable applications. The combination of localisation, recognition of people and active intervention in the controls is a good innovation leap.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The integration of automated technology and manual process participants in a closed system shows very good potential for implementation and is an important step into the future world of networked Industry 4.0. Especially the implementation with relatively simple cameras and the avoidance of wearables or other devices for the people participating in the process offers many advantages. The combination of several sensors in a defined environment and the joint use of their data (sensor fusion) is an intelligent solution for the multiple use of the technology employed in several applications.

Verdict: Nice application for camera-based detection and localisation of moving objects. Can neatly increase safety, but can also be used for rule-based actions for control. With this, the forklift learns to “see around the corner”! Certainly in the future, much more innovative goals are achievable with the system (detection of specific containers and load).

Market relevance +
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: Sentics ORTLS

Posted on by David Priestman

With just a few days to go before the IFOY Award winners are announced in a glittering ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd, we look at the optical real time locating system (ORTLS) from Sentics GmbH.

The start-up Sentics has developed and launched the first optical, AI-based real-time location system for industrial applications. The complementary software products significantly increase safety and efficiency in intralogistics.

IFOY category: Start-up of the Year

IFOY Test Report

Sentics optical real-time localisation system is based on infrastructure sensors installed in the industrial environment. The sensor system detects and localises relevant objects such as forklifts, people or machines and makes this information available for numerous applications. Real-time analysis of the locations and movement profiles of people and industrial trucks enables critical situations to be detected at an early stage and accidents to be prevented by means of warnings and automated reduction of travel speed. With the help of a targeted configuration of the driving strategy, users can also preventively reduce the driving speed in hazardous areas. Conversely, industrial trucks can continue to operate with high productivity if there are no people or other obstacles in the travel area.

The localisation system can also be used for autonomous transport systems, which can currently only be operated with limited productivity due to the challenges of mixed traffic with manual vehicles and people. For this purpose, information about all driving areas is provided in real time and made available to the fleet managers of the autonomous transport vehicles. An analysis of historical movement profiles also enables safety and productivity to be increased.

Alternative real-time localisation systems are based on additional technical devices (transponders) that must be worn by people or installed on industrial trucks. Besides the administration and maintenance effort (issuing to employees and visitors, recharging batteries, replacing defective devices, etc.), these systems have a disadvantage for security applications. If a person is not wearing the transponder or if it is defective, then that person cannot be protected. Sentics’ system does not require any additional technical devices. Thus, there can be no failures in the condition of the system. At the same time, the system is scalable in any way, because compared to transponder solutions, devices are not limited.

IFOY test verdict: In German companies, there were about 32,000 reportable accidents with industrial trucks in 2020, 10 of which ended fatally. This is according to statistics from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Sentics’ optical, AI-based real-time localisation system provides a solution that can help improve these figures. In addition, collaborative concepts can be implemented by integrating people, manually operated and autonomous machines – an aspect that should not be underestimated against the background that forecasts assume further growth in the AGV/AMR sector.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The field of in-process identification technologies and their applications will be of great importance in the future in even more digitalised and automated industrial and commercial environments. Sentics not only offers a camera-based, i.e., optically working solution, but also shows safety-relevant applications of the technology, which make an amortisation possible over multiple benefits. This area of occupational safety is emphasised by Sentics itself. Certainly, the feasibility of occupational safety measures with other applications (identification, tracking & tracing) is of particular importance.

Customer benefit: The product and the applications shown offer multiple customer benefits by implementing parallel functionalities. On the one hand, the localisation of automated devices (AGVs, AMRs, etc., which themselves use localisation technology) and non-automated objects (humans, forklifts, etc.) is combined. The objects do not necessarily have to be equipped with their own devices. If control interventions such as speed reduction are to be implemented, the objects are equipped with their own hardware.

Novelty / Innovation: Optical recognition using computer vision methods is well known but is not yet widely used for comparable applications. The combination of localisation, recognition of people and active intervention in the controls is a good innovation leap.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The integration of automated technology and manual process participants in a closed system shows very good potential for implementation and is an important step into the future world of networked Industry 4.0. Especially the implementation with relatively simple cameras and the avoidance of wearables or other devices for the people participating in the process offers many advantages. The combination of several sensors in a defined environment and the joint use of their data (sensor fusion) is an intelligent solution for the multiple use of the technology employed in several applications.

Verdict: Nice application for camera-based detection and localisation of moving objects. Can neatly increase safety, but can also be used for rule-based actions for control. With this, the forklift learns to “see around the corner”! Certainly in the future, much more innovative goals are achievable with the system (detection of specific containers and load).

Market relevance +
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation +
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

Retail Supply Chain Prioritising Sustainability

Posted on by David Priestman

New research from DHL Supply Chain and The Retail Hive reveals that retail supply chain leaders are facing challenges when it comes to understanding and achieving improved sustainability practices in the supply chain.

The in-depth, qualitative research was conducted by The Retail Hive and included one to one interviews, as well as survey-based research with 58 retail supply chain leaders.

While supply chain sustainability is considered a priority for businesses (72%), majority of supply chain leaders (70%) are unaware of how much their organisation is actually investing in low- or zero carbon products and services across their supply chain.

Over half of respondents (54%) say that the pressure to make the organisations’ supply chain operations more sustainable comes from end-consumers and more than a third (36%) agree that their main goal of improving sustainability in the supply chain is to be a more resilient organisation.

38% of supply chain leaders claim that the main barrier to adopting practices and solutions that would make their supply chain more sustainable is cost, with 100% of respondents stating that they would like to see their partners doing more to help them provide a greener fulfilment offering.

Tutu Akinkoye, GoGreen Lead, UKI, DHL Supply Chain said: “Becoming a more responsible business is top of mind for both consumers and retailers today, but this latest piece of research makes it clear that for many supply chain leaders in the retail sector, successfully understanding and implementing a sustainability programme still feels challenging. The insights clearly show that retailers are in need of support from their partners to drive significant change across their operations, and we will continue to work closely with our customers to help achieve this.”

Sally Green, Co-Founder & Editorial Director, The Hive Network said: “Retailers can find themselves struggling with ‘analysis paralysis’ as they try to work out the most effective starting points for a supply chain sustainability programme. While this research shows that few have clear visibility on what this should look like, key lessons from retailers who have started on their journey include setting a manageable goal, introducing reporting structures, and working with partners to help increase the impact of sustainability initiatives.”

Retail Supply Chain Prioritising Sustainability

Posted on by David Priestman

New research from DHL Supply Chain and The Retail Hive reveals that retail supply chain leaders are facing challenges when it comes to understanding and achieving improved sustainability practices in the supply chain.

The in-depth, qualitative research was conducted by The Retail Hive and included one to one interviews, as well as survey-based research with 58 retail supply chain leaders.

While supply chain sustainability is considered a priority for businesses (72%), majority of supply chain leaders (70%) are unaware of how much their organisation is actually investing in low- or zero carbon products and services across their supply chain.

Over half of respondents (54%) say that the pressure to make the organisations’ supply chain operations more sustainable comes from end-consumers and more than a third (36%) agree that their main goal of improving sustainability in the supply chain is to be a more resilient organisation.

38% of supply chain leaders claim that the main barrier to adopting practices and solutions that would make their supply chain more sustainable is cost, with 100% of respondents stating that they would like to see their partners doing more to help them provide a greener fulfilment offering.

Tutu Akinkoye, GoGreen Lead, UKI, DHL Supply Chain said: “Becoming a more responsible business is top of mind for both consumers and retailers today, but this latest piece of research makes it clear that for many supply chain leaders in the retail sector, successfully understanding and implementing a sustainability programme still feels challenging. The insights clearly show that retailers are in need of support from their partners to drive significant change across their operations, and we will continue to work closely with our customers to help achieve this.”

Sally Green, Co-Founder & Editorial Director, The Hive Network said: “Retailers can find themselves struggling with ‘analysis paralysis’ as they try to work out the most effective starting points for a supply chain sustainability programme. While this research shows that few have clear visibility on what this should look like, key lessons from retailers who have started on their journey include setting a manageable goal, introducing reporting structures, and working with partners to help increase the impact of sustainability initiatives.”

IFOY Test Report: Raymond 8910 End Rider Pallet Truck

Posted on by David Priestman

It’s time to put the Raymond 8910 End Rider Pallet Truck under the spotlight as we continue our run-through of all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd.

The next-generation Raymond 8910 end rider pallet truck is ideal for heavy-duty and high-throughput applications. This comfortable pallet truck features intuitive, easy-to-use controls and enhanced ergonomics, especially for long hauls.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “lowlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With its new generation Raymond 8910 electric pallet truck, the US manufacturer offers a stand-up pallet truck for intensive use. The stacker has been completely redeveloped based on its predecessor (8900). Due to intensive use, Raymond has paid particular attention to ergonomics. The cabin is 20% roomier than its predecessor. In addition, the workplace can be set up flexibly. The entire console can be moved to adapt to the operator’s position. The console cannot yet be moved by the operator, which is a disadvantage when working multiple shifts. This is coming in the new versions of the lift truck, according to Raymond. For operators who require more space, Raymond offers a smaller steering concept with an additional more than 3cm of extra space.

For intensive use, the IFOY testers are still missing a seat option in the backrest, which has also been announced. The pallet trolley is equipped with a vibration-damping base plate. The dead man’s switch integrated into the base plate requires 61% less effort.

The toolbar has been moved from the battery side behind the steering console. This makes it easier to read terminals and other peripherals, and they are no longer in view of the direction of driving. The controls are intuitive and known from the manufacturer’s order picking portfolio. However, this is the first time that this control system has been used by Raymond on a lift truck.

Raymond has also introduced some innovations in the technical area. For example, sensors have been built into the chassis to constantly check that the operator is within the safe contours of the truck. If this is not the case, the truck’s speed is greatly reduced and an acoustic warning signal sounds. Once both feet are back within the work area, the truck automatically returns to normal settings. In addition, the 8910 features automatic steering centring when the truck is started  ̶  another novelty for this type of truck from the US manufacturer.

According to Raymond, the energy consumption of the truck is 24% lower than that of its predecessor. This is mainly due to the electric steering system, which replaces the hydraulic steering. In addition, the new steering system enables a shorter turning radius and thus better manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Another advantage: thanks to the new steering system, the pallet truck is more silent.

The IFOY stacker is equipped with a conventional lead-acid battery. On request, Raymond can also supply the 8910 with a Li battery.

The forklift could not be fully tested by the IFOY test team because the forks commonly used in the US do not fit under the available test weights. However, the test team did test drive the truck. By European standards, the steering needs to get used to. The steering works exactly opposite to what the driver expects. However, the steering character setting can be adjusted via service if necessary.

IFOY test verdict: The truck offers a spacious operator’s cab for added comfort and is equipped with intuitive, user-friendly controls. For the US market, this is a significant improvement; by European standards, the improvements are somewhat less innovative. The controls require adaptability from operators who are not used to the US steering system.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The transport of goods on pallets over longer distances as well as fast turnover on trucks still has an enormous share of the market. This is why further developments of pallet trucks with stand-on platforms, such as the Raymond 8910, are highly relevant to the market. With its improvements, it focuses on the American market and sets new standards there in terms of ergonomics and energy efficiency, which promises a positive customer response.

Customer benefit: The Raymond 8910 represents a significant evolution for the customer from its predecessor in terms of ergonomics and safety. The operator is better protected in the more spacious cabin with ergonomic details. Other features, such as light barriers as platform limitation, automatic speed reduction when cornering and the centring of the drive wheel when starting operation, increase the benefit in terms of safety. The electric power steering also increases energy efficiency, giving the user more uptime.

Novelty / Innovation: The innovation level can be regarded as high in relation to the American market due to all the enhancements. In an international comparison, the Raymond 8910 has reached a level of technology that puts it on a par with comparable pallet trucks.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The Raymond 8910 impresses with its robustness and good finish. As an operator, you feel the increase in comfort on the platform and can expect a long-lasting overall product.

Verdict: The overall impression of the Raymond 8910 pallet truck undoubtedly makes it a worthy nominee for the IFOY Award, promising a pleasant increase in pallet handling output for the user.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation Ø
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

IFOY Test Report: Raymond 8910 End Rider Pallet Truck

Posted on by Keith McKinley

It’s time to put the Raymond 8910 End Rider Pallet Truck under the spotlight as we continue our run-through of all the IFOY Award finalists ahead of the announcement ceremony in Dortmund on June 22nd.

The next-generation Raymond 8910 end rider pallet truck is ideal for heavy-duty and high-throughput applications. This comfortable pallet truck features intuitive, easy-to-use controls and enhanced ergonomics, especially for long hauls.

IFOY category: Warehouse Truck “lowlifter”

IFOY Test Report

With its new generation Raymond 8910 electric pallet truck, the US manufacturer offers a stand-up pallet truck for intensive use. The stacker has been completely redeveloped based on its predecessor (8900). Due to intensive use, Raymond has paid particular attention to ergonomics. The cabin is 20% roomier than its predecessor. In addition, the workplace can be set up flexibly. The entire console can be moved to adapt to the operator’s position. The console cannot yet be moved by the operator, which is a disadvantage when working multiple shifts. This is coming in the new versions of the lift truck, according to Raymond. For operators who require more space, Raymond offers a smaller steering concept with an additional more than 3cm of extra space.

For intensive use, the IFOY testers are still missing a seat option in the backrest, which has also been announced. The pallet trolley is equipped with a vibration-damping base plate. The dead man’s switch integrated into the base plate requires 61% less effort.

The toolbar has been moved from the battery side behind the steering console. This makes it easier to read terminals and other peripherals, and they are no longer in view of the direction of driving. The controls are intuitive and known from the manufacturer’s order picking portfolio. However, this is the first time that this control system has been used by Raymond on a lift truck.

Raymond has also introduced some innovations in the technical area. For example, sensors have been built into the chassis to constantly check that the operator is within the safe contours of the truck. If this is not the case, the truck’s speed is greatly reduced and an acoustic warning signal sounds. Once both feet are back within the work area, the truck automatically returns to normal settings. In addition, the 8910 features automatic steering centring when the truck is started  ̶  another novelty for this type of truck from the US manufacturer.

According to Raymond, the energy consumption of the truck is 24% lower than that of its predecessor. This is mainly due to the electric steering system, which replaces the hydraulic steering. In addition, the new steering system enables a shorter turning radius and thus better manoeuvrability in tight spaces. Another advantage: thanks to the new steering system, the pallet truck is more silent.

The IFOY stacker is equipped with a conventional lead-acid battery. On request, Raymond can also supply the 8910 with a Li battery.

The forklift could not be fully tested by the IFOY test team because the forks commonly used in the US do not fit under the available test weights. However, the test team did test drive the truck. By European standards, the steering needs to get used to. The steering works exactly opposite to what the driver expects. However, the steering character setting can be adjusted via service if necessary.

IFOY test verdict: The truck offers a spacious operator’s cab for added comfort and is equipped with intuitive, user-friendly controls. For the US market, this is a significant improvement; by European standards, the improvements are somewhat less innovative. The controls require adaptability from operators who are not used to the US steering system.

IFOY Innovation Check

Market relevance: The transport of goods on pallets over longer distances as well as fast turnover on trucks still has an enormous share of the market. This is why further developments of pallet trucks with stand-on platforms, such as the Raymond 8910, are highly relevant to the market. With its improvements, it focuses on the American market and sets new standards there in terms of ergonomics and energy efficiency, which promises a positive customer response.

Customer benefit: The Raymond 8910 represents a significant evolution for the customer from its predecessor in terms of ergonomics and safety. The operator is better protected in the more spacious cabin with ergonomic details. Other features, such as light barriers as platform limitation, automatic speed reduction when cornering and the centring of the drive wheel when starting operation, increase the benefit in terms of safety. The electric power steering also increases energy efficiency, giving the user more uptime.

Novelty / Innovation: The innovation level can be regarded as high in relation to the American market due to all the enhancements. In an international comparison, the Raymond 8910 has reached a level of technology that puts it on a par with comparable pallet trucks.

Functionality / Type of implementation: The Raymond 8910 impresses with its robustness and good finish. As an operator, you feel the increase in comfort on the platform and can expect a long-lasting overall product.

Verdict: The overall impression of the Raymond 8910 pallet truck undoubtedly makes it a worthy nominee for the IFOY Award, promising a pleasant increase in pallet handling output for the user.

Market relevance +
Customer benefit +
Novelty / Innovation Ø
Functionality / Type of implementation ++
[KEY: ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available]

Clad-rack Warehouse for Hardware Company

Posted on by David Priestman

The hundred-year-old hardware products company EHLIS recently celebrated the launch of its new logistics centre in Illescas (Spain), where AR Racking has played a leading role with the installation of an automated clad-rack warehouse and an adjustable pallet racking warehouse. It is a logistics platform that required an investment of 30-35 million euros, and which will complement the one that the hardware leader has in Barcelona.

EHLIS, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary, has a facility in Illescas that covers a total area of 60,000 m2, of which 40,000 m2 and 22,000 m2 are urbanised and built and where a miniload warehouse is located, plus a 36 metre high clad-rack warehouse for 30,000 pallets and a warehouse with adjustable pallet racking with a capacity for 15,000 pallets, the latter two being equipped with AR Racking racking systems. The clad-rack warehouse and warehouse designed with an adjustable pallet racking system cover an area of 3,220 m2 and 8,200 m2, respectively.

Delays in material deliveries, COVID and other matters meant that the launch of the logistics platform did not happen until the first quarter of 2023. A launch which will now improve the service that the company offers to its customers “firstly, by reducing delivery times, and secondly, by increasing the product range”, explained EHLIS’s managers at the opening held at the end of March.

“We have provided our expertise to the EHLIS logistics centre with our technical-logistics advice, our reliability as racking manufacturers and our engineering knowledge through our strong commitment to R&D&I”, commented Manel Bustos, AR Racking sales representative.

The logistics centre in Illescas has a capacity to prepare 1,000 order lines per hour. As confirmed by EHLIS’s management at the opening, the forecast is to increase the number of references with the increase in the logistics capacity. It currently has 16,000 permanent stock references plus a further 3,000 additional ones that fluctuate throughout the year.

AR Racking has a long track record in automated warehouse projects. These are projects that are always developed in collaboration with leading integration engineering companies that provide the automated and robotic means and where AR Racking designs and manufactures all the racking that supports the unit loads and/or building structure itself, such as with clad-rack warehouses. Likewise, in the warehouses with pallet racking solutions AR Racking fully develops the turnkey project concept, taking care of all the phases that cover the implementation of its storage solutions.

AR Racking is part of the Arania Group, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

Clad-rack Warehouse for Hardware Company

Posted on by Keith McKinley

The hundred-year-old hardware products company EHLIS recently celebrated the launch of its new logistics centre in Illescas (Spain), where AR Racking has played a leading role with the installation of an automated clad-rack warehouse and an adjustable pallet racking warehouse. It is a logistics platform that required an investment of 30-35 million euros, and which will complement the one that the hardware leader has in Barcelona.

EHLIS, which this year celebrates its 125th anniversary, has a facility in Illescas that covers a total area of 60,000 m2, of which 40,000 m2 and 22,000 m2 are urbanised and built and where a miniload warehouse is located, plus a 36 metre high clad-rack warehouse for 30,000 pallets and a warehouse with adjustable pallet racking with a capacity for 15,000 pallets, the latter two being equipped with AR Racking racking systems. The clad-rack warehouse and warehouse designed with an adjustable pallet racking system cover an area of 3,220 m2 and 8,200 m2, respectively.

Delays in material deliveries, COVID and other matters meant that the launch of the logistics platform did not happen until the first quarter of 2023. A launch which will now improve the service that the company offers to its customers “firstly, by reducing delivery times, and secondly, by increasing the product range”, explained EHLIS’s managers at the opening held at the end of March.

“We have provided our expertise to the EHLIS logistics centre with our technical-logistics advice, our reliability as racking manufacturers and our engineering knowledge through our strong commitment to R&D&I”, commented Manel Bustos, AR Racking sales representative.

The logistics centre in Illescas has a capacity to prepare 1,000 order lines per hour. As confirmed by EHLIS’s management at the opening, the forecast is to increase the number of references with the increase in the logistics capacity. It currently has 16,000 permanent stock references plus a further 3,000 additional ones that fluctuate throughout the year.

AR Racking has a long track record in automated warehouse projects. These are projects that are always developed in collaboration with leading integration engineering companies that provide the automated and robotic means and where AR Racking designs and manufactures all the racking that supports the unit loads and/or building structure itself, such as with clad-rack warehouses. Likewise, in the warehouses with pallet racking solutions AR Racking fully develops the turnkey project concept, taking care of all the phases that cover the implementation of its storage solutions.

AR Racking is part of the Arania Group, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

Clark Expands Sales Network in Spain

Posted on by David Priestman

With Grupo NC/Ontieleva, Clark has brought a new contract partner for Spain on board. Ontieleva is taking over the sales activities for Clark Europe in the province of Valencia. With this strategic step, Clark wants to further expand its sales activities on the Spanish market.

Grupo NC/Ontieleva, founded in 1995 with its headquarters in Ontinyent and a branch in Beniparrell near Valencia, specialises in the sale, rental, maintenance, and repair of materials handling vehicles. Today, the company employs a total of 20 people in sales, workshop, vehicle and spare parts warehouse and administration.

Ontieleva offers its customers the complete Clark range of services. In addition to the sale of all forklift classes and warehouse technology vehicles, this also includes the Clark spare parts and accessories supply. An extensive range of services including rental and financing as well as a comprehensive service for Clark new and used materials handling vehicles rounds off the range of services.

”We are delighted to welcome Ontieleva to our team. In Ontieleva we have found an excellent partner with sound know-how in the field of materials handling vehicles for the province of Valencia. With Ontieleva, customers in the region will have another competent partner at their side in the future,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe.

“We are very pleased to have been able to conclude a cooperation agreement with Clark Europe, one of the world’s leading companies in the field of materials handling vehicles. This partnership is an important step in our strategy to offer our customers comprehensive and high-quality solutions for their logistics processes,” explains Javier Niñerola, Managing Director Grupo NC/Ontieleva. “Clark has an extensive range of powerful and safe materials handling vehicles that can be used in a wide variety of industries and applications. In addition, Clark provides us with excellent technical support with regular product training. This enables us to offer our customers a highly qualified service. We are convinced that the cooperation will pay off for both sides and that together we can expand our market position in the Spanish market.”

Since the forklift was invented by Eugene Clark in Buchanan, Michigan (USA) in 1917, CLARK has been one of the worldwide market leaders in the materials handling vehicles business. With more than 100 years of experience in the materials handling vehicles sector and over 1.4 million forklifts sold worldwide, the CLARK brand, which is proud of its roots in America, is associated with modern and robust product design, progressive, sophisticated technology and excellent customer service. Since 2003, CLARK has been part of the South Korean Young An Group based in Bucheon and offers a complete product portfolio consisting of forklifts with electric power or internal combustion engines and load capacities of 1.5 to 8 tons, narrow-aisle forklifts, warehouse equipment and an extensive range of services.

CLARK Material Handling International (CMHI) with its head office in Bucheon, South Korea, is currently represented worldwide at more than 480 locations in over 90 nations. The operations are managed at four headquarters around the world. Production is assembled according to European quality standards at plants in Korea, the United States, Vietnam and China. With 180 Clark dealers in 60 countries, CLARK Europe GmbH is one of four subsidiaries of CMHI and serves the regions of Europe, the Middle East and Africa from its headquarters in Duisburg, Germany.

Clark Expands Sales Network in Spain

Posted on by Keith McKinley

With Grupo NC/Ontieleva, Clark has brought a new contract partner for Spain on board. Ontieleva is taking over the sales activities for Clark Europe in the province of Valencia. With this strategic step, Clark wants to further expand its sales activities on the Spanish market.

Grupo NC/Ontieleva, founded in 1995 with its headquarters in Ontinyent and a branch in Beniparrell near Valencia, specialises in the sale, rental, maintenance, and repair of materials handling vehicles. Today, the company employs a total of 20 people in sales, workshop, vehicle and spare parts warehouse and administration.

Ontieleva offers its customers the complete Clark range of services. In addition to the sale of all forklift classes and warehouse technology vehicles, this also includes the Clark spare parts and accessories supply. An extensive range of services including rental and financing as well as a comprehensive service for Clark new and used materials handling vehicles rounds off the range of services.

”We are delighted to welcome Ontieleva to our team. In Ontieleva we have found an excellent partner with sound know-how in the field of materials handling vehicles for the province of Valencia. With Ontieleva, customers in the region will have another competent partner at their side in the future,” says Rolf Eiten, President & CEO at Clark Europe.

“We are very pleased to have been able to conclude a cooperation agreement with Clark Europe, one of the world’s leading companies in the field of materials handling vehicles. This partnership is an important step in our strategy to offer our customers comprehensive and high-quality solutions for their logistics processes,” explains Javier Niñerola, Managing Director Grupo NC/Ontieleva. “Clark has an extensive range of powerful and safe materials handling vehicles that can be used in a wide variety of industries and applications. In addition, Clark provides us with excellent technical support with regular product training. This enables us to offer our customers a highly qualified service. We are convinced that the cooperation will pay off for both sides and that together we can expand our market position in the Spanish market.”

Since the forklift was invented by Eugene Clark in Buchanan, Michigan (USA) in 1917, CLARK has been one of the worldwide market leaders in the materials handling vehicles business. With more than 100 years of experience in the materials handling vehicles sector and over 1.4 million forklifts sold worldwide, the CLARK brand, which is proud of its roots in America, is associated with modern and robust product design, progressive, sophisticated technology and excellent customer service. Since 2003, CLARK has been part of the South Korean Young An Group based in Bucheon and offers a complete product portfolio consisting of forklifts with electric power or internal combustion engines and load capacities of 1.5 to 8 tons, narrow-aisle forklifts, warehouse equipment and an extensive range of services.

CLARK Material Handling International (CMHI) with its head office in Bucheon, South Korea, is currently represented worldwide at more than 480 locations in over 90 nations. The operations are managed at four headquarters around the world. Production is assembled according to European quality standards at plants in Korea, the United States, Vietnam and China. With 180 Clark dealers in 60 countries, CLARK Europe GmbH is one of four subsidiaries of CMHI and serves the regions of Europe, the Middle East and Africa from its headquarters in Duisburg, Germany.

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