August 2023

Modular Pallet Platform Upgrade

Posted on 16 August, 2023 by David Priestman

Interroll, a global leader in innovative material handling solutions, has enhanced its Modular Pallet Platform (MPP) to meet market demands for an increased load capacity, enhanced energy efficiency, reduced complexity of design and improved storage options for warehouse facilities.

Designed to revolutionise pallet handling, the MPP is a fully configurable system that offers reliable and efficient streamlined material flow. It is capable of transporting heavy pallets with ease, with a maximum weight capacity of 1,500 kilograms – increased from 1,200 kilograms. Tested to 1.5 million cycles at 1,500 kilograms, the system has been put through its paces and proven to operate without failure to the equivalent of 3 years of average use.

With a top of roller height starting from just 95 millimetres on some modules, the conveyor solution can be easily accessed by hand pallet trucks and forklift trucks, simplifying the process of loading and unloading pallets. The modular system offers a range of assembly heights and conveyor widths to fit individual customers’ specifications. Its Pallet Drive conveyor is available in a flat version with an integral motor. This saves space, reduces maintenance, and simplifies the conveyor’s overall design.

To transport pallets effectively, the MPP range includes modules such as 90-degree transfer units, and rotary turntables with encoders for accurate positioning. New advantages of transfers and turntables include simplifying the design and making installation and commissioning easier and faster. Transfer cars and stacker cranes offer a seamless interface with Interroll’s Dynamic Storage platform taking pallets from production to warehouse storage automatically.

Hilton Campbell, Managing Director of Interroll UK said: “MPP is the ideal solution for any end-user that wants to maximise operational space and efficiency. We’ve listened to feedback and have made improvements to the platform that tick off many of the points on our customers’ wish lists. Our aim is to use the available space more intelligently while minimising transportation times between different areas such as goods receipt, goods issue, storage, production, and picking areas. By automating these processes and simplifying planning, end-users can operate more efficiently.”

Operational and energy efficiency are key drivers behind the 2023 upgrades to the MPP. Energy-efficient DC drives are installed with options for decentralised conveyor systems via the Multicontrol and Pallet Control units. Gravity-powered rollers for dispatch lanes or accumulation conveyors utilise patented Magnetic Speed Controllers (MSCs) that use an eddy current braking system.

Interroll control devices for MPP utilise an analogue interface which enables Interroll’s zero pressure accumulation conveyor technology to be integrated into Industry 4.0 systems. This enhances overall automation functionality, data management, and operational efficiency.

OEMs, system integrators and end-users can benefit from Interroll’s layouter tool that quickly generates 3D layouts to see how the Modular Pallet Platform would work in the space available before ordering components. The tool generates a 3D model of the complete materials handling flow, allowing engineers to tweak the design and alter components to configure the perfect solution. A detailed Excel spreadsheet can be exported that details drives, sensors and specifications of all modules providing controls teams with accurate information to design their control systems.
Once the design has been confirmed, installation of the MPP is simple and straightforward, with the perfectly matched pre-assembled modules fitting together seamlessly. The modular nature of the system also enables easy and cost-efficient changes or upgrades to the material flow system in the future. Due to design simplicity, faster installation and commissioning can be achieved compared to previous versions, saving valuable time on site.

Campbell added: “The upgraded Modular Pallet Platform offers our most flexible solution for pallet handling. Customers can expect seamless material flow, high capacity storage, and enhanced productivity across a wide range of applications.”

Its optimal operating temperature ranges of -28 degrees Celsius to +40 degrees Celsius mean it can be used in a wide variety of warehouse environments, from ambient to deep-freeze environments.

Dedicated Range of Labelling Printing Solutions

Posted on 16 August, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Bixolon Europe GmbH, global manufacturer of advanced receipt, label and mobile printers, announces its presence at LabelExpo 2023, where it will showcase on stand 9A63 its dedicated range of labelling printing solutions on the stage of the world’s largest label and package printing event.

Key exhibition product highlights will include:
• Linerless vs Liner Labelling Printing Zone – BIXOLON will put the spotlight on comparing linerless and liner label printing by showcasing its extremely reliable, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient XL5-40 4-inch (114mm) desktop direct thermal linerless label printer side by side with the XD3-40 4-inch (118 mm) direct thermal traditional label printer, giving visitors the opportunity to understand the many different advantages of traditional liner and linerless labelling technologies.

• RFID Labelling – BIXOLON will present a comprehensive selection of RFID print and encode printers, including mobile, desktop and industrial models. Among them, the XM7-40R 4-inch (112mm), the premium mobile RFID label printer with advanced features, and the XD5-40tR 4-inch (118mm) RFID enabled thermal transfer desktop label printer. In addition, the XT5-40NR 4-inch (114mm) thermal transfer RFID label printer, which provides outstanding power and performance for industrial use.

• Best Seller Highlights – Offering high performance variable width printing solutions, BIXOLON will present its best-selling range of labelling printers, including the popular XM7 series featuring the premium XM7-20 2-inch (58mm), XM7-30 3-inch (80mm) and XM7-40 4-inch (112mm) auto-ID mobile liner and linerless label printers, along with a wide range of accessories. Alongside, the budget-friendly XT3-404-inch (114mm) industrial labelling line, the unique XQ-840 4-inch (118mm) two-in-one, stand-alone label printing solution with integrated tablet, and the compact SLP-DX220 2-inch (60mm) barcode label printer, together with the highly reliable XD5-40 4-inch (118mm) desktop direct thermal printer suitable for small to mid-range businesses.

BIXOLON will also be joined on the stand-by Iconex™, the iconic inventor and continued leader in receipts and leading provider of unrivalled, best-in-class labelling and tracking technology, who will showcase its MAXStick® Linerless paper and Iconex Sticky Media™ liner-free label identification solutions in conjunction with BIXOLON printers.

“LabelExpo provides an immersive trade fair experience, offering a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge advancements in the label and package printing industry. With a focus on the latest labelling trends, BIXOLON’s participation at LabelExpo reaffirms the company commitment to continuous innovation in this ever-evolving market” explains Jay Kim, Managing Director, BIXOLON Europe GmbH. “Exhibiting alongside Iconex™ at LabelExpo is the perfect opportunity for both companies to expand our networks within this significant industry.”

BIXOLON is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, advanced printing technologies including point-of-sale receipt, label, Auto ID and mobile printers for a wide range of environments. Millions of BIXOLON printers are used today in retail, hospitality, healthcare, banking, ticketing, post/parcel, warehousing and other transaction-intensive industries. In 2022, for the ninth consecutive year the company was named global mobile receipt printer market leader by Japanese research company Chunichisha.

Dedicated Range of Labelling Printing Solutions

Posted on 16 August, 202329 July, 2025 by David Priestman

Modern Warehouse Space Meets Local Demand

Posted on 16 August, 2023 by Keith McKinley

St. Modwen Logistics, one of the UK’s leading logistics developers and managers and a Blackstone portfolio company, has announced today that two local businesses have committed to a total of 62,000 sq.ft of modern warehouse space at St. Modwen Park Broomhall in Worcester, significantly expanding their operations in the area.

OBEX Protection, which manufactures and distributes protective construction solutions, has agreed to lease 47,000 sq.ft at the Park. OBEX, which will retain a 27,000 sq.ft base of operations at St. Modwen’s nearby Nunnery Park scheme, is taking this additional space to increase its manufacturing and distribution operations in response to a rapid growth in demand for its products in recent years.

Automotive and tech distribution company Nemesis is also following suit and will almost double its footprint with St. Modwen by signing for 15,000 sq ft of space at SMP Broomhall whilst retaining its 19,000 sq ft unit at Nunnery Way.

Planning permission for the third and final phase of development has also been secured with the construction of two units – 40,000 sq.ft and 32,000 sq.ft – set to begin later this summer. The development will create 95 jobs across a diverse range of employment types and has been supported by local employment groups including Worcestershire Education Business Partnership and the LEP Skills team.

Situated on the southern outskirts of Worcester, St. Modwen Park Broomhall is located just one mile from Junction 7 of the M5, which provides easy access to the wider Midlands, the South West and South Wales, as well as the wider national infrastructure networks. The Park benefits from a strong workforce catchment located within five miles of the site and has been delivered in line with St. Modwen’s ‘Swan Standard’ of sustainable development, benefiting from an EPC A rating and EV car charging provision, and achieving net zero embedded carbon.

Peter Davies, Development Director at St. Modwen Logistics, commented: “Supporting customers and helping them to grow is the cornerstone of our business and so we were naturally delighted when both OBEX and Nemesis asked us to support them again with their expansions. It’s fantastic to see two local businesses growing in this way, and even better that they are able to remain in the local area as a result of our development at St. Modwen Park Broomhall.

Rob Francis, Director, OBEX Protection, said: “Following a period of rapid growth, we are excited to announce an expansion into a new 47,000 sq.ft unit which will provide crucial support for our operations. It was important for us to remain in Worcester where the company was founded and having worked closely with St. Modwen since July 2020 we had no hesitations about agreeing a deal to move in to St. Modwen Park Broomhall.”

Chris Chance, CEO at Nemesis, added: “There is a dearth of modern, high-quality warehouse space in the area that supports our long-term sustainability goals. We are very pleased to a have secured new premises at Broomhall which will allow us to maintain our trajectory and attract the staff we need.”

St. Modwen is a property developer owned by Blackstone focused on logistics and housebuilding. St. Modwen Logistics develops and manages urban and big box warehouses for customers including global logistics and e-commerce organisations as well as significant national and regional enterprises.

Modern Warehouse Space Meets Local Demand

Posted on 16 August, 2023 by David Priestman

Configuring Drive Systems to Customer Requirements

Posted on 15 August, 2023 by Keith McKinley

With the modular system, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS, as a full-service supplier in drive technology, offers a wide portfolio of drive components that can be individually combined. The company places particular emphasis on energy efficiency, version reduction and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS supplies its customers from more than 100 industries with optimally matched drive systems that are precisely adapted to their individual requirements. The company is one of the leading international full-service suppliers of drive systems and develops and manufactures gear units, motors and drive electronics. The portfolio includes gear units for torques from 10 Nm up to more than 282 kNm, electric motors for power ranges from 0.12 to 1,000 kW and frequency inverters up to 160 kW.

Configurable for any application

With the modular system, drive systems can be combined individually for almost any application – this guarantees solutions which are perfectly tailored to the customer’s requirements. The competent Nord consultants develop tailored concepts that can be optimised with regard to energy efficiency, version reduction and the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Users can also configure their drive components online, using the product configurator.

Nord’s production is characterised by a high degree of vertical integration: All quality-determining components are produced at and manufactured in Nord’s own factories. The international production capacities and a network of local subsidiaries in 36 countries ensure a reliable and short-term worldwide supply with service support and spare parts.

Familiar with customer industries

NORD supplies efficient drive solutions for more than 100 industries and is very familiar with their specific requirements. For intralogistics and warehousing, for example, the drive specialist has just defined industry-specific optimised solutions. These solution variants are called LogiDrive and – depending on the required application – are offered in a basic and an advanced version.

The patented DuoDrive geared motor is recommend for applications in the food or beverage industry as well as in the pharmaceutical sector. An efficient IE5+ synchronous motor, which tops the highest defined efficiency class IE5, is integrated into a single-stage helical gear unit – which not only allows for a compact installation space but also ensures high system efficiency.

How to Unlock Value of Data-driven Logistics

Posted on 15 August, 202331 July, 2025 by David Priestman

The ability to tap into data is critical to business success – from predicting sales trends to improving operations and customer service, writes Stephan Sieber (pictured), CEO at Transporeon. This gives companies the insights they need to outperform the competition, and today’s business leaders clearly recognise the value of data.

However, these game-changing insights are elusive for many companies, with 58% of organisations basing at least half of their regular business decisions on gut feel rather than on data and information. ‘Laggard’ companies base 70% of their decisions on gut feel, while ‘best-in-class’ companies base 60% of their decisions on relevant information.

In the logistics industry specifically, the ripple effects of the last few years – and the ongoing recovery – across supply chain processes have clearly revealed the urgent need for organisations to embrace a data-driven culture. It’s not enough to just have access to data. Data must become a central component of logistics operations, built into the fabric of the business.

The journey to being data driven

Aside from the cultural shift required, one of the biggest industry challenges associated with data-based decision making has been aggregating data from many disparate systems. Logistics practitioners highlight this as the biggest factor inhibiting their ability to convert data into actionable insights, followed by a lack of trained analysts and poor data quality.

The good news is that supply chain businesses recognise the need to leverage real-time data across their operations. And as a result, having accurate ETAs on transports is essential to managing supply chains and operations more efficiently. However, there’s a significant difference between just seeing what’s happening and being able to instantaneously use that information in an impactful way.

This is where a modern transportation management platform comes into play. Integrating different elements of the supply chain into an intelligent platform will serve as the backbone for data-driven decision making in large transportation networks. This approach can also connect shippers, carriers, logistics service providers and other stakeholders, enabling them to communicate, share data, and make smarter decisions based on a larger pool of data.

The more stakeholders that participate in the network, the more data that can be generated and analysed to deliver business value – from optimising loading and unloading through smart slot management, to scaling operations and cutting emissions. So, in 2023 and beyond, how do businesses get the most out of their transportation management data and transform their operations like never before?

Unlocking data value

The power of bringing key services and tools together in one comprehensive platform is that it delivers insights along the 360-degree lifecycle of a freight transaction. Having access to this data can provide several benefits, such as the ability to analyse market performance. With multiple stakeholders connected to a single platform, processing millions of real-time transactions annually, a network-based transportation management platform can help businesses benchmark their performance against the market.

Businesses must contextualise the data being collected by aligning it with clearly defined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) linked to desired outcomes and business objectives. In the transportation realm, common KPIs include on-time delivery, on-time arrival, transportation spend by mode, lead times, and tender acceptance rate. These KPIs can then be compared to external network-wide benchmarks to help organisations see how they are performing relative to the market.

But the true value of being data-driven comes when businesses layer artificial intelligence, machine learning and visualisation tools on top of the data. This unlocks new insights about the businesses’ operations and generates recommendations on how to strive forward smarter. This could include: monitoring industry-wide freight spend and tender rates to optimise their freight procurement process; using AI-powered smart tendering to enable autonomous tendering; or analysing network-wide capacity information to reduce empty miles.

By choosing a modern, intelligent transportation management platform as the foundation of a connected network that prioritises real-time data, companies can unlock the insights that help them reduce costs and carbon emissions while improving service, mitigating risks, and much more. They can finally make smarter decisions based on actual data, not gut feeling.

How to Unlock Value of Data-driven Logistics

Posted on 15 August, 2023 by David Priestman

The journey to being data driven

Unlocking data value

Five New Products to Euro Pallet Range

Posted on 15 August, 20237 August, 2025 by David Priestman

Fortec Distribution Network, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pall-Ex Group, is offering its members a market leading product portfolio by introducing the ‘Euro Pallet’ range.

Recently, Pall-Ex Group embarked on its biggest product range review in over 10 years to ensure Fortec and Pall-Ex members enjoy the most competitive range of pallet options in the industry, improving both flexibility and efficiency.

The review resulted in the introduction of the Euro Pallet Base range and the unique Parcel Pallet into the Fortec network, which will support consignments up to 1200kg. This will see the introduction of 5 new products, including:
• Parcel Pallet: 0.8 x 0.6 x 1.0 (up to 150kg)
• Euro Quarter: 1.2 x 0.8 x 0.6 (up to 300kg)
• Euro Half: 1.2 x 0.8 x 1.0 (up to 500kg)
• Euro Light: 1.2 x 0.8 x 2.2 (up to 600kg)
• Euro Full: 1.2 x 0.8 x 2.2 (up to 1200kg)

The new range will complement the existing standard tariff, including Fortec’s unique oversized pallet offering. Collectively, the Standard and Euro tariffs offer Fortec members the most comprehensive range of pallet dimensions available in the express palletised freight industry.

Further innovation and market research has resulted in the launch of the Parcel Pallet which is unique within the sector. The Parcel Pallet targets the grey area of the express delivery market, which sits between large parcel and small pallet consignments. It provides customers with a cost-effective, efficient, and secure way to send large parcel and multiple parcel consignments.

These additions to the product range give Fortec members the ability to offer complete flexibility to their customers, catering to a wider range of palletised freight requirements by allowing customers to choose the most appropriate pallet size for their freight.

Barry Byers, Managing Director – UK Group, at Pall-Ex, says “We’re very pleased to offer Fortec members this comprehensive range of products, the most competitive in the sector. We are always striving to provide service excellence and value to everyone who utilises the network and this improved product range ensures we can do just that.”

Five New Products to Euro Pallet Range

Posted on 15 August, 2023 by David Priestman

Fortec Distribution Network, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pall-Ex Group, is offering its members a market leading product portfolio by introducing the ‘Euro Pallet’ range.

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